Let’s talk about Overcoming fear when fear is how you see the world around you. For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with fear. Well meaning friends would say things like just Let Go and Let God, It’ll be fine, There’s nothing to worry about…and yet, I feared.
In the next few blogs, we will talk about different fears, what it looks like and why you can’t just “Do it” or “Have Faith.” Instead of dismissing someone’s fears or anxious thoughts, let’s learn compassion and offer practical help in their time of need.
Honestly, the top 3 things I really needed (and I dare say we ALL need) in my life were Sisters, Boundaries and Intimate Worship. Let’s start this bloggy convo!
Physical Fear: I grew up in a school where fist fights during the lunch break were a daily thing, bullies ran the hallways, assaults in our community seemed overwhelming.
As a young girl, the fear was real and there seemed to be no escaping it. I believed it was just a matter of time before I might fall victim to the whim of evil. Watching the news was only affirmation that my concerns were valid and we lived in an unsafe and powerful world.
My soul was cornered by fear, terrified to live but happy to be alive if that even makes sense.
Over the years, I avoided people or environments that involved intense emotions, violence, loud, anger, especially where alcohol was center stage.
Making the wrong move in public, saying something negative to someone, feeling angry myself, being around large groups, being around people who were drinking, hearing people argue, watching wrestling or boxing on tv or in real life triggered me into a flight mode.
I have lived my life looking over my shoulder, always afraid of the grab. I understood Stranger Danger, it was a thing just like Smokey the Bear Fire Danger for those back in my generation. Our education for friendliness and safety, how to be kind and nice, avoid arguments and dangerous situations was learned from Sesame Street, Family Matters, Mr Rogers, along with all the Hero and Villain lessons from everything Disney.
Of course, they used to have Officers come to the schools and walk us through Stranger Danger lessons and take our fingerprints so we could have a Safe Keeping Card for our Parents to have in the case we are ever missing. Life just felt like when, not if. They told us how to kick out a tail light to send a sign to other cars you were in the trunk! my oh my.... I would agree in a very practical way that learning and practicing some self defense would have been great.
Let's just say, I have learned a lot and plan on learning and implement more of this in this area as part of my ministry work. We will be practically equipped in courage and strength, wisdom and might with Sisters, Boundaries and Intimate Worship.
This fear of the grab stayed with me well in to adulthood. I rarely left the house after sunset for fear of walking in the dark. I remember stories of men following women in to their apartments as they carried up groceries and would just push through the door with them….ugh. It was the grab in the parking lot, or your own home. No where was actually safe.
So, I bought few groceries to only make one trip up, and quickly get in and out. To this day, I am still fully aware of my surroundings while I am out getting gas or groceries, shopping and running errands, being wise, just not panicked and fear-full..
Once I had my home, pulling in to the garage and making sure no one scooted in with the car helped, but then once we are all inside, it was checking all the doors and windows throughout the day and before bed, getting out of bed one more time to make sure the front and back doors were indeed still locked.
If you have dealt with fear, you know how real this feels. If you haven’t, you are probably thinking this is crazy! Trust us, it feels crazy, but it is such a reality.
You do what you can to feel and be safe as you go. Having an alarm on the house helped. My Mom used to spend the night with me and the 4 kiddos when my Hubby travelled every month. At least that was a nice bonus to spend that extra time with her. I was able to sleep better with her there. I would meet up with friends when I could because The Buddy System is not only fun but helped me relax!
It took time, but I learned to walk in the posture of Authority. I prayed myself up and kept my head up, literally! I used to avoid eye contact and keep my head down walking around yet always hyper aware of my surroundings to see the Grabbers if they were around waiting.
If you're a Mama of littles, start now with facing the fears becuase I am here to say the fear doesn't go away as they get older. You will wish you could 5 point harness them in a stroller and keep them connected to you and wish they could simply use a diaper and not go into the Public bathrooms. Fear is the issue!
Fear IS a Liar!!!
Gracious God, the chains fear had on me finally broke off in 2009.
I had spent so much time scared to live and make myself feel safe that I never put on The Armor. I never asked my King to guard our walls. I didn’t understand how an “invisible God” could fight my tangible threats…
BUT GOD!!
Oh me of little faith...and little trust.
Friend, if this is you too, breathe. There are so many practical things, especially nowadays you can do from gadgets to apps to help protect your home, but today, I encourage you to ask God to help you be strong and confident in His Armor.
