Spiritual fitness is to the soul what physical fitness is to the body. EL

 Wednesday’s Word

Have you ever heard of “The 7 Sins,” or “The 7 Presumptuous Sins”? Actually, I’ve heard these phrases several times and have been curious about their origin and meaning, but I just haven’t gotten around to studying them…that is until a sweet, sweet young lady that I’ve been mentoring pointed them out with a question.

She showed me a passage of scripture she had circled and outside of the circle was a big question mark. It was this portion of scripture, Proverbs 6:6-19, and as soon as I read it, I had my own a-ha moment for finally I was reading about “The 7 Sins”! To paraphrase, they are: pride, envy, lust, gluttony, anger, greed or sloth. Let’s push the pause button right here!

What caused my heart to pitter-patter was the definition for the 7^th sin, sloth. Sloth means “the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.” 

I must admit, I’m ecstatic to see that “spiritual” work is included! What does “spiritual work” mean to you?

We all encounter slothful or lazy people but how would you describe someone who is spiritually slothful? We are told in Philippians2:2 that we are to work out our salvation…and I do believe that is a daily workout! When I go to the gym, I usually have a routine, if you will, to exercising. I usually start with some cardio, and then I concentrate on at least two muscle groups. And I don’t take a long time to do it, but I get it done!

What does a spiritual workout look like? Now, don’t misunderstand me and think I’m saying our salvation is procured by works because it’s not. Our salvation is procured by grace, not works, but it is an exercise to be completed daily; otherwise, how will your spiritual muscles grow?

Diet and exercise do not just apply to the physical being! We are created mind, body and soul and when we feed and/or exercise the body without feeding and/or exercising the soul, we are out of balance. It’s kind of analogous to a car without the fourth tire, or a boat without a captain, or even more dramatic and traumatic, a plane without a pilot.  We’ve got to avoid becoming an emotional wreck and out of balance as a result of spiritual slothfulness. 

To create a spiritual diet, think of it as Digesting Internally Eternal Things.  What does that mean? Well I’ll answer with a question: Did you know what goes in is what comes out?   What are you taking in with your eyes, ears and mind…spiritually? You can always begin your spiritually fit routine with prayer! He loves it when you talk with Him and consistent communication with Him is sure to grow your spiritual muscles! Start planning your spiritual diet that you may become spiritually fit and not considered spiritually slothful!

Thoughtfully,

Kim-Evinda

No storm is higher than our Resurrected Jesus! EL

What if we were to treat every Friday like Good Friday? In fact, after refreshing my memory of the details of the most horrific crucifixion in history, shouldn’t every day be a good day? Funny thing is our Friday writer obviously thought the same thing.

Welcome to Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Faith-Filled Friday with Trench Classes United and Ashley.

As Easter approached, I began reading in the book of John. It is a very powerful experience to walk down memory lane of what Jesus went through, all so we could have access to His father and the gift of eternal life. As I read, I wrote this from my heart a little recap of what Jesus went through and all that illuminated on that glorious third day. I encourage you to read John chapters17-20.

Father you sent your only son to come and fix an undone world.

You sent Him to show your pure and perfect love. Oh, but few believed and received what your precious son had to bring. He walked the earth fulfilling your will, spreading your righteous and holy love.

Jesus came with a mighty power to heal and save; yet, the world was afraid that the power they held dear to them would be taken away. Oh Lord, you knew their hearts would be hardened and full of pride and self-righteous thoughts.

Jesus came so humbly on Palm Sunday riding a lowly donkey. He came riding in as our humble King to save us all. Many came with palm branches and their precious clothing to lay before our Lord to praise Him with their sacrifices.  However, the men in higher power feared Jesus’ power and plotted on how to get rid of Him.  They took Jesus and had Him beaten…for crimes he didn’t commit.

As He was stripped of His clothes and mocked for all to see, He never gave up on you and me. Jesus full of Gods power could have struck us all dead. Instead, Jesus endured the blows of all of our sins and a crown of thorns was placed upon His head. Thorns are like sins…they taunt, torture, and tear a soul apart.

Why did He do this? So we wouldn’t have to bear our own thorns.

He looked up on the cross and cried out on our behalf “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do!” Oh what love is this, that He bears our cross? As He gave His last breath, it was finished! Until three days later, when after He had died, He rose again! 

 Coffee hour friends, though Easter has come and gone, may I encourage you to always remember what Jesus has done for you and me. As we go through our day to day life, we can tend to forget the details of all that it cost for our eternal freedom.

Perhaps you’re struggling right now with circumstances in your life; can I encourage you to remember the Easter story that you would remember that you are not alone, beloved. Jesus suffered it all and knows exactly where we are and what we are going through. He will provide a way for you no matter how big the storm He awaits you to invite Him into what He’s already calmed!

 HE IS RISEN

Ashley

The more we meet with Him, the easier it is to hear Him in the loudness of life -EL

“How did you end up here?” the Oncology Nurse questioned, after reviewing my unremarkable medical history. “Divine intervention,” I replied. Her eye brows frowned at me over the rim of her glasses. “You must have had some symptoms,” she replied...

Welcome to Coffee Hour at Chicklit Power and Megan’s Monday Mantra with Trench Classes United.

Truth be known, I did have one significant symptom – and that was the Lord prompting me to get off my hind-end and go to the doctor for a chest ex-ray!

