Independence Day

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It’s July 4th. That is Independence Day in America. Freedom from Great Britain in 1776. Most people didn’t get freedom that day but that isn’t what this post is about.

How free are you? Truly. What shackles are holding you back from being the person God meant you to be? Are you free to be the best version of yourself?

Freedom isn’t just about political independence or the absence of physical chains. It’s also about mental, emotional, and spiritual liberation. Think about the limitations you’ve internalized. Are there fears or doubts that keep you from pursuing your passions? Do you feel confined by others’ expectations, or trapped in a routine that doesn’t fulfill you?

True freedom means breaking those chains. It’s about having the courage to follow your heart, to live authentically, and to strive for personal growth. It’s about forgiving yourself for past mistakes and believing in your capacity for change and improvement. It’s about embracing your unique journey and the person you are becoming.

So, on this day of independence, reflect on your own journey to freedom. Identify what holds you back and take the first steps toward liberation. Surround yourself with people who support your growth, seek opportunities that align with your true self, and remember that freedom is a state of mind as much as a state of being.

As you celebrate today, think about how you can make every day a celebration of your own independence and growth. Break free from the shackles within and step boldly into the life you are meant to live.

Do we still need to take a Sabbath?

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What’s a Sabbath?

The purpose of the Sabbath is to give us a certain day of the week on which to direct our thoughts and actions toward God. It is not a day merely to rest from work. It is a sacred day to be spent in worship and reverence. (churchofjesuschrist.org)

For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day is to be put to death. The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant.“
It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭31‬:‭16-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We talk a lot about self care but the Sabbath isn’t just about self care. It’s about the relationship between you and God. Do you have a day each week where you are resting and refreshing your soul? I do a lot of lounging around on Saturdays because we go so hard during the week so I’m resting but I’m not really being refreshed. On Sunday I’m going to church or watching it online so I’m getting refreshed but then I’m doing a lot of prepping for the upcoming week so I’m not resting. So I’m a little out of alignment. It’s no worries though. I just need to make some adjustments.

Keeping the Sabbath isn’t about following a set of rules and guidelines. It’s about honoring the relationship between you and the Lord. Your Sabbath doesn’t have to be on Sunday because based on your lifestyle that may not work.

This week see if you can find one day this week to rest and refresh. If not your schedule may have too many things in it. See where you can move some things around to be more intentional about your Sabbath. We will talk next about how to get refreshed.

Though he slay me

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Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.
Job 13:15 NIV
This is one of my favorite verses. Many times in my life I thought God was slaying me. I didn’t understand what he was doing or why. Sometimes the what would come together but the why would remain elusive. The why doesn’t really matter though. I know I am not going through half the things Job went through and God proved himself faithful then.

I like that I will surely defend my ways to his face. God isn’t afraid of confrontation or our feelings. I like that. It shows that he really wants to be our friend and not just our father. He knows what I am thinking anyway so I might as well get it out.
Things tend to always find a way to come together, better than I thought or could have imagined. God is good All the time.Even when we don’t understand, even when don’t like it, he is good. I’m so glad I have this verse as a reminder. It’s never as bad as I think it is. God won’t play me and he won’t play you either.

Job went through so much. He was literally fighting for his life but he never cursed God. He continued to hope in the Lord and he did not waver. His wife wanted him to curse God but he didn’t. He remained steadfast and at the end he was blessed.’

Have you been slayed by God before? How did you come back from that? Reflect on that time and see if there is anything from that time that you can use today.

Prayer:
Father thank you that you can handle our anger, doubt and fear. Thank you for being consistent and not like man so that we can trust you. Thank you for patience and grace and your willingness to listen. Thank you for allowing us course correct when we need to. We are nothing without you. Thank you for all you do. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Embracing Abundance: Shifting Our Mindset from Scarcity to Blessing

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”From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.“
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’m reading Steven Furtick new book insert title and it’s really good. In it he talks about operating from a place of abundance and not a deficet. It’s easy to talk about what we don’t have. Oh I don’t have these skills, I don’t have a spouse, I don’t have the right job, I don’t have family support. Insert your don’t. However it doesn’t have to be that way.

