Chapter 17 - The Habit of Discipline - The Safety Zone

The past few weeks, well the past few months have been difficult for us financially. So when I read this section I realized that this is not the zone that I currently live in. I am living dangerously, going from payment to payment from clients. Bills are stacking up, and I don’t think they have ever been caught up since we were both out of work last year….To be honest, I have placed us in a tight, difficult situation…car payments behind, Verizon bill behind, house payment behind…

Foremost, I have felt the money was mine and it was mine to spend. Ok technically I did make the money, but I have contributed nothing to the house bills.  I have also realized that I can spend more than I need too, and I can rationalize each purchase, such as spending $20 here or $30 there. Spending more than I need getting grocery’s even after God has shown me on more than one occasion (several weeks) that I can feed & take care of my family on much less than I think.

God knows our strengths and our weaknesses. Satan knows our strengths and our weaknesses, and he is quick to pounce filling us up with the wrong thoughts, the wrong solutions. He likes to lead us back down the wrong road by telling us to buy this, or the money is all yours!

Its time to seek God to gain control, to become disciplined. Years ago we made the decision that I would hand my paycheck over to the significant other. It was difficult, but I knew I was bad with money. So most of my paycheck from each pay period would go into the bank account of my significant other. It’s time to reach that discipline again, to do what is what is best, and not what I want!!

Self-Discipline can be the hardest thing we can do at times. It goes against what we think we need or what we think we want, only in the end we still feel empty so we reach for more. Self-Discipline takes both strength and faith. We may sail through a day with great discipline, or we may struggle with each and every choice that we make…

Abba,

I pray that you give us the strength, and wisdom to make the right choices and lively abundantly in your safety zone.

Amen

Chapter 17 – Behavior 14 – The Habit of Discipline – Life with Limits / Expectations

I cannot believe that this is my last post for this study. I loved spending the last eighteen week with you ladies reading this book. I hope this book has changed you perspective on the way we form habits. I also hope that our blog posts have given you some great ideas on how to get started forming some of these good habits and breaking some of you bad habits.

This week we have been studying the habit of discipline. Without discipline you cannot expect to make and good habits or break any bad habits. Joyce says that we need to set healthy limits. I once herd of a women who couldn't figure out why she was gaining weight when all she had was carrots to eat for the three days prior. When her doctor asked her how many carrots was she eating she stated ten pounds per day. So you need to be smart about the goals you are setting for yourself. You need to replace you unhealthy habits with healthy ones.

I had a friend who couldn't understand why tonight at dinner she was almost ready to faint. When I asked her how many calories she had that day she told me 900. I asked her what she did that day and she told me an hour long Zumba class, an hour long spin class, an hour long cardio kick boxing class, 30 minutes in the pool and 30 minutes of weight training. I couldn't believer that she was even standing. This was her first day exercising and she went for it all. Needless to say the next day she didn't want to do anything. Start out small. As Joyce said at the beginning o the book we need to have discipline in one area before we can move on to another. Maybe today set you goal for the next 30 days to only eat 1500 calories a day. Then the next 30 days to exercise 3 days a week for 30 minutes. Then work your way up. As each 30 days pass you'll see you previous goal is now a habit and is easy and you've gained the discipline to do it without thinking.  

I know I used to carry around a lot of regret from things I did in my past that I wish I would have had enough discipline not to do. I know God has used these things for my good and used them to make me the person I am today. But today I want to use my body to be the temple that it should be for the Lord. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God's masterpiece. We don't have to do anything. He already sees us as his masterpiece. But I'd love for him to chisel me even more and make me even more beautiful to bring glory to Him.

Bring all your worries and cares to God. He has the strength to help you through anything. Rely on God an he will help you form your healthy habit. Remember to spend your time with God a if we are stagnant Satan will try and come to hurt us.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for this book and he opportunity to blog about this book with these wonderful ladies. I'm so lucky to have friends like these to support me in forming good habits and breaking bad habits. Please chisel each one of us to make us even more beautiful. Please help us to be used for your glory. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.  

Ch 16 - Adding Value to Others Recap

Adding Values to Others

We all need encouragement on our journey through life.  Adding value to others takes the focus off ourselves and causes us to focus on bringing others up.  People should never be used to get what we want.  We easily have in our power the ability to increase the sum total of the world's happiness right now, starting in our own homes and families.  The more we encourage other, the better we feel and the more joy we will have.  Let's start by noticing the good others do and making a big deal out of it. Instead of broadcasting their mistakes, let's cover those fault in mercy.  It will make us all feel better.

God Cares How We Treat People

How we treat people is important to God.  The measure of our love can be seen in how we treat people.  Some small act we consider insignificant may actually change a life.  The world needs encouragers, people that will help others without thinking what is in it for us.  People that will love others and treat them as we wish to be treated.  we need to make people feel as if they matter and are valuable.  Let's ask God to show us who needs encouragement and how we can help.  We can change the world, one person at a time.

Cheering Others On

Our goal should be to imitate Jesus, to treat others as He would treat them.  Life is not a competition.  Everything in life doesn't have to be a competition.  We can encourage others and truly be happy for their successes.  That is real success.

thoughts:

We have been called to add value to the lives of others.  We need to make it our business to sow good things into the lives of others.  In doing so we will add value and joy to our own lives.  

Chapter 16 - Habith 13 - Cheering Others On

As Christians, we are to imitate Christ Jesus.  We are to follow His example so that we may become more like Him.  The bible is full of scripture to encourage us as we walk daily with the Lord.

 

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  Philippians 2:1-4

 

We cannot imitate Christ and be jealous of our sisters.  We need to encourage one another even when we see them surpassing goals we may have set for ourselves. 

 

I started my weight loss journey by joining Weight Watchers.  I needed the accountability.  Although I wasn't one for counting points, I did learn the importance of tracking the food that went into my mouth as well as the foods to eat and which to only eat on occasion.  I liked the encouragement I received from the leaders & other members who was at the same place in life I was at.

