This post will be short. I saw a rainbow today. It reminded me of God's promises. Not so much the promise that the rainbow represents, but the personal promises that have yet to come to fruition. If you believe in God, what are the personal promises that He's made to you? If you do not (and I hope that someday you will), what promises have you made to yourself--promises that seem so far away or as if they will never become a reality?
In both cases, remember the promises. It will help you to continue on this path of change.
"God is not like people, who lie; He is not a human who changes his mind. Whatever he promises, he does; He speaks, and it is done." (Num 23:19 GNB)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Is It In You To Finish? (Part 1)
[Edit on 10/4: Okay, I realized that my original post was a tad long in the tooth for one blog post. Lol (or laugh out loud). I'm going to break it up into four parts.]
This entry will take a different route than the ones posted previously. Last Sunday I was permitted to be one of the speakers to address our church's congregation for Teen Sunday. I am thankful to God for the opportunity. This was the message that was presented. My question for you today is, "On your path/journey of change, do you have strength to see it through to the end?"
Hoping the best for you,
Clarissa
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” - Matt. 27:46
Topic: A God-Ordained Hurt
Subtopic: A Monumental Blessing.
A monumental blessing can come from a God-ordained hurt. First, let’s look at the word monumental. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, definitions for monumental are very great or massive, and a definition for massive is impressively large. Let’s hold these definitions in mind and move to the phrase a God-ordained hurt. What does ordain mean? It means to issue an order. Why would God issue an order to bring hurt into our lives? What benefit could we receive from this hurt? God wants to bless you in such a monumental way that not only will you glorify Him, but those around you will glorify Him as well. However, in some cases, in order to give you that blessing God needs to remove those mindsets that confine Him, thereby preventing Him from moving as greatly as He desires in our lives.
Take the story of Lazarus’ death found in John chapter 11 as an example. Lazarus was sick unto death, and a message was sent to Jesus that the one He loved was sick. When the message was delivered, instead of immediately leaving the town He was in, Jesus stayed for two days. By the time Jesus arrived where Lazarus was, Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. In his death, Lazarus left behind two sisters, Mary and Martha. Both sisters believed that if Jesus had been there Lazarus wouldn’t have died. What caused Jesus to stay behind? Why did He not move sooner? Why did He allow Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, to suffer through a time of mourning when He could have easily healed Lazarus? Because this was a God-ordained hurt meant to bring about a monumental blessing. As Jesus says in vs 4, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” In the town of Bethany, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Before Lazarus’ death, there were people that believed that Jesus had the ability to heal. However, after Lazarus was raised from the dead, these people understood that Jesus was more than a healer; they knew that He was the very Son of God. Mary and Martha’s hurt and pain through the death of their brother was deep, but it was his death that brought about a monumental blessing that expanded the confined mindsets of the people and brought glory to God.
To read part 2 of this entry, click here.
This entry will take a different route than the ones posted previously. Last Sunday I was permitted to be one of the speakers to address our church's congregation for Teen Sunday. I am thankful to God for the opportunity. This was the message that was presented. My question for you today is, "On your path/journey of change, do you have strength to see it through to the end?"
Hoping the best for you,
Clarissa
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” - Matt. 27:46
Topic: A God-Ordained Hurt
Subtopic: A Monumental Blessing.
A monumental blessing can come from a God-ordained hurt. First, let’s look at the word monumental. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, definitions for monumental are very great or massive, and a definition for massive is impressively large. Let’s hold these definitions in mind and move to the phrase a God-ordained hurt. What does ordain mean? It means to issue an order. Why would God issue an order to bring hurt into our lives? What benefit could we receive from this hurt? God wants to bless you in such a monumental way that not only will you glorify Him, but those around you will glorify Him as well. However, in some cases, in order to give you that blessing God needs to remove those mindsets that confine Him, thereby preventing Him from moving as greatly as He desires in our lives.