God has given us so much. More than we could ever ask for. We have abundance because we have him. We have to reframe our thinking. If we continue to operate from a place of lack we are always going to come up short. However God is a gap filler. He tells us over and over again that he will meet our needs and our wants.

”The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.“
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬

When we shift our perspective from scarcity to abundance, we begin to see the countless blessings that surround us each day. It’s not just about material possessions or tangible successes; it’s about recognizing the love, grace, and opportunities that God continuously pours into our lives.

Operating from a mindset of abundance doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or difficulties; rather, it means facing them with the confidence that we have everything we need to overcome them. It’s about trusting in God’s provision and believing that He will always provide for us, just as He promised.

As we embrace the truth of God’s abundance, we can let go of fear, worry, and doubt. We can step into each day with gratitude and joy, knowing that we are richly blessed and deeply loved. And as we live from this place of abundance, we can inspire others to do the same, spreading hope and encouragement wherever we go.

So let’s shift our focus from what we lack to what we have been given. Let’s celebrate the abundance that surrounds us and trust in God’s faithfulness to continue pouring out His blessings upon us. With hearts full of gratitude and minds renewed by His truth, we can live each day to the fullest, confident in the knowledge that we are abundantly blessed by our gracious and loving God.

Swarmed

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“They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
I had a dream earlier this year that I was getting swarmed by bees. Think Thomas J (Malachi Culkin) in My Girl (1991) (trigger warning if you click the link)

When I woke up I asked God what did this dream mean and he pointed me to Psalm 118:12. I had never paid attention to it, even though I have read it before.  I didn’t think that I was stressed because I was just keeping my head down and getting things down. But if I took a few minutes to think about it, I guess I did know I was stressed. I’ve been overwhelmed by my house for a while. Having two active little boys doesn’t help in keeping the place clean.  I have been doing some research on minimalism and decluttering. In my research I discovered that clutter impacts your mental health. I find that very interesting.

We talked last week about clutter and how I’m moving to get rid of some physical things to improve my mental health. The more I think about it though, I probably need to let go of some internal things to improve my mental health as well.

As I reflect on this, I realize that clutter isn’t just about the physical space around us. Yes, having an organized and minimalistic home can significantly reduce stress and create a sense of calm. But there’s also another layer to consider: the internal clutter. Our minds can become overwhelmed with thoughts, worries, and unresolved emotions, much like our homes can be overwhelmed with physical items.

In my journey towards being minimalist adjacent, I’ve come to understand that letting go of physical clutter is just the beginning. It’s equally important to address the internal clutter that can weigh us down. This includes letting go of negative thoughts, past regrets, and emotional baggage that no longer serves us.

Having two active little boys, my days are often filled with chaos and noise. It can be challenging to find a moment of peace and quiet, let alone maintain a tidy home. But by focusing on decluttering both my physical space and my mind, I hope to create an environment where peace and order can flourish, despite the inevitable messes that come with raising young children.

I’ve found that taking small, intentional steps each day towards decluttering helps significantly. Whether it’s setting aside a few minutes to clear out a drawer, or taking a moment to pray and release any lingering stress, these small actions can make a big difference.

As I continue on this journey, I’m reminded that decluttering is not just about creating a cleaner home, but also about fostering a healthier mind and spirit. By letting go of both physical and internal clutter, I hope to create a space where I can thrive and find joy in the everyday moments and I hope you are able to do the same..

Can we have it all?

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Daily writing prompt
What does “having it all” mean to you? Is it attainable?
View all responses

Having it all means you have everything you want in life and there are no gaps. I unfortunately don’t think that you can have it all. There is a quote from Oprah that says you can have it all, but just not all at the same time. I believe this statement more. Everything costs and a person can’t be in more than one place at a time.