 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1Thessalonians 5:11

 

Later in my journey, I met Kelley through online bible study and joined this group.  This group is great about encouraging & cheering each other on.   However, it can be hard, when your scale refuses to budge or your weight loss is moving at a snail’s pace and you see one of the other ladies consistently losing weight.  Each week she posts her weight as she is running out the door to run her daily 5 miles while the furthest you can seem to run is to bathroom due to all the water you are consuming now.  Don’t envy your sister but decide to follow her example.  Let her consistency challenge you to do better.  Take a look at what is going on in your life – maybe you haven’t been entirely honest about everything that went into your mouth or maybe you watched your exercise video more than you participated.  It could be you are doing everything right but your body needs a change.  You need to shake things up a little.  Share with the group what is going on and let us encourage you.  That is what is so wonderful about this group – we have all been there.  What works for one might not work for another but you will be able to get advice and find what does work for you.

 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25

 

Today I challenge you to encourage one another.  Cheer each other on to victory.  Be encouraged and challenge yourself to meet the goals you are striving for.  Set a small goal for this next week and share it.  We need each other and by encouraging others, I guarantee you will be encouraged.  God & His love is good!!   


Father I thank you for my Christian sisters who you have put in my path on this journey to tackle our temples.  I pray for each one today.  May they be encouraged to keep on keeping on.  Help us celebrate each other victories and when we fail, may we find encouragement to help us move on.  Father, please bless each lady here and her family.  May we all strive to walk in the perfect example of Jesus Christ and it is in His mighty name I pray, Amen.

 

One more week of this book – Wow!  I thank you for letting me blog about this book and I thank you for your encouragement & love.  This is such a wonderful group and I am so blessed to be a part of it!!!   See ya here next week!

 

Love, Mel.

Chapter 16 – Behavior 13 – Habits of Adding Values to Others– God Cares About How We Treat People

I remember back in middle school there was a girl who was very unpopular. I had never had a chance to interact with her so I had no clue why everyone treated her so poorly. Then one day as I was walking down the hall I saw her fall to the ground and have a seizure. I remember thinking surly this isn't why people make fun of her. But we all know how cruel middle schoolers are. This is exactly why they made fun of her. She struggled all through middle school and high school. I remember when we all turned 16 and could get our license and she couldn't because of her seizures.

About a year ago I reconnected with this person on Facebook a little over two decades out of middle school. I remember thinking how bad I felt for her then and how much I wanted to be her friend, but didn't know how. She actually thanked me for being her friend and for always talking to her. She thanked me for showing her there were good people in the word, people who cared. What I felt was an insignificant act on my part was actually something that had changed her and made her feel loved.

Joyce talks about how God cares about how we treat people. My oldest's memory verse form church has been:
The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)
If you are also part of he "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" Study you'll notice that Deuteronomy 6:5 is a part of this verse, but I wanted to focus on the last part where it says love your neighbor as yourself (See also Leviticus 19:18).

What would it look like if everyone treated their neighbors how they want to be treated? In today's me society it seems like most people only think about themselves. My husband is a teacher and he is always complaining about the younger generation and how they want everything handed to them on a platter and how they don't want to do certain activities because they cannot see what's in it for me.

In today's society where we can send a letter at a push of a button and it can be sent across the world to be read instantaneously, we can text our spouses and expect an immediate response, we can see others lives on social media, we can watch TV/news on our computers, and we can form relationships online. Who needs to leave their house?

I don't know which product it is for, but there is a commercial that has a lad looking at window displays of block parties.  It says that we should try to make our way back to that type of society. I think the world would look like a different place if we actually loved our neighbor.

So today remember God cares about how we treat people. Maybe you are walking to the bus stop on your way from work and see someone who looks upset and you wave and smile at them, maybe you great the cashier at the grocery store and ask how her day is going, maybe you go introduce yourself to your neighbor and see if they need anything, maybe you choose a employee and spend some time getting to know them a little, or maybe you invite a person who you know is struggling. This week pray to God about a task you can do to love a neighbor and then do it. Let's change the world one person at a time.

Dear God, Thank you that you care how we treat others. My prayer is for you to lay someone on each participant's heart this week that they need to help in some way.  Let them start with something small. I know that by them helping this person you have chosen for them their life will be changed. Please bless them as they help to extend your kingdom here in this broken world. Please help us to change hearts and minds one person at a time. In Jesus name. Amen.

Until next week, Agape, Kara

Behavior 13 - The Habit of Adding Value to Others - Details

Our tongue is one of the most power things we have. Just like the song by Hawk Nelson says ““Words can build you up, Words can break you down, Start a fire in your heart or Put it out.”

What I like about this chapter, it takes the focus off of us. We complain about all of our nere-do-wrongs about ourselves, making us completely self-focused. The problem with that, when we are too focused on ourselves, we tend to neglect others, or we lash out to others.

So here we are again at the cross road, and its time to take the focus off putting ourselves down and time to focus on bringing other people up. I learned a while ago as a mom and woman of our house, my words have quite the power, good and bad. My family tends to go with what I have rolling out of my mouth. When I slowed down and actually listened, realized my own negativity was quite contagious, I started to change my tune as well as others!

·       ·   “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24

·        · “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

·         · “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” Matthew 12:36

·       ·   “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3

Take the focus off of you, and build up someone else, add value to someone who seems to have low self esteem.

“You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciations to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.” – Dale Carnegie

Abba,

I pray that you give us the wisdom to choose words that will build up each other, and not brings us down. I also ask that you open our hearts, our minds, to hear you, and help us to be the encourager to others, as you are with us.

Amen

Chapter 15 - The Confidence Habit - Be Aggressive In Your Approach to Life

                 The Confidence Habit  - Be Aggressive In Your Approach to Life -

             For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
                                                                  Proverbs 3:26

Joyce tells us to be bold and aggressive, approaching each day with confidence, expecting to be successful I whatever you do.

As a child & teenager, I was very shy. I did not like going new places and meeting new people. I was not very confident. My daddy would always encourage me and would tell me as I faced going somewhere new, to act as if I owned the place. To walk in with my head held high and a smile on my face, like I was somebody. It did help. Then God gave me a confident husband – a man who never meets a stranger and enjoys talking with everyone. Over time, I have become more confident & outgoing as well.

