Ever felt blind-sighted by yourself? Like "Wow....You should have known better!?!" This just happened to me.
To say to myself "Be watchful for the schemes of the enemy" is like, DUH! Preaching to the choir of I Know This. And yet.... here I am having just had the moment of preaching to the choir and I was like, OH!
The faith walk is sometimes so hard to discern but if we take the time to reply get honest and quiet, we can find our positioning and purpose with peace.
I have been in a hunker down season. A little more withdrawn. A little more quiet. I little more guarded. I have been in these seasons before and I don't hate them, at all, in fact, I enjoy them. Over the many long walks with God, I know sometimes we walk amongst the crowds, other times it's reclining at the table with a small group and sometimes, He is reaches me up in the tree or walking in the dirt approaching His burning bush! He's always near.
We don't stay "hidden." He always calls us out and I have felt that. But it has been a slow walking out. I should have recognized it. Sluggish doesn't;t come from God. Lack of motivation, making excuses, don't come from God. I felt the calling out to move more and I didn't feel the energy to and I now recognize exactly where those thoughts were coming from...the one who preferred I stay quiet and hidden, withdrawn and introverted.
We should be seeking Him first but He is so sweet when we don't, to send others in to our day to get our attention. This is why our circle matters! Sometimes it's a song, sermon, reel or text from a friend, sometimes it's through a social media post. This happened to me today.
A friend of mine shared a shout out yesterday to follow someone and I felt the nudge to go check out her profile. WOW did God have a message there, big time! She had just done a Live the hour before and it was exactly what I needed to hear. Answers to questions only God heard me asking these past few weeks, in my quiet. She confirmed and affirmed what I needed.
So how do you discern whether you are supposed to stay where you are or it's time to move?!? You seek Him first! That's what I haven't been doing. I was comfortable and on auto-pilot doing the things I know to be doing. I'm working, writing and tasking care of my home. But I also know He has been saying go deeper, faster, and bring the glory in! But the whispers of "later" made sense and felt good.
Thing is we are not guaranteed "later." I have been reminded of this over and over in my own life experiences and through relationship with others. Our time is not in our hands. Our mission work is not later. Our pace is not ours. We reveal His glory as we go, even in the waiting, we are actively serving and moving, yes, but He will also show up and say "Let's Go, Follow Me." I wonder how many times we take that moment for granted that we can d that later, when we feel ready or able...instead of stepping into the dirt and discover the manna, casting the net to the other side after a long weary day/season, to step into the ocean and see the water part, to walk up the mountain and hear the ram.
Good thing Noah was not a later kind of guy! Moses tried, but God stood firm and sent Him Aaron. Even Paul waited in the cells praising God....then God rattled the earth and set the captives free. So many times we are in placed in the basket and sent down river or tossed into a fiery furnace only for God to then show up and say Let's Go!
Ask, Seek, Find! Pray for the next steps every single day and do not become complacent. He always comes after His sheep so don't think He is gonna let you just mosey on by in the back of the pasture! He won't, He can't. In the flock, under His watchful eye is where He keeps us to guard us.
So if you have felt the nudge, tug, prompt, pull, feeling....whatever it feels like to move, pray and ask Him! Still not sure? Ask for God to bring you the "others" to show you and keep your eyes and heart open. Don't stay in the place you are meant to move on from. God is near and is with you in the waiting but also in the wanting!
Thankful today for others.
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Remember how FUN starting college was but also so overwhelming to navigate! Our teens are faced with even greater social pressures with the added element of social media access. This generation experiences a social pressure and presence we did not have.
Even if you think they don't listen to you, deep in your heart, know they are. While we have been training them up for these past 18 years, it's still important to send them off with reminders to help them prioritize the well-being of their minds even if they think they already know it all. Behind the eye rolls, you know are coming, they do appreciate these highlights as they walk into the new open doors....and so do YOU!