Take the story of Lazarus’ death found in John chapter 11 as an example. Lazarus was sick unto death, and a message was sent to Jesus that the one He loved was sick. When the message was delivered, instead of immediately leaving the town He was in, Jesus stayed for two days. By the time Jesus arrived where Lazarus was, Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. In his death, Lazarus left behind two sisters, Mary and Martha. Both sisters believed that if Jesus had been there Lazarus wouldn’t have died. What caused Jesus to stay behind? Why did He not move sooner? Why did He allow Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, to suffer through a time of mourning when He could have easily healed Lazarus? Because this was a God-ordained hurt meant to bring about a monumental blessing. As Jesus says in vs 4, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” In the town of Bethany, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Before Lazarus’ death, there were people that believed that Jesus had the ability to heal. However, after Lazarus was raised from the dead, these people understood that Jesus was more than a healer; they knew that He was the very Son of God. Mary and Martha’s hurt and pain through the death of their brother was deep, but it was his death that brought about a monumental blessing that expanded the confined mindsets of the people and brought glory to God.
To read part 2 of this entry, click here.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Break Is Over
Okay. If you've been on a break, it's time to end it. What type of break am I referring to? The one where you've grown tired of fighting, of struggling, and simply of waiting. You're tired of fighting with those around you or you're tired of fighting with yourself by continually wondering why you're not changing (or why you've stopped changing). You're tired of struggling with the old habits you're having to break and the new habits you have to learn in order to change. Finally, you're tired of simply waiting. What is taking so long anyway? Something, anything, substantial should have happened by now, right?
Well, it's time to remind ourselves that change takes time. Anything that is rushed has a shoddy result. Even if the result isn't shoddy, it isn't as good as it could have been if more time had been taken. Have you ever seen a building that was built too quickly? On the surface it may be beautiful, but soon you start to notice the beauty is superficial. The roof leaks in spots, the floorboards weren't glued down well, and you're starting to see a crack or two in the ceiling. If a little more time had been taken during construction, maybe these problems would have been avoided.
The point I'm trying to make is that during out times of waiting we get a chance to develop as individuals. This is a time for our personal issues to be corrected or for the emotional baggage we've carried to be healed. In turn, our character is strengthened and things that once bothered us no longer do. This is good, because this strengthening brings about a greater determine and resolve that will be needed for the next leg of our journey. In other words, this is our preparation time for what lies ahead.
So let's get off of our break and get back to this journey of change.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; (Ecclesiastes 3:1,3b KJV)
Well, it's time to remind ourselves that change takes time. Anything that is rushed has a shoddy result. Even if the result isn't shoddy, it isn't as good as it could have been if more time had been taken. Have you ever seen a building that was built too quickly? On the surface it may be beautiful, but soon you start to notice the beauty is superficial. The roof leaks in spots, the floorboards weren't glued down well, and you're starting to see a crack or two in the ceiling. If a little more time had been taken during construction, maybe these problems would have been avoided.
The point I'm trying to make is that during out times of waiting we get a chance to develop as individuals. This is a time for our personal issues to be corrected or for the emotional baggage we've carried to be healed. In turn, our character is strengthened and things that once bothered us no longer do. This is good, because this strengthening brings about a greater determine and resolve that will be needed for the next leg of our journey. In other words, this is our preparation time for what lies ahead.
So let's get off of our break and get back to this journey of change.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; (Ecclesiastes 3:1,3b KJV)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
My "Get Up an Go" Is Gone. What Happened?
What has happened to your "get up and go"? Does it feel as if it has disappeared? Are you feeling sluggish, overly tired (but you can't determine a particular reason), or simply just unmotivated? Maybe the following blog entry by JJ Reich will help.
Just Not Feeling Up To Much Today?
"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12 KJV)
Just Not Feeling Up To Much Today?
"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12 KJV)
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thinking + No Action = No Results
Have you ever thought about doing something...and thought about it...and thought about it? That something could have been an idea to research, a goal to begin, a letter to write, a closet to organize, etc. Did you get that something done without taking action? My question to you today is do you still have that something on your mind? If you already took action, is there something else on your mind? If so, what's stopping you from taking action?
It's a simple statement, but just thinking about something does not bring about your desired result. Mark Joyner, the creator of Simpleology, uses the following example to illustrate this point. Let's say that you wanted a drink of water. Literally take a glass of water and sit it in front of you. Now, think these thoughts
Ok, did you try it? What was your final result? Thinking + no action = no results. Now do this. Reach out, take the glass in your hand, and take a drink of water. How simple was that? In this case, thinking + action = desired result.