I know that confidence comes from the Lord and my relationship with Him. As I put my faith and trust in Him. When faced with trials, I am learning to lean more on the Lord instead of trying to face them alone. I still get nervous going new places & meeting new people, but I know the Lord is always with me. I know He wants to be a part of every aspect of my life.

Each morning before getting out of bed, we need to ask God for His help to guide us about our day. We need to invite Him in our day and pray that we will recognize His nudges to follow along the path He has provided. We need to open our heart to hear God's voice & to get rid of the lies Satan has whispered in our ears. We need to rid ourselves of the lies others have told us. We are good enough. We are strong enough. We can because our confidence is found in the Lord. We can approach each day knowing that together God & I can do anything. We can approach every situation with confidence because although, we might not own the place, our Father does & He is with us.

Prayer:

Father I thank you that with You nothing is impossible. Help us to reach out to You daily for every detail of our life. Let us be bold & aggressive in our approach to life loving You and showing that love to everyone around us. May Your light shine brightly through each of us. In Jesus name I pray, 

Amen.

Until next week!

Love, Mel

Chapter 15 – Behavior 12 – The Confidence Habit - Prayer and Confidence

I'm excited to talk to you about prayer and confidence today. I was at the summer bible study I was co-leading last month last night. We were discussing how when you are a Christian all your life it is sometimes easier to take God for granted. Sometimes it is hard to turn to God in the mundane tasks of life because you've never really been without God in your life. Those of us that may have found God later in life or maybe were Christians early in life and then came back to Christ after some life changing event occurred sometimes have an easier time imagining God would  answer our prayers even if they seem trivial.

I think despite what our background is at one time in our lives we will struggle with knowing how to pray for something and have the let down when God doesn't answer our prayers the way we expect him to. One of my best examples of this is I have a friend who has been diagnosed with cancer six times in the last five years. She has undergone three gamma knife procedures for brain cancer. She has had a double mastectomy. She has had lymph nodes removed and has undergone countless rounds of radiation and chemo. My prayer is for God to heal her. But this is a double edged sword. I'm asking God to heal her but that doesn't necessarily mean her will let her live. His ultimate plan may be for her to touch many lives and bring many to him just to take her away and give her the ultimate healing in heaven. Some may see this as a let down of their prayer not being answered, but I look at it with confidence that God's will will be done and that God healed her which answered my prayer.

Right off the bat in this section Joye gives us the following verse:

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! ( John 14:13-14 NLT)

It doesn't give any conditions on what you can ask. As long as you have faith and ask in Jesus's name he will do it. Joyce also reminds us to keep asking. This isn't just a one time God please heal my friend. This is an every evening when I pray to him I ask over and over and over again until he answers my prayer.

As I read this section it reminded me of another scripture:

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?  Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!  So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. (Matthew 7:7-11 NLT)

This scripture says keep on asking and then it goes on to say "for everyone who asks, receives." Are you ready to have the confidence that God will answer your prayer? Keep asking in Jesus name and you shall receive.

Dear God,
Please give my sisters in Christ the strength to ask for what they want. Please give them the confidence to know that you will answer their prayers. My prayer is for them to always seek you. Thank you for all the prayers you've answered for this group so far. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Until next week, Kara

Behavior 12: The Confidence Habit~Inside/Out

Working in the corporate world, confidence is a must. From experience, I know that I must walk into a client's office with an air about me that identifies me as someone who KNOWS her business. I must appear professional and knowledgeable in order to gain the trust of my client.  Some of us may not have the education to back the careers we work every day; however, that lack of  knowledge is not anything the client should be able to gauge just by looking at you or hearing you speak.  We learn quickly to be completely confident in our professional selves; in our work attire.  We learn to carry ourselves in such confidence that even the local Harvard or Yale graduates don't cause us to stir uncomfortably.  This pays my salary, however;  is this the most important part of life?

How many of us waste our lives striving to improve our 'outer' lives without ever paying attention to our inner beings?   We are getting in shape by going to the gym, we buy professional clothes, we prepare dialogue, all of which continues to only build that outside persona.   What about our inner beings? How are we feeling inside as we strive for perfection in the corporate world?  Do you know someone who is just not a happy person yet is making millions along side the likes of Donald Trump?

I know many people that are miserable people. They never find positive in situations, they are always complaining or whining, they just look like they will never be happy regardless of circumstances. And the truth is, they won't.   These people are paying attention to their outer lives and not their inner lives.

Joyce says 'A confident person is at rest in her soul'.  Jesus will give us rest, ease, refreshment, recreation and blessed quiet for our souls. (Matthew 11:29) How incredible is that.   We are told to put no confidence in what we are in the flesh, on outward privileges and advantages, but instead find our confidence in Christ alone. (Philippians 3:3)

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  (Matthew 11:29)

 Last weekend I was able to attend the Proverbs 31 conference, SheSpeaks.  Although we learned about writing and speaking,  heard testimonies, met incredible women of God that were there teaching, the bottom line was and is - we must pick up our cross and carry it,  following Him - whatever the calling. Only then will we be filled with confidence inside and out.  Confidence built by carrying Him within us; by reaching out to Him for all things. We must TRUST in Him, only then will we find the confidence we strive for - Inner and Outer.

Take some time today to evaluate your confidence level. Are you different in your corporate or work world than you are in your personal life?  Do you find yourself keeping the two separate?   Think about why and what changes you may need to make to build both inner and outer confidence in Him.

Prayer:  Father today I lift up each sister here.  I pray that you are working within them, building confidence from the inside out that can be used as they witness and share to multiply your kingdom. May each sweet friend shine and show the aura of your presence within their lives, recognizing this can only come from carrying you within.

In God's Holy Light
<3 Kelley

Behavior 12 The Confident Habit – Make a decision

“Confidence is not a feeling we have; it is a right mind-set.” – Joyce Meyers

It is time for us to make the choice, the choice to be a confident woman of God. Being confident is a cognitive choice that we must make. Confidence is not an automatic response and when ole smutty face is involved, we become self-conscience and confidence goes right out the window.

