”From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.“
John 1:16 NLTI’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 NIVWhen 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
“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?
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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
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
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
“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 NLTI 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 NLTI 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.
Need strength?
Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.
1 Chronicles 16:11 NLTContinually seek him. That means try to be in his presence as much as you can. Strength is something that God said he would give us if we ask him. Gods strength is different than ours. His strength will take us further than ours ever will. He wants you to call on him. We are not meant to manage things on our own. If we are in constant communication with God we will get not only his strength, but bonuses of his joy, his peace, his protection. There won’t be room for worry, fear and doubt.
How do we do that? How do we search for the Lord? I try to see God in everything I do. In the music I listen to, the movies and shows I watch, the books I read, the places I go, in everything. I ask the age old question of What would Jesus do? I try to have dedicated quiet time with him 3 to 4 times a week. I attend a weekly Bible study. I read my bible everyday. I go to church, not just watch it online. I try to talk to him several times a day.
It’s work to continually seek the Lord. But When you are looking for him, you are missing the other stuff. The stuff that makes you stressed or leaves you afraid or distracts you.
Where in your life do you need the Lord’s strength? Are you still trying to power through by yourself? Ask him to step in and help you. Take a few minutes and write down where you need the Lord to give you strength this week.
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.
Psalms 28:7 NLTDon’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 NLTPrayer: Father we ask for your strength. Strength that knows no bounds.Your strength leads us to peace, freedom, joy. You say you will go before us so we do not have to dismay. You will bring us victory. With you, we are more than conquerors. Remind us without you, we can do nothing. Thank you for making our ways perfect. Thank you for protection. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
To my educators in the final stretch
Hey there!
I know you are tired. I know you have been working hard. I know it feels like the kids are more aphathetic than ever. I get it. It’s hard to care about wanting them to succeed more than they do. It’s hard to go over the same information over and over again to fall on death ears.
When times get rough and burnout seems eminent, try to do this. Remember your why. I know that seems simple but take a few minutes and think of your successes.
Of that kid who you had to drag across the finish line but they come back now and see you and they are a functioning member of society. You helped do that. Think of that student that hated school but now has a college degree. You helped do that. Think of that student who got out in the real world and decided they might want to make some different decisions about college and career. You helped do that too.It may feel like what you are saying is falling on deaf ears but the seeds you plant now will harvest later. One of my old students came back five years after graduation so I could help them. You are a now a trusted resource for years to come. Take pride in that.
Less than 2 weeks and seniors across the country will be graduating. When is the last time you had a day off? Spring break? When is the last time you had some self care? Have you had a minute to breathe?
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take some time to yourself and reflect on all the good you have done. I know the bad things stick out but you wouldn’t do what you do if there was more bad than good. When a kid asks you the same question you already answered for the 30x take solace in the fact that he will probably be running some cooperation one day.
If you can, take the summer rest, relax and recharge. The work you do matters, the students you serve matter, you are doing a job that not everyone can or wants to do. Your hard work will pay off even if you can’t see it right now. Who know’s maybe someone will name a fictional school after you.
Until next time,
Dominique
Answers for an overwhelmed mom
Happy Mother’s Day
I once read a devotional called overwhelmed by my blessings. I can’t recall a more true statement for moms. On this Mother Day’s I wanted to reflect on the fact, that this is the hardest job that you have ever had that you don’t have a manual for. It doesn’t matter how many kids you, ever kid is different so it feels like you are starting over every time. A new mama reached out to me about how to deal with being overwhelmed and I thought it would be a good conversation to share.
Q: What helped your perspective when you were overwhelmed as mom and wife? Is it true that time really does help ?
A:For me it was a combination of things.
Time definitely helps. Each day will eventually get easier. You and your baby will catch a rhythm so it will become to feel like second nature.
Prayer I literally had to tell God I was I struggling and stop trying to push through. Often times we put our heads down and just do, but that only works for so long.
Talking to like minded people. I had to be a little vulernable. Hearing that other moms were dealing with similar issues helped a lot. It made me feel less like I was doing a bad job or couldn’t hack it.
Finding things that poured into me or bring me joy . I follow accounts on social media that make me laugh. I also learned in leadership class to have mini kit that you can pull out when you need a pick me up. Mine is the favorites album on my phone. I love looking at pictures of nature and clouds and that instantly lifts my mood. I also put my favorite songs on a playlist so I can get to them quickly.
Taking some time for myself I am still working on this. But its something I will continue to prioritize. It is hard but necessary. I hate not being there with my boys but they have another parent and some times I have to tap out. I can’t do everything and I have to learn to be ok with that.
Always finding the silver lining 