Nothing can separate you from His care and in Him, you are more than a Conqueror. He sees you and He is near. You can have sweet sleep, You can feel prepared and equipped in Him in both your flesh and your spirit. The battle really is His.
Circle your fears with Sisterhood.
Share your fears and nervousness and Buddy Up for things as you practice walking out your courage, taking thoughts captive and doing your part, allowing God to do His!
Circle your fears with Boundaries.
Set your own comfort levels to say yes or no to certain events, places, relationships. Pray yourself up and listen to the leading and protection of The Lord. The Holy Spirit is your Helper. Learn to listen to Him.
Circle your fears with Intimate Worship.
Worship means a lot of things to different people. Intimate worship deep dives all the way in to the center of us, to the protected guarded places we don’t allow anyone in to, often including God, because we struggle to trust and surrender.
Today, we choose to give God the keys to us, our home and our heart. We declare a surrender to His protection and provision knowing that nothing happens He is unaware of and with Him, we can do all things!
Can something happen to us, sure. You can grab my list here of some of the very simple and practical things I have implemented to feel confident. They seems so common sense, but it takes intentionality and that's something you must prepare and work on consistently to create new healthy habits.
This side of glory is evil, but it is also good, because He is here amongst us. He is near. He goes before us, stands behind us and fights with us! To imagine the great cloud of witnesses, to imagine angels entertained around us, to know God does exceedingly and abundantly more than we can think or imagine is peace.
Surrender is Peace.
Trust is Peace.
God is Peace.
Less of me God, More of you.
Sister, you are safe in His care and in His arms. He’s got you and you can have peace. Armor Up and don't forget the shoes of Peace.
All the love and courage,
Your Sister 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
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
Hii Friend!! I am so glad you're HERE for the WHOLE ENCHILADA!!! Well, it's not really an enchilada although I would love to share one with you, Texas Girl here, but for now, here we are.
I pray this guide helps you transformative tools and encouragements to help you reduce stress and menopause silliness in both - your Heart & Home! This is great for any woman of any age, but highly encouraging for those of us entering or already in the Meno-Mama phase.
I could literally write a book on each of these but for now, I will write out as much as I can to get your heart a big dose of HOPE and a big heart hug with links for the practical every day things!
Okay, let's get in to this real application conversation! That's my favorite! Nothing hypothetical here......Let's Get in to this!!!!! And yes, there is a FREE Ebook coming too!!!
I KNOW I am not the only one who has felt that BURN-OUT!!! When you've hit that wall and you're DONE.
How about feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Stressed but 100% Blessed and you KNOW that for a fact, even when the waters rise and the winds blow, the blessing is still there! I get you!!! I am you!!!! Feel free to pop around in my blogs! I share all about these things in here with hopes to stir your faith and joy to a place of courage!
For me, burn out seemed to happened in waves. I would learn to take some “self-care” moments only to feel guilt and hustle right back to where I was. Anyone else familiar with Mom Guilt? Wife Guilt? Church Volunteer Guilt? Friend Guilt? Work Guilt? You feel like you need a vacation, and a staycation will do too....but afterwards...you feel tired again....rested, but not energized. UGH! I knooooooowwww.... The question that needs answering is "How do I stop feeling guilty when I need to rest or take a break." Simple answer is: Surrender. Let's get into it all.
Stress induced anxiety is something many people feel on a daily basis and we don't really talk about it because it FEELS like we are the only ones not hanging all the things like everyone else seems to.. We assume we are the ones doing something wrong, because the unspoken assumption as a Christian is we are strong, fearless, anxious for nothing, confident and able because our faith is so big. Ohhhh, the terrifying beauty of a life grace....grace upon grace.
Lord, help us create bigger space for grace! Take us deeper and further towards the depths of Your heart. We trust You.
It's a scheme of the enemy to keep us quiet! We are humans with all the feelings and emotions. A quick look in the Psalms and you'll probably find one that expresses where you are too. It is normal to feel the feels. It is what we do with them that sets us apart from others who do not have a believing faith to carry them through the valleys and storms of life. We cast our cares, we step out of boats, stand in fires, sit in prison and stare lions in the face.