The Bible tells us:

• ·         “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
• ·         “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:16
• ·         “For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” Proverbs 3:26
• ·         “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency if from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5

Our confidence comes from God himself. He gives us strength, confidence and he is with us. It is his truth in his words that we need to keep in the forefront of our minds. It is so easy for ole smutty face to plant seeds of doubt, self-conscious and place fear. When we wrap ourselves fully in Gods words, God’s truths, we can boldly take that confident step to simply be confident.

Take each decision to be confident, one step at a time. With each choice seek God first, he is your strength!

Abba,

I pray that you continue to work with each of us, giving us ears to hear you and your words. Abba, I ask that you give each of us the strength to make the decision to be confident.

Amen

Behavior 12 - The Confidence Habit - Introduction

Success comes in cans, not in can'ts. (Anonymous)

This weeks chapter comes with a burning question and it's right in the very first sentence!   Can confidence become a habit, or is it something that we must wait to feel?

I don't know about you but I'm either feeling confident or I'm not.  Sometimes something as simple as an outfit can leave me feeling very confident! I walk with my head held high and a certain energy in my step. There is an air about me that no one can touch.  But what happens when I take that outfit off and replace it tomorrow with a different one; one that doesn't make me feel so good or confident?  This confidence is stemming direct from the outfit;. Temporary confidence.  This is confidence stemming from something other than God.

Having confidence is hard.  Almost everywhere you go you will hear conversations about self-confidence.  If you have it, people see it.  It is is like you have a burning aura that outlines your body.  You stand out.  You walk with it, talk with it and there is no mistake, YOU have mastered the art of self- confidence!  But, is this confidence built in the Lord or in  YOU?

God's Word  teaches us that we need to find our confidence in Christ - not in ourselves or in anyone else. If we attempt to gain confidence by reaching out to our Holy Spirit, when we gain that confidence it will last a lifetime. The bible give us scripture after scripture full of promises that everything we need is within Him. 

Joyce gives us 5 scriptures to encourage us as we work on gaining lasting confidence in ourselves.  Those are as follows:

• You are loved perfectly and completely. (I John 4:16-18)
• You are accepted and will never be rejected by Him if you believe (John 3:18)
• You have talents and abilities (Romans 12:6)
• God created you uniquely and you should not compare yourselves with others. (Psalm 139:13-16)
• You can do whatever you need to do through Christ and not be afraid of failing. (Phil 4:14)

All of this is great information; however does knowing these scriptures exist give us that confidence we wish to illuminate from our bodies?  NO,  Joyce reminds us that we have to study The Word, we need to speak and memorize these scriptures.  We need to allow them to soak into our consciousness, to replace the negative, and any doubts.  We need to allow them to renew our minds, to change our attitudes about ourselves. It takes effort and practice.  This will not happen overnight.

We can either believe what we think and what other people say or we can believe God is the best and most reliable choice and do whatever we can to find and build our confidence with Him.

Prayer:  Dear God, please be with each of us this week.  Allow us to focus on renewal so that we can become the teachers God requires so we can spread this good news to others regarding confidence.  We love you. Honor. and Praise you.

Challenge:  Set aside some time in your journal this week to read the above scripture as well as search for additional scripture that you can share with others that need to find self-confidence, or better put - confidence in Him.

Love, Kelley

CHAPTER 15 - POSTPONED 1 WEEK

DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES OUT OF OUR CONTROL, WE WILL BE TAKING A WEEK OFF FROM OUR STUDY OF MAKING GOOD HABITS, BREAKING BAD HABITS BY JOYCE MEYER.

WE WILL RESUME ON MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013, WITH CHAPTER 15, BEHAVIOR 12:  THE CONFIDENCE HABIT.

TAKE THIS TIME TO CATCH UP ON  YOUR STUDY.   KEEP EATING RIGHT & KEEP MOVING......

LOVE YOU LADIES AND LOOK FORWARD TO BEING BACK NEXT WEEK AND FINISHING THE LAST 3 CHAPTERS.  THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT STUDY.

Chapter 14-Emotional Habits-Emotional Wounds

Chapter 14 - Emotional Reactions/Emotional Wounds

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest".  Matthew 11:28

Emotions can be no fun!  In fact for us women - emotions can be troublesome most of the time.  Our emotions drive how we behave.  If we're upset or discouraged we might fly off the handle and wreak havoc on every person in our path.   If we get our feelings hurt or we have a self-inflicted pity party,  woe be the atmosphere in our homes.   We are reacting based on our emotions - and ladies, its sad but nowhere does God come into the picture when this is happening. Chances are He does not even cross our mind.

Joyce tells us we need to develop the habit of  'remaining stable in all circumstances'.  If we allow what other people do, or situations that develop to control our behavior, then we become a 'slave' to our emotions.    We must reach out to our Father - allow Him to guide and direct us in every situation. We need to control our emotions rather than our emotions controlling us. We can't do this alone and must have the help of our Father.  AND.......

Along with emotional reactions, many of us have emotional wounds.  Very painful emotional wounds.

Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that my 'Emotional Wounds' continue to affect me today; however, I'm sure they do.  My scars are deep and they started forming when I was a little girl.  For many years I went from situation to situation - each one equally bad.  For years I took them and pushed them as far back out of my heart and mind as possible.  It was a survival mechanism for me. Even today I choose not to let myself dwell on any area that has the potential to affect me emotionally. I believe that God delivered me - He brought me 'Survival Mode'. It's true we each handle our emotions in different ways.  Unfortunately, as women we are known as 'stress' eaters or maybe 'shop-a-holics' (people who shop/get retail therapy when they are emotional).  Neither is healthy.

WebMD tells us:
 "The types of comfort foods a person is drawn toward varies depending on their mood. People in happy moods tended to prefer foods such as pizza or steak (32%). Sad people reached for ice cream and cookies 39% of the time, and 36% of bored people opened up a bag of potato chips."