Our thoughts impact how we view our current reality, influencing how we perceive and interact with the world around us, including our college-bound teen. Along with prayer, incorporating a few simple practices can make a world of difference for them AND for YOU.
These are some simple truths my teen and I discussed as WE prepared for move out day and life in college. I pray they are encouragements for you too. It's amazing how easily we can slip away from common sense in times of stress and transition, even when it's all happy things!
First, start by being mindful of the content you consume.
Limit exposure to negative news and surround yourself with positive influences. As a believer, staying grounded in The Word is so important and seeking Him first in the day, and in every situation. If you need to set up parent controls on your devices, even as an adult, do it! It's up to YOU to protect YOU from YOU! Also, if you are looking for a Daily Reading Plan, there are tons in the You Version app, and they are all free!!
Second, pay attention to the people you surround yourself with.
Our friends can take us from one mood to another with just a text, or a look. They can lead us to Christ, or away from Him. Our teens may not have experienced unequally yoked friendships yet so this is a good time to share with them the value of like-minded friends and how powerfully they can help us stay steadfast and grounded in the Ways of Christ in every season of life, especially big life transitions.
Praying for the circle of influence around them, and also around us, their teachers and our own mentors, our friends and their friends helps us keep God in the midst of our relationships. Then, we can trust those open and closed doors when they come and walk through this new season without feeling overwhelmed or alone...or tempted towards worldly pleasures.
Next, taking our "vitamins!"
It is super important in order to think clearly and have a healthy brain for processing but one of the most forgotten Vitamins is G : Gratitude. Practice gratitude daily. Taking time to acknowledge the good things in life helps rewire our brains for optimism and hope-filled living. College is hard for EVERYONE and it will be important to take those prayerful deep breaths, in order to think clearly before making quick decisions! Some things take time to get adjusted to and remember, you can do all things with Him!!
Community Connections and Connecting to Self:
Engaging in hobby or ministry activities that promote movement and positivity like prayer, dancing, exercise, worship, meditation, outdoor experiences, volunteering and serving others, endless fun hobbies, or journaling, can aid in centering our thoughts and reducing stress. creating playlists in Spotify or other music apps is fun to be able to share with others too!
We cannot forget Mindfulness.
Guard your heart and mind and renew them daily. Prayer alongside essential oils, good supplements, good friends, a healthy mindset, God's Word & Worship provide healthy, natural support for physical and emotional relaxation that lends us into peace and joy and mental clarity nd spiritual strength that brings us closer to the Lord's purposesnd provisions, to bring Him glory along the path He has set before us each.
It IS a big deal. It IS going to take intentionality. It IS an adjustment. There will be misunderstandings, tears and awkward conversations in the process...but when we lay the foundation of Love, Trust, Joy, Hope and lean in to the new season with openness and honesty, and again, LOVE...it will be full of growth for both you and your teen.
Seek Him FIRST!!!! Pray fervently! Do not fear! Do not be afraid! You trained them up to go!!!!
It's time Mama.....
Stay close to the Lord, surround yourself with fish-filled friends and be grateful for the blessing to have raised them to go! You did it!!! You're doing it!!!! You're not alone!!!!! He is near. Lean in. He's got you BOTH!!!!!
Blessings and Heart Hugs,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Living the college dorm life can be hectic and overwhelming. Between classes, assignments, studying, and social activities, it's essential to have a calm and soothing environment that feels like your sanctuary. While it is important to have good nutrition, a healthy mindset and body, the air is just as important! What can you do when you can't have candles / open flames?? A diffuser!
They are SO EASY to use too! Simply add water and 2-4 drops of oil, and yes, creating your own blend is fun too! I'll share some of our favorite blends below. No flames, no noise, no mess and it has a timer on it! There are many kinds out there so find one you love.
Incorporating the power of essential oils into your dorm room, you can easily create a calm and healthy atmosphere that supports your physical and mental well-being which is especially important for first time college students.