If you're someone who experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, insecurity, burn out, I know how you feel. I was there and unfortunately, and thankfully, God sat me down and we had a long therapy session, workshop style! LOL
It's an Even If Life Lesson. Even if I am hurting, confused, scared...I want to worship. Our bodies, our hearts, our minds can all break down and we fight for the contentment in giving thanks in all circumstances, even if. Where it gets tougher is when we are the Encourager in the family or relationship yet we break. That's the main hustle...trying to keep ourselves from falling part while we keep everyone and everything else together. That was me too. Stressed, but blessed. Blessed, but stressed. We cn be BOTH, we just don't want to get so stressed, there is no room for the bless!
As someone who has dealt with that her whole life, I would love to share some of the steps I have taken over the many years, some even recently, that have helped me overcome the seasons,...and the breaths and hopefully help you move back, away from the burn out into freedom and peace in your mind and your body.
Yes, I mention body because way back in the day, I thought healing was done in silos....body, mind and spirit being all separate elements. And while they are, they equally require attention to heal. This is why I don't talk just about mindset, or movement or praying. It's ALL OF IT!!! I will share a link at the end of this of what things I am using to help support my body now that I have learned and lived it for so many years.
I think this is turning into an ebook. I will link it once it is created and uploaded!
Here are 3 Things (and some Resources) When my Feelings Swirl:
1.) Seek Him First, Matthew 6:33
ALWAYS & ALWAYS!! Did I mention always?!? Okay....As a Christian Woman, my greatest Defense, Strength, Peace, and Joy, come through my relationship with Jesus. Knowing Him as Father, Savior, Reigning King and Friend is where our hope and help come from. This is accomplished through seeking Him in Prayer, Being in His Word and Community.
The more you know Him, the more you will trust Him. The more you trust, the more your heart feels able to surrender control, allowing Him to lead you through valleys of work as well as rest alongside still waters. This is accomplished through Prayer and dwelling in His Word. Worship is a way of Life, not a song you sing.
The Lord IS my firm and sure Foundation upon which I fall, stand, kneel, build, rest, fight, receive, learn and grow. He knows our thoughts without a word falling from our lips because he hears our heart's whispers. Thing is, while we can find this in the midst of crisis, how much easier would it be is we lived daily on this Foundation of Truth.
Getting in the Word doesn't need to be a complex thing. Keep it simple and follow His leading. He has surely already been placing bread crumbs along the way to lead you to the next thing. I used to think I needed a highlighter, pen, pencil, dictionary, concordance, notepad, music...just to meet with Him! Oh it was an event! Is there are time and place for digging in and doing an in depth study? Sure! But that is not what a daily seeking is meant to be. He is seeking relationship....not righteous acts.
To seek Him first, you need your heart check, FIRST, then tools if you choose!
- Bible Study Tools:
I did fall in love with the Bible App. It does have some great plans built inside it. It has the audio option for Bible reading too. I love it!!! So if you're looking for a Bible app, I LOVE the FREE YouVersion app! You cn find it wherever you get your apps from in the Apple or Google places.
My Favorite Study Bible is the ESV Study Bible but find one you feel led to!
Nowadays, there are tons of Study tools like apps, journals and devotionals, Notetaking Bibles, and things like podcasts, shows, conferences, workshops and of course sermons. This is not something you have to do alone either. Find your Inner Circle friends. I am mostly old-school and like paper books in my hands to hold, but when I research, I do appreciate the quick answers to questions without pulling out the big books! I do have some journals for Sermon Notes & prayer requests on Amazon and a journal for helping you document and remember the moments God moves..
- Praying:
Keep it simple...Acknowledge Him as Lord, worship in adoration, cast your cares, confess your sins, listen for HIs response and say amen. The most important thing I have learned is prayer truly is a conversation that should be vulnerable between you and The Lord. He is listening because He is near. You don't need to dress it up and edit your prayers. Then, be still and listen. For me, prayer isn't a one and done thing each morning....it's "praying without ceasing."
For me, intercessional prayer is a big part of the Seeking. It’s easy for us Introverts to hide and while we need to take alone time for ourselves it’s important to gather your Sister Circle so they can be what I call the 4 Corner Friends, carrying you on the mat to Jesus. They will stand with you when you grow weary and cheer with you in the victories. Let them in.
I know some you will cringe at that cuz let's face it, we are Leaders in our own rights and we don't really 'need" anyone else to help us. We also don't want people to know we are hurting or don't have things together right now. We know we can handle this season, by ourselves. I get that! I did that for most of my life until I couldn't. I had to set down my SuperWoman pridefulness and let down my gate to the fortress of me and let some people in, to be the hands and feet of Jesus to me.