I'll be honest, I don't remember to go to God every time a situation affects my life and I feel emotions kicking in. I think to myself - "I can handle this!" -  It's easier for me to bury them quickly before having to deal with additional pain.  I do realize that is NOT the answer.

We have to remember we serve a powerful and amazing God.   He represents healing and restoration. He brings comfort,  He  can deliver us from destructive emotions and free us from bondage.  He brings peace and more than anything - HE LOVE US!  Regardless of what we've done or who we are, He loves us! He is full of mercy and grace and it is ours for free!  In Matthew 11:28 He tells us to give him our burdens and He will give us rest.  We have to make turning to him for all things a priority!  Even when you think those wounds are not be affecting you - chances are somewhere in your world - they are.

Joyce tell us that the first step to freedom is to recognize why we do what we do and be determined that, with God's help, we will not stay in bondage.

Make it a habit to turn to him immediately to avoid undesired emotional reactions.

Thoughts for the day

1)  Take a minute to dig deep and recognize what your emotional habits trigger. Eating, shopping, other.  Then implement a plan to start changing your emotional behavior.

2)  Memorize Matthew 11:28- allow it to be your Go To verse when times get tough.

3)  Remember to take some time through the day to pray over your situation.  Let Go and Let God.

Prayers

Dear God, thank you for your blessings.  Thank you for each other, for the sunshine,  and for the opportunity to share.  Father, allow us to recognize our emotional wounds and help us to take steps to move forward in healthy ways.  We love you, honor, and praise you.  Amen.

Chapter 13-Behavior 10- Living with Margin

Chapter 13 - Behavior 10 - Living with Margin

Declare war on hurry, and stay in the battle until you have detected and defeated every enemy of your peace.  (Joyce Meyer)

 

Living with Margin:  Allocate more time, leave room for the unexpected

This section described me, what about you?   Joyce mentions that 'hurry could be the fruit of procrastination' - that those who wait until the last minute to do things will always be in a hurry.

I am not typically a procrastinator; however, if I am out of my comfort zone or am unsure of how to address a situation, I may procrastinate- waiting until the last minute to do what needs to be done - and then YES, I end up in  Hurry mode.   Once you get into hurry mode, the stage is set for the remainder of the day - maybe the week and it makes for time that is not very pleasant. Rushed does not equal peace.  In fact, it means exactly the opposite.

Unfortunately I am always in Hurry mode.  Not a day goes by that I don't have a million things to do and I never seem to have the ability to slow down and do things in a slower fashion.  I am sure I'm not the lone ranger, but I get that doesn't make it okay.

I don't think that being in a hurry is something that will change in my life without a lot of work; however, there are definitely things that we can work on to help with the hurried ~ not so fun days.  Here are a few of those things.

1)   Start the day with Jesus.  Read His Word, pray, and be still-  allowing yourself an opportunity to hear from Him.  Although we can't audibly hear Jesus speak to us, he does.  Take some time to get right with the Lord each day.

2)  As Joyce advised, allow extra time throughout your day to address areas that are unexpected.  Traffic is always something that tends to give even the calmest drivers road rage.  Plan smart - allocate margin.

3)  Be aware of your 'hurry' habit and take small steps to change it.  Like me, it may take awhile - but maybe, just maybe it can at least get a little better.

Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for giving us time - every day you provide a new day.  Father, may we learn to savor each minute of each day.  May we learn to slow down and take steps to break the hurry habit. May we learn to allocate margin. We love you Father and pray that all we do bring glory to you.  Amen.

Chapter 12 - The Habit of Generosity - Creatures of Habit

The Habit of Generosity - Creatures of Habit

God's timing is impeccable!  Today I'm blogging about us, creatures of habit.  Joyce's philosophy is that if we concentrate on forming good habits, the bad ones won't have any room to operate.  She says that we can form the habit of being a generous person who reaches out to others to make their lives better - THEN, those bad habits will find no place within us.  Sounds easy enough huh!?

Today in church we had an amazing message - and it was simple.  Much of this I'm taking direct from that message.

 'You can't give what you can't possess'. 

So what does this mean?

In Matthew 18:23 it talks about the servant that owed 10,000 'talents' - that is equal to 144,000 years of wages. I'm not sure about you ladies, but I definitely could not begin to pay that back!  It would take me another 144,000 years, at least!  Amazingly enough, out of compassion the debt was marked paid in full. How incredible was that!  Do you remember what happened next?  Yep, that's right.... There was man who owed the servant 100 Denarii  (equal to 100 days of wages - a little over 3 months of wages) - - - - AND, instead of paying forward the compassion shown to him, the servant threw the man in jail.  Why?  Because it is the way he's used to acting - it's all he knows......

This servant did not appreciate the mercy given to him, he didn't get it; therefore, he was unable to give that same mercy to the man that owed him.  Unfortunately, he fell into the same pattern of behavior that he had always known. 

So, yes, we are creatures of habit.  We move through life so fast and furious that most of the time we act before thinking.  We continue making bad choices.  It takes effort to do otherwise.

'Consider the mercy given to you and give away the same measure'

Do you think that once we understand the abundant mercy our Father gives us, every day of our lives, that we will then be able to share that same kind of mercy with others?  That we will be able to pay it forward?  or will we still fall into the same old bad-patterned behavior?    I think that we will be changed people, people that can share goodness with others.

What if we were a people ready to be merciful?  - generous?  - WOW!

A quote from a pastor that was shared this with us this morning is this:

'If you keep shoveling out what God gives you, He keeps on giving......and His shovel is bigger than ours'.

Time to think before we act - think about God's amazing Grace in all we do - and remember to be generous....to pass that mercy and grace forward.  This is what will be life changing!

Thought for the Day

1)  Consider what you have received from God.  Are you even aware?

2)  How will that change how you deal with others?   Will you soon begin changing those bad habits?

Prayer

Dear God,   Thank you for your never-ending mercy and grace in our lives. Father, give us a daily awareness of it and work with us as we learn to pay it forward and share it with others around us. We love you Father and are so thankful for you.  In your name we pray.  Amen.