What is enough?

I feel like trying to “have it all” you are constantly chasing your tail because it’s never enough. You start making money, you want more money, you buy a nice house, then you want a nicer house, have one kid, folks start rushing you to have another. The goal keeps moving.

I don’t know about you, but I find it very difficult to give 100% at work, 100% to my husband and 100% to my kids, I didn’t add my other roles as a daughter, sister, friend.

I think trying to have it all can lead to burnout and unrealistic expectations.

Redefining “Enough”

Finding peace and contentment involves redefining what “enough” means to you personally. Here are some steps to consider:

  1. Identify Core Values: Determine what truly matters to you. This might include meaningful work, quality time with loved ones, personal growth, or health and well-being. Prioritizing based on your core values can help you allocate your time and energy more effectively.
  2. Set Realistic Goals: Instead of aiming for perfection in every area, set achievable goals that align with your values. Recognize that it’s okay to excel in some areas while maintaining a balance in others.
  3. Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflecting on what you are grateful for can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. This practice can enhance your sense of contentment and reduce the constant desire for more.
  4. Embrace Imperfection: Accept that you cannot be perfect in all your roles. Allow yourself to be human, make mistakes, and learn from them. This acceptance can reduce stress and increase overall well-being.
  5. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on the quality of your efforts and interactions rather than the quantity. Deep, meaningful connections and achievements often bring more satisfaction than spreading yourself too thin.

“Having it all” might be an elusive goal, but finding a fulfilling balance is achievable. By redefining what “enough” means for you, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing your core values, you can lead a more content and balanced life. Remember, it’s not about achieving perfection in every role but about finding harmony and satisfaction in the journey.

Minimalist adjacent

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Have you ever heard the term “minimalist” and thought it meant getting rid of everything you own and living in an empty room? That was my initial impression too. But as I delved deeper into the concept, I discovered that minimalist living is about intentionally choosing to live with fewer possessions, focusing only on what truly adds value to our lives.

In today’s fast-paced world, clutter seems to be an ever-present issue. Our homes are filled with things we rarely use, and our minds are crowded with distractions. But what if clearing out physical clutter could lead to a clearer mind and a deeper connection with the world around us?

Author and speaker John Mark Comer, in his book “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,” highlights the importance of creating clear space in our lives. He emphasizes the idea that clutter isn’t just physical—it can also clutter our minds, making it difficult to hear God or connect with our inner selves.

By simplifying our surroundings—whether it’s getting rid of clothes we never wear, toys our kids have outgrown, or clearing out shelves and closets—we can create space for what truly matters. This act of decluttering isn’t just about tidying up our homes; it’s about asking ourselves, “Does this possession add value to my life? “

Minimalism isn’t about deprivation; it’s about abundance—abundance of time, energy, and focus. By resisting the urge to constantly acquire more stuff, we free ourselves from the burden of excessive possessions and gain more time for the things that truly bring us joy and fulfillment.

Moreover, studies have shown a direct link between clutter and anxiety. By decluttering our physical spaces, we can alleviate stress and create a more peaceful environment for ourselves and our families.

Ask yourself, why am I buying these things? What feeling am I chasing?

I will never be a true minimalist. I enjoy shopping too much, but I can do better. I have been trying to not buy anything until I give some things away, that has been working somewhat.

In conclusion, embracing minimalism isn’t about giving up everything we own; it’s about being intentional with what we choose to surround ourselves with. It’s about creating space for what truly matters and finding clarity in a cluttered world. Minimalism is a life long journey, decluttering doesn’t happen overnight. So let’s take a step back, evaluate our possessions, and simplify our lives for a greater sense of peace, purpose, and connection.

Traps that will keep you from being successful

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We all want to be successful but sometimes we get in our own way. Pay careful attention of these traps because they can sneak up on you and you not even realize that you’re doing it.