"Nice illustration", you might say, "but the action required for my thought isn't that simple". Not to wear on your nerves, but my response to that is, "So?" So your thought requires more than just one simple step. Why not determine what the steps are, write them down, and then take the first step? Then you could take the next step and the one after that until you have achieved your desired result.
What have you been thinking about lately? What's stopping you from taking action to bring about your desired result?
"The LORD gave me this answer: "Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance." (Habakkuk 2:2 GNB)
It's a simple statement, but just thinking about something does not bring about your desired result. Mark Joyner, the creator of Simpleology, uses the following example to illustrate this point. Let's say that you wanted a drink of water. Literally take a glass of water and sit it in front of you. Now, think these thoughts
"I want a drink of water."
"It would be nice to have a drink of water."
"Please, Mr. Water, come and fill my belly!"
[Make-up your own thoughts here]
Ok, did you try it? What was your final result? Thinking + no action = no results. Now do this. Reach out, take the glass in your hand, and take a drink of water. How simple was that? In this case, thinking + action = desired result.
"Nice illustration", you might say, "but the action required for my thought isn't that simple". Not to wear on your nerves, but my response to that is, "So?" So your thought requires more than just one simple step. Why not determine what the steps are, write them down, and then take the first step? Then you could take the next step and the one after that until you have achieved your desired result.
What have you been thinking about lately? What's stopping you from taking action to bring about your desired result?
"The LORD gave me this answer: "Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance." (Habakkuk 2:2 GNB)
Friday, June 26, 2009
What Are You Thinking?
Do you stop to take the time to reflect on what you're thinking about? Do we take the time to consider that our thoughts affect our action?
What are your thoughts telling you? Are they telling you that the task ahead is too hard or that you don't have the talent or skills to achieve your goals? Are they telling you that you're too tired/lazy/good-for-nothing to continue on this road or that failing is more likely to occur than succeeding?
Believe it or not, your thoughts can be a greater hindrance to your success than lack of ability or people trying to prevent you from reaching your goals. If you think that you can't--no matter how valid your reasoning is--you won't. Period. However, if you allow yourself the chance to try, whatever it may be, you're giving yourself the chance to be pleasantly surprised by the results.
What have you been telling yourself that you can't do lately? What if you permitted yourself to believe that you could do it? What steps would you take to make it happen if you thought you could do it? Why not try that today. Say to yourself, "If I wanted to achieve [insert your goal here], what do I need to do to do this?"
If your thoughts tend to have a negative spin, change them. Allow yourself to believe that you can, and watch how things begin to change in your actions and in your outlook towards yourself.
What are you thinking?
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7a KJV)
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things." (Phillipians 4:8 .NET)
What are your thoughts telling you? Are they telling you that the task ahead is too hard or that you don't have the talent or skills to achieve your goals? Are they telling you that you're too tired/lazy/good-for-nothing to continue on this road or that failing is more likely to occur than succeeding?
Believe it or not, your thoughts can be a greater hindrance to your success than lack of ability or people trying to prevent you from reaching your goals. If you think that you can't--no matter how valid your reasoning is--you won't. Period. However, if you allow yourself the chance to try, whatever it may be, you're giving yourself the chance to be pleasantly surprised by the results.
What have you been telling yourself that you can't do lately? What if you permitted yourself to believe that you could do it? What steps would you take to make it happen if you thought you could do it? Why not try that today. Say to yourself, "If I wanted to achieve [insert your goal here], what do I need to do to do this?"
If your thoughts tend to have a negative spin, change them. Allow yourself to believe that you can, and watch how things begin to change in your actions and in your outlook towards yourself.
What are you thinking?
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7a KJV)
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things." (Phillipians 4:8 .NET)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
"Practical Tips On Reducing Stress" by Joyce Meyer
The following article is from Joyce Meyer. Her message is that our outlook can help to determine our stress level.
Practical Tips On Reducing Stress
26 Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than they are?
27 And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life? (Matthew 6:26-27 .NET Bible)
Practical Tips On Reducing Stress
26 Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than they are?
27 And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life? (Matthew 6:26-27 .NET Bible)
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