Prayers and Praises Sunday

HAPPY LORD'S DAY SISTERS!!!  And you know what that means~~~  we get to PRAISE HIM for all the wonderful things HE is doing and lift each other up in prayer!!!    Emotional Habits.......  GOD gave us emotions!!!  Our emotions allow us to feel and experience life; we feel and we connect, we laugh and we also can empathize with others.  Those are all positive emotions, but our other emotions of sadness, fear, shame, anger aren't so positive.  As Lysa TerKeurst says in her book, "Unglued", "Remember GOD gave us emotions so we could experience life, not destroy it."  There is a discipline to our emotions and one that would serve us well to learn!!!

I've been on such an emotional rollercoaster over the last 3 weeks, I can't even being to explain.  One of extreme highs, but also extreme lows.  Weeks where there were days I didn't think I could pull myself out of bed, yet by GOD'S grace and HIS strength, I did.  I've fought going into that dark, deep pit of despair, knowing that GOD IS MY STRENGTH.  I keep reminding myself that even though I can't control my circumstances of life, I CAN control ME!!!  It's okay to be wounded, but it's NOT okay to stay wounded!!!  We all have ugly scars of life, BUT GOD takes our willingness to open up about them, being real rather than plastic and uses them to encourage us as we journey along life. 

I LOVE the promise in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, "Praise be to the GOD and Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the Father of compassion and the GOD of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from GOD.  For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of CHRIST, so also our comfort abounds through CHRIST."

Share your prayer request so we can pray for and with you, but also share the awesome, amazing things GOD is doing in your life!!

In HIM,
Kendra

Chapter 14 Emotional Habits Recap

   Self Pity

self pity - a self indulgent dwelling on one's own sorrows or misfortunes

Bet you never thought of it like that, did you?  I sure didn't!  I use to throw huge pity parties for myself. Not a pretty sight.

How do we stop the pity parties?  First, we need to learn to recognize the problem BEFORE the party gets into full swing.  Secondly we need averse to hold on to, to cling to when the party starts.  Then give it to God/  Let go of the issues, forgive and let it go.  Finally, develop a grateful heart.  Count your blessings.  Thank Him for even the smallest things.  Breathe deeply and look to God.

Control Your Temper

Temper is a symptom - self is the disease

I love that quote.  It hits right at the heart of the matter - self.  We have the choice to control our temper, the decision is ours to make.  Anger is more harmful to us than to those we are angry with.  We know anger isn't good.  It can eat away at our insides and erode our peace.  Yet sometimes we don't want to face the fact that we lose our tempers.  But we can, and should, admit our flaws to God.  Even the emotions we wish we didn't have.  When we spend time with God we can bring our emotions into His light and He will help us deal with them.  Then we can live in peace.

Righteous or Unrighteous Anger

Righteous anger - anger directed toward evil

Unrighteous anger - anger directed towards the inconveniences of life

Unrighteous anger is dangerous.  It happens when we don't get our way, because we can't get or do what we want.  It causes our mouth to work faster than our minds.  It is hurtful to others and ourselves.

When we deal with our unrighteous anger we feel better about ourselves and our circumstances.  We can focus on our goals.  Look for the underlying cause of the anger.  Then address the issue instead of giving into the symptoms.  It doesn't mean we won't ever get angry again but we will be better able to cope with our unrighteous anger.  

thoughts:

Anger robs us.  Self pity enslaves us.  Yet the choice is ours.  We can choose to act in the manner Jesus would or we can react in an emotional manner, allowing our emotions to control us.  God wants us to use wisdom to make decisions instead of letting our emotion guide us.  We cannot walk in the spirit and be led by emotions.  We will always have emotions but we cannot rely on them.  however, we can mange them instead of repeatedly riding the emotional roller coaster.  When we learn to live beyond our  feelings victory is possible.  Live by His Word instead of how you feel.

Father we thank you for free will.  WE thank you that we can choose not to let our emotions control us. instead choosing to live by the wisdom of your Word.  We admit this is not always an easy choice and we need your help, sometimes minute by minute, to make the right choice.  Continue to guide us as we choose to exchange bad habits for good ones.  Increase our strength as we deal with our emotional habits.  Help us as we grow into the women you created us to be  In Jesus name we pray, amen.  So be it!

Chapter 14 – Behavior 11 – Emotional Habits - Righteous or Unrighteous Anger

Vines defines anger as both a verb and a noun. As a verb it means "To get angry, be angry" and refers to the "burning of anger" as in Jonah 4:1. This verb appears 92 times in the bible according to Vines. It also says that the "Causative stem means "To become heated with work" or "with zeal for work"." As a noun it appears 41times. It refers to " anger as that which is "burning". It first appears in Exodus 32:12." Anger is thought to be one of the strongest of all passions.

Joyce talks about righteous versus unrighteous anger. Joyce defined righteous anger as that which is directed towards evil. Think about someone who sins constantly and while you may love them you are angry at them for their destructive behavior. She defies unrighteous anger as that directed towards the inconveniences of life. Anger because we didn't get our way, anger because we were looked over once again for the position we wanted, or anger at ourselves because we feel we will never change and always be fat.

I struggled with unrighteous anger after birth of our twins, the stress of moving and trying to make new friends. I was angry at everything, but especially my husband and kids. My husband took the brunt of it as we moved for his job. We knew it was where God wanted us to be, but that didn't make me any less angry at him. I especially struggled when he was working long hours after he promised it would be less hours than his last position.

During that time a friend recommended a bible study called "She's Gonna Blow" by Julie Ann Barnhill. I started to read it and couldn't believe how out of control my anger was. I wasn't at any of the extremes with anger, but none the less I was angry and needed to change.

As I read i remember thinking I should be thankful for all I have but instead I was miserable because of what I didn't have. I wanted friends like I had in Pittsburgh which takes time to make and energy which I didn't have cause of premie twins and a 2 year old. Also to make friends you have to leave the house which wasn't looked gladly upon by our pediatrician since it was cold and flu season the girls could get really sick.