2.) Purify & Cleanse! Reduce the toxic loads inside and outside your heart, mind and soul.
I know the sounds weird...trust me! I wish I would have learned all of this years ago!!! Toxic hearts, heads and homes can totally fuel our anxiety and stress levels! Let's discuss briefly:
Emotionally...heart & head.
- Learning to establish boundaries is crucial. While you may not be able to remove people or circumstance from your life, you are able to set boundaries that create space for you to move in peace. This is why prayer is #1. Seeking Him is asking for Guidance and this comes through His Holy Spirit and a million other ways we recognize as "signs." Test the spirit's voice and heed accordingly. Sometimes He will call us away from things, sometimes towards things. Move accordingly.
- Gratitude is super important here too. When we allow God to renew our minds, we are working towards purity of thoughts which affect our actions. What we focus on, we feed. While a pity party feels kinda nice for a moment, we cannot stay there. Honor where you are, feel what you feel, and cast them over to the Lord with thanksgiving and praise. Do not sweep them under the rug, or minimize them. You feel what you feel, but let's allow truth and faith to rinse through these thoughts.
- Learning to say Yes to the best and bless the rest with a No Thank you is another practical help. Us Encouragers, those of us who love to bless the socks off people, have a really hard time saying No. But No is a blessing opened up for someone else too.
- Taking some heart time with a Sister Friend will refresh your soul! And if you can take a minute to pray when prompted, do it!! A cord of 3 is not easily broken.
- Aromatherapy is something you can incorporate in your own home and as you travel, 24/7.
Physically...our body and home.
- Get some fresh air!! Take a walk, get some Vitamin D sunshine on your skin. I have also enjoyed grounding, simply sitting outside on the ground GOD made...in the grass, at the beach. out by the water, but at minimum, my own backyard, is sooo good to get out of the house and sit in all the senses of God's creation.
- We live in a world full of chemicals and toxins, so any place in our routine we are able to reduce them will be beneficial to our body as a whole, reducing the stress we take on physically and emotionally. Swapping out harsh chemicals in cleaning products, candles, foods, skin care, even medications is helpful and easy. Reducing the load of toxins in our body causing inflammation is as vital to our body as is prayer to our soul! Trust me...google this and have fun on that research rabbit hole! I buy healthy skincare, makeup and cleaning products!
- Ohhhh and those sugars and caffeines....be careful and do your research! Sugar feeds things we don't want besides our sweet tooth. If you struggle with "food noise" try these peptides.
- In 2022, I was at my heaviest weight and was ready to begin taking care of my Temple! More about that in the linked blog below! In the meantime, pay attention to nutrition and healthy choices!
- I gave up my Dr Pepper sodas. I used to drink them almost all week alongside my teas and coffees...I thought those counted as 8 cups of liquids. NOPE! Caffeine is okay just in moderation. I drink all my water but I also enjoy everything else except alcohol. Same with coffee and tea. Finding moderation that works for your body and healthy versions of them is important to support yourself in body and mind.
- I also added supplements into my family's daily habits which you can find HERE in the blog.
3.) Get Moving!
No, you don't need to actually move zip codes! But you do need to move in your body, mind and spirit.
Depending how you process stress, you may be a runner or a retreater. My hubby releases stress with hyper movement which means he will go to the gym or go for a long bike ride.
For me, I retreat when I am stressed... There will times I shut down and need to cuddle up on those low energy days and lay low but there are other days I need to get my body moving and push!!
When we are overwhelmed some of us escape, shut down and basically run away or try to hide. I sooooo get that. We need space to process our deep thoughts and feelings in the moment, but we cannot allow ourselves to just sit in it and dwell in darkness for endless amounts of time. Moving our body physically is helpful to release the right hormones and energy cells and there’s just soooo much I have read about it and hear all the wellness experts telling us, so let’s get moving.
Having said that, honor your space too. It's okay to rest and be still. We need that time. Just want to be clear about that!
What it looks like...
When I am beginning to feel that overwhelm and I feel myself shrinking back, heart rate elevates and I start getting ancy or sinking back, I will retreat to a space I know my deep breaths will not be interrupted as I sit with the Lord.