1. Improve Concentration and Focus:
Studying for long hours can be mentally draining. Thankfully, certain essential oils are known to enhance cognitive function, memory, and concentration. Peppermint and Lemon oils helps maintain mental clarity and focus. Say goodbye to those dreaded brain fog moments and bad for you energy drinks! If you need something to sip on alongside your water, try Nitro and Zyng!
2. Promote Relaxation and Reduce Stress:
College life comes with its fair share of stress and anxiety. Transform your dorm room into a peaceful oasis by diffusing the soothing scents of Lavender, Joy, or Stress Away essential oils. These calming aromas can help anxiety and promote relaxation, making it easier for you to chill out after a long day of classes.
3. Purify the Air and Boost Immunity:
Dorm rooms often have poor air quality due to limited ventilation. We did buy an inexpensive air purifier from Amazon to help but we also sent our girl with a diffuser to strengthen her immune system which we know will take a hit the first 90 days.
As we get set up to move in and for a once a day session, she will run the cinnamon and clove essential oil blend, known for its powerful antiviral and antimicrobial properties, to cleanse the air and ward off nasty germs, giving her a healthy breathing environment.
Not to forget mentioning insects....they will be less of an issue in this dorm room!!
4. Good Sleep:
A good night's sleep is essential for academic success. Diffuse Cedarwood, Lavender, or Roman Chamomile essential oils before bedtime to create a tranquil environment. These calming scents help promote relaxation and prepare your mind and body for a restful night's sleep.
Don't let the stress of college life take a toll on your student's overall well-being. Enhance the dorm room experience with a diffuser and enjoy the benefits of improved focus, relaxation, purified air, and a positive sleep routine. Embrace the power of nature to transform your dorm room into a calming haven where you can thrive academically and recharge both your mind and body.
Read more from our Dorm Life Essentials series, here. Happy Diffusing!!!
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Where are my Mamas sending their new high school graduate to college for the first time?!? It's so hard to believe the time is finally here to pack up her room and sort through all the things to leave, throw way or send with them for life their own.
We are close to move in, so today we are ordering all the things and of course, Mama has been stashing things away in preparation for Dorm Life. Things like first aid items, toiletries, and personal health items. Her Summers as a Camp Counselor back in Texas the past 3 years were a great training ground for both of us, knowing what is needed and what wasn't.
One of the BIGGEST TIPS we have heard from seasoned Moms and their Teens, plus our experience with the Summer Camp Dorm Life is this : Keep It Simple!! These are only temporary living quarters so what you move in will have to move out at the end of each school year.
Knowing this, we found things that were collapsible, lightweight (except the weighted blanket) and easy to maintain and easy on/off. We also looked for practical, fun, easy to assemble and use, plus healthy options for cleaning, foods / nutrition, supplements physical and emotional and first aid. Nothing is worse than grabbing hard to assemble items and things that were cheap! We have returned so many things! So, I am hoping the things I share in here will be helpful to you as you get ready too!
Shopping is just so much fun!!!! It IS some dollars though! Hopefully these are things they will take with them through college life all 4 years and beyond for many of these things!
FOR HEALTH:
Here is her list of supplements, oils, lotions and what we consider meds, including immune boosting juice, gummies...and cough drops!! Those first few months will be taxing on their immune system. Remember Kindergarten?!?! All those sniffles!! We are ready!!! Do what you can, as you can! Remember, it's more costly to heal illness than head it off!
Having a great diffuser for physical and emotional health was important for us too. I write about it over here.
Okay Mama, you've got this! There are still so many other things like the Fridge, cookware, toiletries, curtains, storage nd shelving systems, trash cans, even toilet paper and printer paper we are gathering!
I am right there with you. Think how many Mamas are sending off their college kiddos in the next few weeks! That's a lot of tissues about to be consumed!!