Julie Barnhill said in that book that some factors that lead to anger are:
1. We need someone to "hear" us
2. We need raw honesty
3. We feel guilty
4. We feel alone
5. We feel overwhelmed
6. We have regrets
Can you relate to any of these? I know during this time I related to every one of these.

In an attempt to make friends I googled online bible study. I found Melissa Taylor's website. I remember thinking this is exactly what I need. God brought me there which has lead me here. 18 months later and I'm a new person. Sometimes I don't even recognize myself. I was on date with my husband last week in a strapless dress I haven't worn for over four years. We were walking and I happened to glance in the building next to us and thought "Wow, look at how beautiful that women is!" And then I realized it was me. I was shocked at this realization.

By dealing with anger I felt better about myself and everything else around which aloud me to focus on my goals. This doesn't mean that I sometimes still not get angry.  I was reading my MOPS email yesterday and it reminded me about the HALT acronym. HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. This acronym is also used in alcohol and drug recovery programs. The point of it is as you start to feel a disagreement beginning with you kids or spouse or those around you HALT and ask yourself if you are hungry, angry, lonely or tired. For me if I'm hungry, lonely, or tired I'm usually angry too. I also have a tendency to eat and not the right things. Try it next time and see if you can come to the crux of your behavior.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to study this book. Please help each of us deal with our anger. Please help us to distinguish between righteous a unrighteous anger. Please help us to HALT when we feel a disagreement starting so that we can be shining lights for you. Please bless each lady this week as they continue their weight loss journey. In Jesus name I pray. amen.

Chapter 14 – Behavior 11 – Emotional Habits - Control Your Temper

Temper is a symptom – self is the disease.

We live in an imperfect world with constant demands and great expectations.  In this crazy thing we call life, it is easy to become angry & lose our peace.  Joyce tells us we can develop the habit of staying peaceful.  We are in control of our temper – it is our choice to make.

I have told you before how God is amazing me by tying together this study with other things I ready.   One of my favorite daily reads is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  Yesterday, the topic was self pity.  Today’s message was “Come away with me for a while.  The world with it’s non-stop demands can be put on hold.”  On July 19, it says “Bring me all your feelings, even the ones you wish you didn’t have”.  It goes on to say that feelings per se are not sinful, but they can be temptations to sin.

I am not an angry person but when stressed and the demands of life overwhelm me, it is easy for me to lose my temper.   By spending time daily with God, we can bring our emotions into His light where He will be help us deal with them.   Spending time with God should be our highest priority and our deepest joy.

Today as you struggle to hold your temper, stop, count to 10 and breathe deeply.  Call out to God for his help.  Learning to live in peace is not only good for those around you but also for your health. 

The following health problems can result from unmanaged anger:

• Headaches
• Digestive issues
• Insomnia
• Increased anxiety
• Depression
• Skin Issues
• Heart Attack
• Stroke

If stress is causing you to experience anger or is making "controlling your temper" harder to do, first take it to God but also try adding exercise to your daily routine.  Regular exercise can improve the mood and reduce stress levels.

Father, your love for us is amazing.  I thank you for Your word which is a light for our path in our daily lives.  Father may we spend time daily with you and meditating on the bible.  We know that our words can do so much harm.  Help us to control our temper.  You have called us to love one another as you love us.  Help us to do just that by following the perfect example of Jesus Christ.  I thank you for this study and for this group of women.  Please bless each of their homes this week.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Until next week!

Lots of love,

Melanie

Chapter 14 Behavior 11 - Emotional Habits - Self Pity

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines self-pity as: “pity for oneself; especially: a self-indulgent dwelling on one's own sorrows or misfortunes”

We all have gotten to this point, we have sunk down to the level of simply feeling sorry for ourselves. A bad day, bad month, or even bad year(s). Micah 7:1-2: “Woe is me! I am like the one who gathers summer fruit, when the vines have been gleaned There is no cluster to eat, no early fig that I crave. The faithful have vanished from the earth, no mortal is just! They all lie in wait to shed blood, each one ensnares the other.” Oh woe is me!

Self-Pity is another bad habit. It can lead to depression, lead to feeling defeated, lead to feelings of worthless ness and despair. It is a habit that the devil likes and dances on the sidelines cheering us as we go down this road. It’s a habit that takes our focus away from God, leaving us questioning if God is really there. Psalm 13:1 “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hind your face from me?”

For years I lived with the self-pity attitude. My first husband was addicted to porn, and verbally abusive. Through-out my marriage and years after we have separated I carried that self-pity burden. Woe is me, I lived with that. Woe is me, I have low self-esteem. Woe is me, I am not good enough. The list can go on and on…   

What do we do? What can we do? We can look to God.

1. Learn to recognize when we are beginning to sink into self-pity
2. Find a verse in the bible that shows you the promise of God’s word.

-      Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

-      Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

1. Give it to God. Let go of the anger, the hurt feelings, and simply forgive and let go.
2. Start to have a grateful heart. Begin to look for things to thank God for, even the smallest of things.

The next time you start down the path of self-pity, stop, look to God and breathe knowing He is God.

Abba,

I just want to thank you for Your love and for all you do for us. Lord I ask that you teach us to open our hearts to you, allowing us to come to you when self-pity tries to take hold. Abba, I ask that you give each of us discernment, wisdom and guidance to know when self-pity is begin to enter our minds, and show us your all-consuming love so that we can let self-pity go and not allow it to take root.

Amen

Praises and Prayers Sunday

HAPPY LORD'S DAY SISTERS!!!  It's our Prayers and Praises Day!!!  GOD'S perfect timing!!!  I don't know about you, but this chapter spoke to my heart is HUGE ways!!!  I am learning SO much in the midst of a major life event; one that GOD just continues to say, "Trust ME, wait for ME, MY timing is perfect!!"  I'm SUCH an impatient person, I think I know what's best for me.  I've been praying a prayer now for almost 7 years and at so many times thought GOD wasn't hearing, that HE wasn't listening, convinced that this prayer would never come to fruition.  Are you in a waiting place??  Are you thinking those same thoughts I've had over these last 6-3/4 years??  Are you desperately waiting for GOD to answer a prayer!!!  Sisters, I'm here to tell you, "DON'T give up!!" 