Comparing
Taking time to compare yourself to someone else, even to your old self it gets you off track with your goals. It takes the focus off what you need to be doing and puts it back on you. Comparison has us working backwards when we should be focused on our future. Comparing is often the easiest trap to fall in because it can start off good. You see a person doing better than you and its motivation. However, the longer you compare, the longer you are away from your goals.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.“
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬

Comparison kills spiritual growth. – John Ortburg

Complaining-this will also keep you stuck. Complaining puts the focus on your problem and not on God. It adds fuel to a fire of destruction. It also keeps you in a pit and nothing productive happens in the pit. You can vacation in the pit because sometimes you need the break to wallow a bit but you can’t live there. Complaining also tells God that he can’t help you. Complaining isn’t solution oriented it’s another form of wallowing. Are you praying about it? God will help you when you’re ready to move.

”Do everything without complaining and arguing,“
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Complacency– this one is more tricky because there is power in standing still and taking in a moment. You can bloom where you’re planted.  There is a season for everything including rest. What season are you in? Have you been there too long? Is it time to shift? Have you been planning and organizing for months? Maybe it’s time to take action. God’s word always compels us to move so if you haven’t in a while you may want to check back in with him.

I’m not stuck unless I stop moving-Steven Furtick

”And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.“
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭

Which of the Three Cs gives you the most trouble?
What’s one way you can move forward?

Prayer: Father, thank you for helping us be successful. Thank you for not only success in a physical sense but mentally as well. Thank you for always helping us. Thank you for grace when we get trapped and helping us find a way out. Thank you for not condemning us and always being patient. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Legacy

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What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

The legacy I want to leave behind is one of significance and impact. My pastor talks all the time about being significant vs being successful. Being successful is often about making a lot of money which is cool but I want to also change lives.

I want to leave behind words that will change people, that will inspire and encourage them to be the best version themselves.

I talk about God a lot on my blog and not because I’m some kind of Jesus freak but because I want people to know that to be the best version of themselves they need God to help them.

It’s not about rules and regulations but relationship with Him.

I hope my legacy is one of empowerment and growth, instilling confidence in people and leading them to God or back to him in a way that seems accessible in folks everyday lives.

I want my legacy to show people that if I can achieve my dreams, then they can too. It’s about knowing that with faith, determination, and the right mindset, anything is possible. My journey hasn’t been easy, but through the highs and lows, my faith has kept me grounded and driven.

Ultimately, I want my life to be a testament to the transformative power of faith and perseverance. I want people to see that true significance comes from positively impacting the lives of others, and that success is not just measured by what we gain, but by what we give. My hope is that through my words and actions, I can leave a lasting legacy that reflects the love, grace, and strength that comes from a life lived with purpose and faith.

Focus on your strengths

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“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I asked God to do this for me as I was working through and trying to find peace. I focus so heavy on fixing my weaknesses and wanting to be better. If I can work on those then I will be better. That isn’t true though and it wasn’t what God wanted me to do. When I asked him to point out anything in me that offends him.
He said: why do you keep trying to improve on the model that I made?

It’s a fair question and one I hadn’t considered before. If I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Why do I need to fix myself?  There isn’t anything wrong with me. God gave me this verse and it makes a lot of sense.

You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I like it. From this point forward I’m going to work on building my strengths instead of fixing my weaknesses. As I build on my strengths my weaknesses will have no choice but to get better. Plus focusing on strengths lead with compassion and I don’t always do that with myself. If God can find nothing wrong with me who am I to tell him he’s wrong.

List 3 things you do well. How can you build on those strengths?

Prayer: Father as we work to get better, help us change our mindset. Continue to renew our minds as we fight not to believe the devils lies. Remind us we were made in your image and you make no mistakes. You work everything out for our good because we believe in you. Thank you for clarity and new perspectives. In Jesus name. Amen.