It maybe going to the gym or on a walk, a drive in my car, slowly running errands with my playlist at top volume so I can soak in worship. Maybe you can close your bedroom door and curl up with your favorite blanket to read, write, pray, call a friend, worship, or maybe it's a long hot shower.
I live on the water, so somedays I will take my paddleboard or boat out and float around, sometimes with my worship music or silence but always, with my oils and water.
Movement with others in mind...
You can also get moving in Love. No, not that kind of movement. Love through acts of kindness.
It truly is a blessing to Bless, so ask the Lord to show you how you can be a vessel of Love to someone else. It may be something as simple as reaching out to someone He brings to mind with a text or phone call, maybe a coffee date or going for a walk. Maybe it's serving in your community or helping a neighbor, hanging with a Sista and making plans for some upcoming things (future casting).
You can even pop in to the social medias and bless a whole bunch of people with an encouraging post or comments. There's no end to where you can bless!
I promise you, you will feel less of a mess when you bless!
At the same time, allow yourself to be on the receiving end too. Pray for sweet Sisters who align with your spirit and build that foundation of trust. There will be seasons of comings and goings of people in your life. Trust Him with them. let Him bring in your circle the ones He has planned for you. Watch that wall fear builds and instead, build a bridge that allows the coming and goings.
Grace Upon Grace, Boundaries, Sisterhood, Cleansing, Renewing the Mind and Body, Movement, Serving and Loving Others....all these precious "things" create our own little world of Peace and Hope! It is up to US, to create space for grace in our heart and home.
I would LOVE for you to join me in my Community for Introverted and RISING UP Women of Faith.
We are the BUT GOD SISTER SQUAD!!!!!
Other resources that you will find helpful are Christian apps like YouVersion and ministries like Lifeway Women, Women of Faith and Proverb 31 Ministries to name a few.
If you missed the Products Blog, here it is again for ya!
I've listed as much of what I use in there with links to make it super easy for you!!
Okay friends, that's all for now. I am praying as I write this, what feels like a book, it blesses you in every way.
I pray this guide helps you get your heart moving in hope and possibility, of what's possible. What we allow into our body, our mind, our soul, matter! The more toxic thoughts and things we allow in, the more energy we must use to manage it. I want to use my energy in so many other beautiful ways as blessings, not constantly fighting.
My prayer is constantly, Cleanse me Lord, purify my heart, my mind, my body so that I can be filled with more of You and work in Your strength, peace and purpose.
When I am feeling heavy and weighed down, the less I want to move. Help me make room, lying it all down at Your feet and help me moooooove in body, mind and spirit Lord....
Lord, today we surrender deeper still, again, to Your calling on our lives to honor You in all we think, say and do.
Help us know how to to care for our temples, these temporary earthly vessels so our feet move with fervor and our hands hold strong the things You place in them.
Clear out the distractions and make clear our path once again.
Light up our paths and lead us. We trust You and Love You.
Forgive us when we start to fret and pull back.
Send us those 4 corner friends Lord who lead us to You in our time of need. Send us Lifters and let us be Lifters for others too.
We surrender our laziness, stubbornness, fear and pride.
We need You Lord.
Renew our minds and refresh our hearts.
To You be all the Glory forever! In Your Son's Redeeming Name, Christ our Lord,
amen.
All the Grace, Hope and Love,
Michele
If you enjoyed this guide or topic, this is what I love to talk about in the blogs! Feel free to read around! Head over to www.WhereFaithIs.com or click on the Heart Blog tab at the top and enjoy! So much love for ya!!!! HUGS!!!!
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
Do you ever feel like every thought you have is a wrestling match of good vs bad? You are afraid yet confident...excited but terrified? Anticipating yet avoiding?!? Or is it just me!?!
God is faithful and uses our tests for testimonies if we let go of fear and pride to let Him use us!! In the beginning of your personal development journey, you realize how much you don't realize about your thoughts. As much as a positive thinker I am, I have allowed fear to set up an ocean of fear that my thoughts soak in. I assumed I was just a worrier. I assumed I was just cautious. It wasn't until I began learning I could discipline and cleanse my body and my mind, renewing it day by day, in faith, with grace, through Love.
It begins with prayer. Asking and Seeking His presence first of your day, throughout your day, as you laid down your head. In our prayers, affirming Who He is as our Father and Friend. It is confessing your fears and doubts and releasing them from your control, turning them over to His control. It's adoration, sitting in worship and gratitude.