Psalm 37:4 reminds us, 'Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.'  Wow! What an amazing promise. If you delight yourself in God HE will give you what you want, that is the desires of your heart. Don't get me wrong, He isn't going to start giving you the best cars, the nicest house and lots of material things, because God isn't concerned with those things. He wants you to 'delight' in Him, ie. to seek Him and to love Him and spend time with Him in prayer and Bible study. If you are seeking after God in this way, the desires you'll have will be to serve HIM and to always live according to what the Bible says.  During this waiting period, immerse yourself in HIM, seek HIM with your whole heart, focus on changing yourself, not on the things you can't control.   David goes on in Psalm 37, "'Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.' (NIV).

These past 2 weeks have in many ways been the most painful weeks of my entire life, yet I committed this storm to GOD, as hard as it's been, I've truly been thanking HIM for this, trying my hardest to look at this as a blessing instead of a disaster.  Every time the enemy tried to convince me otherwise, I kept drawing on HIS promises.  'But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.' (Isaiah 40:31) (NKJV).

Wait on the Lord. Be patient. Trust in God's perfect timing and he will answer you. Then you will hear him directing you.  As much as I've wanted to take this situation in my own control, the HOLY SPIRIT kept reminding me of that promise in Isaiah!!!

One of my new favorite promises comes from Habakkuk 2:3 'For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.'

Sisters, if you're waiting on GOD to answer a prayer, take heart!!!  Be patient, wait on HIM and HIS perfect timing.  HE IS FAITHFUL!!!  Today, I am humbled beyond any words I could possibly say at how HE is working, at the miracles that HE is performing!!!

Share your prayer requests and your praises so we can pray with and for you and also thank HIM for all HE'S doing in your lives!!!

BE BLESSED IN HIM,
Kendra

 

Ch 13 The Hurry Habit - Recap

The Hurry Habit

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways - James 1:8

Did you ever think being in a hurry makes you unstable? Rushing around, mind flitting from one thing to the next, unfocused, worrying about being late?  Doesn't sound stable, does it?  The hurry habit makes us anxious and stresses us out.  There are no benefits to the hurry habit.  So, why on earth would we want to put ourselves through that?  Especially when we can put our trust in The Lord, who is never late and never hurries. Trusting in His perfect will for our time, our schedules, our lives brings calm and His peace to us even in the most tumultuous times.

Is God in a Hurry?/Set an Overload Alarm

Never be in a hurry, do everything quietly and in a calm spirit - St Francis de Sales

Are we settling for something less than God's perfect will for our lives simply because we are in a hurry?  Do we fully enjoy God's daily blessings in our lives? Or do we miss them because we are bouncing from one thing to the next, trying to check off our To-Do list?  Our focus needs to be adjusted, our priorities reset.  If our focus is on God, He will help us remain calm and stable, allowing us to be more observant of the delights He has in store for us.

How?  How do we keep ourselves from losing focus, from becoming overloaded? We start by slowing down, by spending time each day in silence and solitude deliberately seeking God's presence, by stopping to smell the roses and recognizing the lavish love He pours out on us each day.  God loves to delight us, yet so often we hurry past things intended to make us smile & feel loved. We need to take time to think about how we are living our "dash"

The Benefits of Hurrying

There is more to life than increasing it's speed - Gandhi

To me, that title is an oxymoron.  What do we really gain from hurrying?  We think hurrying helps us get more done, gives us more time to do more things.  Maybe it does.  But, how well are we doing them? Hurrying also decreases our time with our loved ones and what time we do spend with them probably isn't as enjoyable as it could be because we are already hurrying on to the next thing.  We lose more than we gain.  What we gain - Anxiety, impatience, irritation and stress - is really not that beneficial at all.

Get Started Right

Joyce tells us that if we started our day right, the rest of the day will go better.  What is the "right" way? Spending quiet time alone with God.  Asking for His help, His presence in our day.  Breathe deeply and reminded yourself , with God's help "I will not hurry today". Do this each time you feel harried or rushed.  The God habit is the basis for forming all other good habits.  Don't hurrying your way out of His blessings.  Don't allow hurry to steal your joy or your peace.

thoughts:

I really thought I was going to get through this chapter without getting my toes stepped on.  Wrong!  I hate to hurry.  I hate to feel rushed.  Just the word hurry makes me feel anxious. I do what I can to avoid hurrying.  So I was feeling pretty good about this chapter..UNTIL...I read the getting started right blog.  I have daily quiet time with God each weekday morning for at least 15 minutes so I thought I had this aced too.  Until I read "What is the first thing we are likely to hurry through?  That's right, our time with God."  Uh oh - OUCH!  That's the one thing we shouldn't rush.  I try not to, but if I'm tired, running a bit behind or trying to log into work - you get the picture.  When I should be giving God my undivided attention, a million other things are vying for my attention.  When I feel rushed, God doesn't get my best.  And I REALLY need that time with Him!  It requires discipline and sometimes I get slack with it.  I also need to be more consistent with my quiet time on the weekends.  Sometimes it is nonexistent on the weekend. I was looking for pictures to add when I came across the quote above.. Ouch again!  I care about my quiet time and my relationship with God.  But, to God it must seem like I am hurrying on to other things.  And that is unacceptable, it is not what I intended.  So, OUCH, OUCH, OUCH!

Father, please forgive us when we hurry, especially when we hurry in our time with You.  Help us put the God habit first then slow down & enjoy our time with You.  When we slow down, we can appreciate the delights You set in our paths each day.  Trusting in Your perfect timing for our lives allows us to remain calm and at peace. Remind us there is nothing good to gain from hurrying.  Show us how to eliminate the hurry habit from our lives.  Thank you for helping us form good habits.  Thank you for Your love and patience as we work with You to become all You desire us to be.  In Jesus name, Amen  So be it!