Monday, April 21, 2014

A Woman Worries..


Worrying, Fears, Anxiety:

What are you afraid of? What worries do you have? 


Are you afraid of being alone/rejected? 

Don't want to fail again or go through heartache? 
Are you worried that things won't work out? 
Are you concerned about the future? 
Do you fear that something will happen to you, a loved one or your children? Do you wonder if you make it through this month? Will you have enough to make ends meet? 

As women, we have a lot on our minds. We often worry about our family. We are concerned for their body (healthy and strong), their mind (purity and intelligence), and spirit (faithful and devoted to Christ). We worry about ourselves. Do I look alright? Am I attractive? We worry about the finances, food, and needs? Will we have enough? 


We worry about EVERYTHING!


As I thought about this, God brought this verse to mind (above). Each part is important in overcoming worry and fears. It encouraged me. I hope it will help you as well. :)


Of Power:


If we have the power of God (the Holy Spirit) within us and working through us, we can do great things! (Eph. 3:20, 2 Chr. 20:6) Stop HOLDING yourself back. I have seen fears hold me back from opportunities that would have been amazing! Be like Peter and take the first step onto the water. Trust God's promises. Memorize them and hide them deep within your heart. Do something through faith believing that GOD will do what He says. We walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7)


Of Love:


It's hard for me to connect with other women. It was hard to find a guy and open up to/trust him. (By the way, waiting for God's perfect man is best!) We fear rejection and heartache. We worry about making a mistake. 


But God tells us to "Love one another". (John 15:12, 1 John 4:18) We are to pursue godly relationships with other women. If you focus on how you can love them better, your fears tend to fade away. We are to draw closer to our husband. Focus on loving him more, using his primary love languages. (link here)


Focus on God's love for you (especially if you are single). Read His Word. See what He did for you in love. See how much He loves you! (John 3) His love will melt your fears and anxieties. He will even make them disappear. :)


Of a Sound Mind:


There are alot of Bible verses that tell you not to worry and not to be afraid. The book of Psalm is a great one to read through. It helps alot! It calms me down. It also uplifts me up and encourages me. So stop WORRYING. 


Honestly, worrying doesn't even help the situation. It holds you back from opportunities and from loving others like you were meant to, instead it leaves you feel empty and even depressed. Worrying is not even REAL. It's our imagination. 


(Isaiah 41:10-13, 1 Peter 5:7, Matt. 10:28, Philippians 4:6,7, John 14:27)

Did you know that God controls the world? That He holds everything in His hands? That He knows exactly were you are at? He knows your pathway. He knows your every step. He created you. Pray to Him. Develop a relationship with your heavenly Father. Read the Bible for comfort and strength. Keep a prayer journal to remind you that He hears your prayers and answers them. (link here


Take a step of faith like Peter. Walk on the water.




Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Be Prepared/Opportunities (Pt. 2)

"Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house." Proverbs 24:27 KJV

Prepare Yourself First:

After having a good attitude, the next thing to do... is preparing ourselves. 

As Christians, we are preparing ourselves for Heaven. (Matt. 25:21, 2 Tim. 2:15)
As single women, we prepare ourselves to be wives and mothers. (Titus 2:4-5)
As moms, we prepare our kids to be independent, capable strong adults. (Deut. 6:7)

I look back with a grateful heart for all the lessons my mom gave me on house cleaning, cooking excellent meals, raising godly children and praying for us. I needed those... they are (now) important and vital to the success of motherhood.

Do you have a dream.... a goal that you want to accomplish? How are you preparing yourself for it? (Excellent Example: 1 Chr. 22)

Read everything you can about it. Talk to godly mature mentors (your Pastor, an older married couple, the CEO of your business/career interests). Study those who have succeeded. LEARN from them. Apply what you have learned. Do those things.

Opportunities:

I laugh every time I think of Christian colleges... It amuses me that many women go there for a "MRS" degree. Why do I laugh? Because I married an amazing Christian godly man..... who has never been to a Christian college (neither have I). I found him at my church where he was faithfully serving God... as was I. :)

We don't need to go looking for "love", "fame", "riches".... for "greener pastures". We just need to stay faithful in that which God has told us to do.

Are you faithful to your Bible reading? Are you faithful to your church? Are you serving God? Wait on the Lord, my friend, and He will give you the "desires of thy heart". (Psalm 37:4)

I worked in a medical supply company that provided special garments. I never dream there I would find out what my true passions are! I discovered that I am a graphic designer, a videographer, a photographer, even a social media manager... an artist of all sorts. In my eyes, I was just being a faithful worker trying to do my job to the best of my abilities...

Be the best worker at your current job (give it your all!) and look for opportunities of growth/development within your company/business! You could end up doing your dream job!! :)




Monday, April 7, 2014

Attitude is a Choice (Pt.1)

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22

Realize FIRST:

God Made You Special. There is NO human being, past or present, with your talents, gifts, and abilites. You are beautiful inside/out. He knows the things you can do... He knows everything about you. He has given you an eternal home in heaven where the streets are paved with GOLD. He loves you unconditionally. You are very talented. You have unique characteristics and gifts. You are valuable... priceless. Don't waste your life by negative thoughts. :D (Phil. 4:8) He can help you succeed.... if you first choose that you want to. (James 4:8a)

A Depressing Book:

Ecclesiates is one of my favorite Bible books. It talks about how everything is vanity (meaning: "futility, meaninglessness, emptiness, nothingness"); even pleasure, great works, riches are all in vain. Here is how the book opens up: "One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever." Ecc. 1:4 Life is full of repeats. When I read this book.... I get lots of negative thoughts. Why should I enjoy anything if all is vanity??

But I Discovered:

"Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun." Ecc. 9:7-9

Six separate times, God tells us in this book to be happy and to even enjoy the work of labor. Every mundane task: the dishes, the laundry, cooking, and even cleaning... God tells us to enjoy it! 

(Ecc. 2:24, 3:13, 3:21-22, 5:18-20, 8:15, 9:7-10)

Success at Any Age:

At 75 years old, my grandma studied English and passed the written citizen exam. My aunt began playing the piano at 45 years old. I just heard about a woman, in her 60s, who swam from Cuba to Florida! 

I realized that it doesn't matter if you are young or of a mature age, you can accomplish anything (especially with God's Help/Strength)! If you have a goal/desire... don't give up. Keep at it. You can Succeed!

"Walter Dale Scott says 'Success or failure in any undertaking is caused more by the mental attitude even than by mental capacities.' "



GOD wants you to LIVE a JOYFUL and HAPPY life! .....Are you?