When we set our minds on things from above, our hearts and faith strengthen.
Since this learning, I am constantly soaking my thoughts in the deep living waters of faith. This is where I have found peace and joy.
There is no depth too deep, shoreline too far or hug of God too far from you. He hears you and sees you because He loves you so very much and nothing can separate you from His Sweet Love!
Fear IS a trap!
Fear IS isolating!
Fear IS suffocating!
Fear IS weakening!
Fear IS minimizing!
Faith IS strengthening!!
Faith IS plentiful!!
Faith IS reaching!!
Faith IS embolding!!
Faith conquers Fear!
Walk by FAITH, do not fear!
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”
â€â€Genesis‬ â€50:20-21‬ â€ESV‬‬
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
What a Week!!! Not only is it Easter weekend, it's also my bday week. So much LIFE to Celebrate over here!! Long story short, the Lord drew me out of drowning waters of perfection, worry, insecurity, living my life as a Check List Christian, hustling for my worth, and led me beside still waters where we sat quiet in the chaos, together.
It didn't feel quiet really, but the waters were quiet. I didn't feel peaceful at first, I was still catching my breath from treading water and tumbling about my days nearly all my life. I was exhausted and at the end of my ability to keep up the hustle. He saw me, the sheep who had meandered to the back of the pasture, struggling to keep up and in His loving kindness walked over to me, carrying me back to nearness to Him once again.
But God. He was faithful as we sat in Holy Hushed silence.
While I had known Him nearly my whole life, it was during this time I got to know His heart. Good Friday took on a whole new meaning from this birthday on. What's so good about it?!? It's the act of Love that saved my life and yours. Good Friday taught me Love in Honor rather than expectation. Christ the King surrendered. His death wasn't "good." He is good.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. His Love is Good.
My birthday week is especially special because it is my Celebration of Life date. It's the date I declared chains off, pit filled, valley conquered, heart mended, weakness overcome. April 2009 will forever be this Anniversary date in my life.
I can't help but live my life in a state of worship after living it in a lifetime of worry. He paid...it...all.
I am forever grateful for my very breath. I am forever grateful for His Heart for me, and for you too. The enemy knows this and continually works to make us small. The enemy wants us to live life overthinking, overwhelmed and busy. This is how we miss God's whispers. This is how we miss out on fellowing with Him.
Soul stillness...this is that season for me. Being still, allowing Him to lead me beside still waters. It's hard to find the words to describe it, hopefully this video I recorded helps.
Happy Easter, Happy birthday to all of us. We each have the opportunity to celebrate new life in Jesus Name, our Savior and King, Father and Friend.
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
I just didn’t know I could change. I thought I was just me. When it’s all you know, it’s simply all you know. This is why speaking life is so important along with Sisterhood, Mentorships, personal development and community.
Born into the Cradle Roll at our church by a military Dad and Friend-to-Everyone Mom, “going above and beyond and doing the right thing" was basically my DNA. You add in my shy, insecure personality and there ya have your official Shy Girl, Holy Rolly, Goodie Two Shoes, always trying to be perfect and pure, not causing any issues, church girl.
I accepted my Less-Than-Ness, fueled in the comparison game of observing the brilliance and beauty of everyone else seemingly living the perfect life. While my mindset was completely wrong, my heart was pure, desiring to be better and live "right" before God, family and others. It would be many, many years later I learned to live a life of Grace and honor rather than perfection and perception.
You don’t have to go very far online or out in the world to discover the next newest thing you don’t have and why you (apparently) need it now!
You can't help but wonder if it could be true. Those of us who struggle with insecurity are the perfect customer for these commercials. We are willing to try any and every thing out there in the quest for becoming better.
After years of self-doubt and constant fear of judgement, I collapsed under the pressure falling prostrate into a pit. Thankfully God knew I was heading that way, and He had already lined it with grace.
Grace softened my fall. It bruised me, and scared me, but it didn't kill me.
Grace caught me.
Grace said Just be you. Grace said Life is short. Grace said Worship, not worry. Grace said Fear not! Grace said I am capable and you are in My hands. Grace said Follow Me, not them. Grace said My grace is sufficient enough for you! Grace said It’s Time! Get up and go!
This is one of the things in my life I wish I would have learned sooner. I wish I would have understood Grace and more important God’s love for me. I wish I would have learned about His heart sooner rather than in my 30’s. I am forever grateful for the season in the pit, as painful as it was, I was refined and chiseled as I tumbled about.
