Category Archives: Spiritual Growth

Do you approach life from lack or from abundance?

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Do you focus on all the things you have or are you looking at life through the lens of what you don’t have?

I’ve been diving deep into the concept of abundance lately, and it’s truly eye-opening. The word “abundance” is often associated with plenty, an overflowing supply. While that can include material wealth, the biblical perspective of abundance stretches far beyond that—it speaks to both physical and spiritual prosperity.

In the Bible, abundance is not merely about having a lot of things. It represents God’s holistic provision, covering everything from our needs in this life to the gift of eternal life. Abundance emphasizes God’s sufficiency. It calls us to rely on His grace, knowing that He has provided more than enough for us.

The key takeaway here is that God fills in our lack. We don’t have to focus on our shortcomings, our struggles, or what feels impossible. Instead, we can shift our focus to all that God has given us. His grace is sufficient, meaning He has equipped us with everything we need to accomplish His will.

But how do we embrace this abundance in our daily lives? How do we start each day knowing that we’re walking in God’s provision?

Here are four steps to living with a mindset of abundance:

  1. Seek God’s Priorities – Start your day by asking, “What matters most to You, God?” Align your heart with His purpose.
  2. Stay in God’s Presence – Let prayer, worship, and the Word be a daily rhythm. His presence is where true abundance flows.
  3. Stay Proactive – Take the next step with purpose. Even if it’s small, move forward in faith.
  4. Patience in the Process – Trust that God’s timing is a key part of His abundance. Be patient with the journey.

Remember, you don’t have to chase abundance. When God is your source, abundance is already yours to live from.

Until next time,

Dominique

Living in Abundance

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We all want to live in abundance…but do we want to do what it takes for that to actually happen?

I love the Message version of the Fruit of the Spirit. While there’s nothing wrong with the version we usually hear: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, it can sometimes feel a bit abstract. The Message version brings it down to earth in a way that feels real and relevant:

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”
Galatians 5:22–23 (MSG)

That first line is the foundation for the changes I’m trying to make: What happens when you live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, gifts that lead to a full life, true abundance, and peace even in the presence of our enemies. (John 10:10 and Psalm 23.)

You can learn all the things, your identity, your purpose, how to release guilt and shame. You can even go to therapy. But if you’re not walking with God daily and building on what you’ve learned, you’ll still be operating at half your power.

I know this because I’ve been there. I tried to do both, God’s way and my own way. I thought I could straddle the line between the world and God, but I couldn’t. No matter how much Bible reading I did, I was still relying on myself to get things done. I wasn’t producing the fruit I needed. I was doing things my way, then asking God to bless it afterward.

But the closer I get to 40, I’m learning to seek God first, then decide my next steps. I learned to lean on His strength, not my own understanding.

I realized that when I stopped trying to “do me” and instead asked, “What’s God’s best for me?” life got easier. It became less overwhelming. I started asking myself simple but powerful questions:
What fruit will this action produce? Does it align with God’s values?

So now what?

It’s not enough to just know the truth. We have to walk in it. If you’re tired of living at half your power, of doing things your way and hoping God will co-sign it later… it’s time to shift.

Start asking yourself daily:
What kind of fruit am I producing?
Am I building a life God can bless?

You don’t have to figure it out alone. This space is for people who want to grow… spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
If that’s you, keep showing up. Bring your questions. Be honest with yourself. And let’s walk this thing out together.

Until next time,

Dominique

Stress and Worry

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Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse is about your thought life. What dominates your thoughts , what controls your mind. I also read this verse and thought sinful things Paul most be talking about bad stuff, you know the 10 commandment type stuff. However reading it again I don’t think that’s true. The definition of sin means to miss the mark. That sounds ambiguous but if Jesus is our mark anything we do that takes us away from that target is sin.

I’m talking about the sins of worry and stress. If you are constantly worried and stressed you are not pleasing God. God tells us over and over give our worries to him.

I’ve let my sinful nature take over before. Constantly worried about a project at work. When I do that I take my eyes off God and put them on my problem. It was all I would talk about, think about. I read my Bible but I wasn’t focused. My stomach hurt, I was mean and cranky. I might not have been physically dying but I was spiritually dying. I didn’t have much of a life because I was focused on this one thing.

Once I decided to take my eyes off my problem and back on God I was given some help and found a solution. I let the spirit lead me instead of my stress and I did feel peace but it was roller coaster trying to get there. Choose prayer first.