For me, I am praying, watching my thoughts, guarding my energy and being present in each moment. If you want to know what that looks like in practical way, I talked about that over here.
HUGS!!!!!!! Happy Move in Day!!!!! Can't wait to share more with you along the way!!!! In the meantime, see you on the HighWay of Prayers!
With Love, Mama Michele& College Kid Kaitlyn
PS.
Some of our links are our affiliate links since we have to disclose that here....this is how we pay for college friends, lol.
For the few YL things, if you have your own account, grab this list and go place your own order from your account!
If you don't have an account, no worries, you can set up a Customer account under Kaitlyn for FREE under her and get your own discounts and rewards!
(PSST: Use the CODE: SHAREYL for a discount!!) Friends don't let friends pay retail if at all possible!!
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Just in case you thought you were the ONLY ONE....YOU ARE NOT!!! I did a quick Google search and found this statistic across several sites...85% of us are struggling with love self esteem....WOW! No wonder filters are such a big deal these days. People are hiding. I know that tactic all too well. I spent most of my life hiding.
As a Believer, we should not be surprised when the enemy taunts us with these thoughts...
- Who do you think you are?
- You aren't equipped.
- You are ready or wise enough.
- You pray way too much and God is gonna get frustrated with you if you keep asking for His help.
- You are easily replaceable!
- They can do it way better than you.
- It's too much work, don't waste your time and energy, certainly not your prayer time over it.
- It won't make a difference anyway.
Sound familiar?!? I have heard them too.
These are the questions I couldn't answer in truth because the truths I believed were actually lies. Believing these lies is why I hid. I didn't want to be less than. I didn't want to fail or be rejected by God or others. So, under the bushel I slipped to hide my tiny Light afraid if I let it grow, I would be burned.
Friend, our Light is Shielded in Love. Where the Spirit of God is, we are free, empowered and cared for. We stand in the fiery furnace, not consumed by death, but surrounded by Life. He died and rose again for YOU! To give you His power within you to walk this side of Glory in His name, in Divine purpose and plan, with power, peace and faith.
Faith that says you are able cuz He is with you.
Faith that holds you in sinking sands.
Faith that leads you through the wilderness and over the crashing waves.
Faith that finds what is lost and gives sight to what was blind.
Faith that breaks generational curses and dissolves chains fear bound.
Will there still be pain and suffering? Yes. Will you still have to overcome lies with truths? Yes. The enemy will never stop his schemes to get you to step back. God called us out to GO therefore!
Once I learned the truths of God's design for His children, for me, to walk by faith and not by sight, as I experience trials, pruned, refined, renewing my mind as this temporary life rolls by. With every second, I call this to mind that I must choose to remain steadfast, strong, courageous, confident in the leading and provision of my Lord, unafraid to share and shine together with all my Sisters as a city on a hill on the shorelines of Grace!
- You are more than a conqueror.
- You are more than able.
- His grace is enough
- Nothing can separate you from His Love.
- There is a peace that surpasses ll understanding in Jesus.
- We can rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- We make choices that quench the Spirit...let's stop doing that!
- You were created for HIs glory and His heart is for you.
- We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
- A surrendered life is full of beauty and strength where joy grows.
Today, remember who you are, Daughter of The King. You are a Warrior. You are His temple to shine and serve as His hands and feet here in the dirt of earth until He calls you home. Look at your fingerprints...there's your path, unique to YOU! No one else can compare to your direction, gifts, talents or experience. Your wisdom is not in the books of the world, but in The Book of Life, The Word of God.
Put on then, His Love, His compassionate hearts and seek Him first for the next steps, every day, all the days of your life. Until we take our breath inside the Gates of Glory, let's draw near to His Consuming Fire and stay LIT UP in Jesus Name for His glory alone.
We live for HIM, Christ Alone, Name above all other Names, our Audience of One!
Seeing BIG COURAGEOUS Heart Hugs as you seek HIM ABOVE ALL ELSE,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