Friend, know God loves you so much and He is near. Be courageous and confident in His Love and live in this Gift of Grace. Take time to be still and know, asking and seeking His heart for you.
By grace, you are saved and held. By grace, you are brave. By grace, you are whole! Yo are fearfully and wonderfully made with a Divine purpose meant only for YOU!! You are YOU for this very reason! He has equipped you for such a time as this!! Rise up and Go in Grace!
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
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
Let's Start out this Monday with a Confession shall we?!?!
I used to think it was a kind, humble, heroic and a Servant-Leadership quality to say YES to e v e r y t h i n g.
Whether it was for my kids, my husband, my friend, my church, my neighbor...I said Yes. People-Pleasing, yes but not in the I need their approval kind of way, rather I thought I would be exemplifying the Love of Jesus by serving and helping others if they asked.
This was a problem in 2 big ways:
1.) I burned out and found myself running on fumes trying to be everything to everyone regardless if I felt able to (or wanting to) which caused anxiety, anger, frustration, shutting down in depletion, to name a few. There were many days I felt like a Doormat. Some days I felt like a Vending Machine.
2.) I was taking someone's else's blessing of serving in their place. I was a quick Yes without praying and asking God if this was my Yes or someone else's. Which also meant that I may have missed my own Yes Blessing because I was doing theirs.
Once I crashed and burned, God sat me down for a season and said, Enough with that. I need you to meet with Me first. I AM your Yes, No, Not Yet.
This is why I am always quoting Matthew 6:33. It's so important we seek what God has prepared and planned for us. Some things may be amazing opportunities and reasons to say Yes, but if God hasn't called you to it, it will feel hard, frustrating, depleting and like you are working with weights on. You may be able to do the things, but are you supposed to be doing those things is the real question.
It's so important for so many reasons why we need to Seek Him, Ask Him, first! We can't outrun God or fall so far behind He can't bring us to the right place, but we certainly can get stuck in an unnecessary wilderness or walked needlessly the wrong way and missed out on some blessings prepared for us.
Prayerful considerations are what are stablished within learning boundaries. Boundaries for setting up the guardrail and launching pad that prayer comes first before my word is given, be it a yes or no. Boundaries for knowing where my strengths and weaknesses and allowances are.
Prayer to ask God if this is something He has set up for you. Prayer to ask God for the strength and courage to do it if you don't think you are able or qualified. Prayer to release the selfish desire to be the hero and instead step back and support the one called to so the thing. Wherever He leads, this is where I set my eyes and energy.
Of course, this I not being legalistic to ask God , My Child is sick, should I stay home with them or go shopping with a friend, Should I buy my friend a cup of coffee when we go out, Should I let someone get in line in front of me at the store because their baby is ready to go home. God gives is common sense and discernment for every day life things. Some things won't be super easy, or obvious which those are the moments we Seek Him.
Knowing we'd need Community support, encouragement and iron sharpening iron mentorships, He created us for each other to intertwine our paths. Titus 2, Proverbs 27:17...such valuable relationships (gifts) in our lives!!!!
Teaching these things to her too, my mini-me empath, generous, compassionate, people-living, God-loving Girl.
Lord, Thank You for Your loving kindness, patience and gentleness to restore, renew and return us back to You. We confess when we run ahead of You, pull us back Lord. We confess when we are stubborn or afraid and we hide behind, pull us up Lord. We need You to Lead us. Be our Guide, our Shield, our YES and AMEN!!!!
We need and love You so much, in Your Son's Merciful and Grace upon Gracious Name, amen.
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
I declared I would never fly again even though I had many miles under my belt. I took that declaration back, April 2009. Flying had become my new Goliath. I was desperate for courage like David, and the audacity of Paul. I knew the enemy wanted to keep me chained to the ground but God had prepared for me to fly.
The week to take this Fear No More flight had arrived. I had planned all week to study, exercise,, cut all caffeines and sugars, and be prepared for the flight. My check list was plentiful of all I had to do to make sure the flight was a success. Yes, notice the "I."
The very first morning of "the plan," I woke up with a fever. For 3 days, I had no energy or focus...on the week I needed it the most. Anxiety swelled within me. I had planned and prepared for NO anxiety. Apparently HE had other plans.
How was I going to have a successful flight? How was I not going to have a full out panic attack on the plane and potentially have a heart attack?