Make a list of what you’re worried about this week big or small and ask God to help you with these problems. Also talk to a trusted friend or prayer partner. They may be able to help you with your problem. Holding it in, is not helping you.

Until next time,

Dominique

New mercies

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”Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.“
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There’s are a few different versions of this verse but I like this one because it says we are not consumed because his compassion’s never fail.

Consume in the Hebrew means devour. What is devouring you right now? Is it work? Is it home? Family? Friendships? Anxiety? Stress?

Because God is compassionate nothing can overtake us or devour us. One bad day doesn’t make a bad week. One bad conversation doesn’t make for a bad relationship. Because of his new mercies we can begin each new day with fresh perspective. I know it can be hard to get over a hurt and keep replaying it in your mind but you don’t have to.
Each day is a new opportunity to begin again.
God is not walking around holding on to that hurt, anger, sadness and we don’t have to either.

I’m not saying if someone hurt you it’s instant relief but remembering that you can start the next interaction fresh may be helpful to you.

New mercies count for everything not just for days but bad conversations, hurt feelings, bad choices, regrets, etc

Before you decide to hold on to bad feelings, bad decisions, regret, guilt, grudges, etc remember that Gods

mercies are new every morning.

Are you holding on to something and you need to let go?

Prayer: Father help us not hold on to things we don’t need to. You say give you our burdens and you will give us rest. Thank you that we don’t have to hold on to anything but you. Thank you we are not devoured or consumed and that we have the ability to start fresh.

Embracing Weakness: A Path to Growth and Compassion

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Luke 6:35 says love your enemies and do good to them. I talk a lot about getting rid of your enemies, but at some point, I think we have to have a mindset shift. God did. Getting rid of your enemies is all Old Testament talk; when He gets to the New Testament, it’s different. We can’t be always at war; eventually, we will need to rest. So I say be kind to your weaknesses. They made you who you are, too. Try to use your weaknesses to fuel you to do better, be stronger. God doesn’t waste anything.

Both things can be true: you can acknowledge your weaknesses and still strive for greatness. Embracing your weaknesses doesn’t mean you let them define you negatively; instead, it means recognizing them as part of your journey. God’s grace is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

He uses our struggles to shape us, to build resilience and character. Loving your enemies and doing good to them is not just about external relationships. It’s also about how you treat yourself. Often, our biggest enemies are the voices of doubt and fear within us. When we learn to love and forgive ourselves, we mirror God’s love and forgiveness. This self-compassion allows us to extend the same grace to others.

In this way, we transform the concept of enemies from something external and hostile to an internal challenge that propels us toward growth and compassion. By loving our enemies, whether they are external adversaries or internal struggles, we participate in God’s redemptive work. We find peace and rest not in the absence of conflict, but in the way we navigate and transform it.

So, next time you face a weakness or an enemy, remember that God can use it for good. Embrace the lesson it brings and let it refine you. Both strength and weakness, peace and conflict, we will experience all of these in our lives. Trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, can work all things together for your good.

As you reflect on your journey, I encourage you to embrace both your strengths and your weaknesses. Practice self-compassion and extend that same grace to others. Make a conscious effort to love your enemies, whether they are external or the inner voices of doubt. Start today by identifying one weakness and thinking of a way it can propel you towards growth.

Internal Enemies

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”My enemies did their best to kill me, but the Lord rescued me.“
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Your enemies are doing their best right now to destroy you but don’t let them. Don’t let the enemy doubt make you forget what God can do. Don’t let the enemy fear make you forget that you can do anything with Christ Jesus. Don’t let the enemy of overwhelmed make you forget that while things and obligations may be surrounding you, you can overcome them all by the authority of the Lord. Don’t let the enemy of insecurity make you forget that you were made in Gods image so you are mighty and strong.

God wants us to be successful. I recently read in Dr. Phillips book, Tending the Garden Within, to ask God for what we needed. I challenge you to do that now. I asked God for a win and he gave me one! Just yesterday. He is always listening, always ready to step in, always willing to help. I know that doesn’t immediately pay a light bill or lessen your to do list but it’s a reminder that he has our back. We are down but not destroyed.

Read all of Psalm 118 if you have time, there is some good stuff in there..

Prayer: Father, thank you for the reminder that you have our back and you will meet our needs. Thank that if you are for us who can be against us. Nothing can stop what you put in motion, not even us. Delay is not denial as everything is for our good. I pray we all can sit down with you and tell you what we need. Thank you for always listening, for being emphatic, for being our friend. Thank you for the wins that are on the way. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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.