Finally, the day before the flight I woke up without any symptoms. Yah, weird, but so goes spiritual warfare.
I leaped outa bed knowing I had MUCH to do to catch up on with The Plan to take down Goliath...sooo much studying to make up for and prayers to pray, salads to eat and vitamins to take.
Then, I heard in my spirit, "Lay back down." I literally laughed, there was NO WAY I was going to lay back down, are you kidding me?! I had so much to do!!
I started to get out of bed a second time. And the voice repeated, "Lay back down." Ummmm, don't think so. But I couldn't shake that maybe, just maybe it was the Holy Spirit.
I prayed asking for discernment if this was temptation or really God? It only made sense that it was Satan not wanting me to get out of bed to work my worship.
I prayed....waiting for something...I didn't know what I was waiting for.
At first, I was a little huffy....tapping my spiritual foot on the floor anxiously anticipating an explanation of why I was here and not over there getting stuff done. There may have even been an eye roll as I yanked the covers back over my chest. I had no clue and honestly, I felt frustrated wasting my time laying there, waiting.
So, I finally just asked God, "Why am I supposed to do now? Why am I here when I need to be getting myself ready for tomorrow?" What do you want to say?
After a short Holy pause, He spoke..."I won't drop you."
It was and still remains one of the most profound moments of my life. It was more than assurance of a panic free, non-crashing, non-freaking out flight, but as a whole, God is with me, He is near, He is not going to fail me. He won't drop me. This was His Plan. He was my Way. He was My Refuge and Strength, He was my Answer. He was my Calm. HE was The Plan!
I actually laid there in a Holy Hush and realized that I had been relying on myself, and not on God. I was working in my own strength, not trusting His provision of Grace.
I had become controlling believing my success was all up to me and my efforts and ability to break the chains. I had placed my hope and success in the fruits of my own efforts.
But God!! His grace is sufficient and patience so abundant!
So the next time you prepare for battle, armor up and line up. God stands ready to fight with you, you need not fight alone!!
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
Do we really need friends?!? I didn’t used to think so. Jesus was enough of a BFF for me, so I thought. Then I wondered why I felt unseen and unbelonging.
As an Introvert, we keep a little more tucked in than those extroverted souls in our life, making the establishment of friendships like finding a needle in a haystack. Sure, we can make Virtual Friends who feel real world to us, and it’s so fun, but there's something different and special about physically close, in person, feel your energy, pray together connections.
Friendships take a lot of trust and energy and if I was honest, I just didn’t have either one to give.
Once I opened my heart to trusting God’s plan of community living, understanding the importance of iron sharpening iron, Titus 2 relationships, I began to pray for like-minded, spiritually bound, authentic relationships. These are thrilling but still scary prayers when you invite someone into the sacred space of your heart. You fear judgment, betrayal and rejection which is why not having friends seems safer.
This is the twisted truth the enemy would like you to believe.
Truth is, we were built for community and instructed to serve as one part to the many. Will everyone enter the chambers of your inner heart circle? No. You filter through prayer asking God to show you who is meant to be there for such a time as this.
Friends are important because they are the few who reach into the daily grind of life and spotlight the things in our world, calling us out in the good, and sometimes not so good. Without them, where does our heart release it’s joys and sorrows? How are we sharpened if there is no other iron?
Friends help us navigate seasons of life. A Good Friend will armor up to fight alongside you. They will sit with us beside still waters and remind us to be still and know God is near when our world feels chaotic. They share in our victories and help us laugh when we just want to cry.
Near hearted friends touch us with love and pray for us in the knowing and seeing. Genuine Sister Friends sharpen our dull edges and buff out the rough ones.
Let’s be real here too. It is work, and hurt happens. The enemy will always come against covenant connections. Keeping Christ at the center and simply being aware and honest about it guards, restores and continually binds the cord of 3 strands, not easily broken.
Good Friends are gifts from God and this requires your choosing to get out into the real world so your heart can connect with real love. Let not your heart be troubled my Introvert Sister. Let your walls down to the ones God brings into your life. You will recognize her by her boots and shovels ready to dig in, coffee and soft blankets for quiet moments, as she walks in through doors prayer opened with her love in her hand and His Love in her heart.
May this new year bring you the blessing of community and good friends! Pray for the energy and trust to not be scared or shy. It’s essential you do!
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11,19
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