My seasonal allergies did feel worse than normal and I was a bit more tired than usual, but

 “In the World According to Dave” (that would be my husband), these were just normal signs of aging. Plus, I was still mourning the loss of my Mother. I credited feeling less than my best to emotional distress or depression - until one early morning, when the Lord’s prompting broke through.

After a heated argument with my Doctor who believed that my stuffed-up nose and congestion-free lungs did not warrant a chest ex-ray, he relented and wrote the order. Forty-eight hours later I was summoned back for more tests. The diagnosis of probable early stage non-smoker’s lung cancer and major lung surgery was the result.

I was healthy - I was symptomless - and it is rare to detect early stage lung cancer.

WHAT IF I HAD FAILED TO FOLLOW THE PROMPTING OF THE LORD? I would not be cancer free today.

How do we know it is God prompting us and not just something we conjured up ourselves? That is always my biggest concern. Scripture tells us we were created to know God in a personal way. In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” We were created to have a relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Everything starts and ends with our relationship with Him.

It is through our personal relationship with God, that we become sensitive to the promptings of His Spirit. 

“I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”  (Psalm16:7-8 NASB)

Your comments are always most welcome.

Lovingly in Christ,

Megan

Faith Filled Friday

Happy New Year, friends! Thank you in advance for taking time and joining me for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Faith Filled Friday with Trench Classes United. Grab a warm cup of coffee and come sit with me.

We are just days into the New Year, a time for new beginnings, and today I want to share a new perspective on a familiar verse. God opened up this verse in a way I’ve never looked at before. Take a look at this verse with me….

Luke 17:6  New Living Translation (NLT)

⁶ The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!

Now see where it says, “’if’” you had faith”… “…you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you”!

That begs this question: Are we speaking with faith over our circumstances, for example, a new job, finances, marriage, or our children? I know I try to, but if I’m honest with myself, and you, I usually let the situations or my emotions cloud out all of Gods truth that He has so perfectly ready for me.

Our lives get so busy, and unknowingly we let the enemy sink his teeth into our faith with all his lies. Yet, God gave us His perfect word to sustain us through our days. However, I didn’t realize that I was needing to do more than just read my word but to also speak His word over me, my family, and my friends.

 As we start to speak Gods truth out loud over us, we are covered with His perfect truth, and it’s much more difficult for the enemy’s lies to penetrate our emotions and sink deep into us. I was floored as I read this verse with a new pair of heavenly eyes.

Let’s take a look at how John Courson sees it. He writes: “How did God make the world? He spoke it into existence. So, too, Jesus altered the course of the world and eternity when he spoke… “Waves be still” (Mark 4:39), “Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43), “It is Finished” (John 19:30).

John also reminds us that we also speak our individual worlds into existence and alter the course with our words. This is confirmed in ” Joshua 1:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

^“8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

WOW!! Wasn’t that powerful?

So when we are faced with doubt or fear, let’s speak Gods word over these emotions and put them into check with God’s word. There are so many powerful reminders in His word that we can speak into ourselves and our world!

Let me leave you with this powerful example: Matthew 6:31-34

³¹ “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ ³² These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.³³ Seek the Kingdom of God^[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. ³⁴ “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

WOW! I am in awe of our Great Abba, and how great His love is for us. Jesus knew just how hard it would be for us, and so, He left us His perfect truth to read, meditate and speak over ourselves, our families and friends. Don’t forget when you’re having a hard or bad day to ask God for a verse, He knows just what you need, and when you get it, faithfully speak it over yourself and your situation and let Gods perfect truth work for good for you.

Love,

Ashley

Wednesday’s Word

Enjoy the Ride!

Your 2017 ride has quickly come to an end, and 2018 has already begun.

Please remain seated with your seatbelt fastened; let’s prepare to have some fun

As we move slowly though quickly into the 2018 track,

We are headed forward and learning from looking back

Thanks for joining me for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United. Grab your coffee and come join me for some instructions for the ride ahead into the New Year, a few of which are accompanied with scripture references.

As we creep up the track in the first month here are some things to do before we reach the top, the end of January, and the ride begins picking up speed, as it always does:

·       Let go of bitterness and resentment. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

·       Leave past failures behind and take only what you learned from them with you. [Isaiah43:19]

·       Drop negativity in the trashcan to your right. And if you didn’t quite get rid of it all, no worries; there will be another trashcan on your left just ahead.

·       Old hurts, habits and/or hang-ups. For some of you, you only need to resolve to dump an old habit or hurt or hang-up and it will be gone. There will be a dumpster up ahead to throw it in. Remember every time the enemy gets you thinking about it ask God to change your thoughts…and trust me when I say HE will! For those of you who will require more work than just “letting it go,” we will be exploring that in the new ride.

·       Any doctrine that doesn’t line up with His love letters has got to go. If you still have questions, there will be a few tracks up ahead to explore the truths and learn how to apply them to your life in the journey ahead.

·       Let go of that attitude of poverty and throw it in the burning bush just ahead. His monetary and non-monetary blessings await you in and through every new circumstance you will encounter on our ride in the New Year.

Some things you will want to take with you as you enter this new ride:

·       Faith; it only needs to be the size of a mustard seed, but remember, that means “pure” faith with no mixed doctrine!

·       2017’s greatest memories. [Philippians 4:8]

·       Any valuable lessons you learned from your previous rides/years.

·       Your favorite life verse, and if you don’t have one yet, get one before entering. Ask a friend for help or just open up “the Book!”

·       Resolve realistically. Don’t make resolutions you have no intention on keeping but when you resolve – which is to partner with the Holy Spirit—you will succeed in all you endeavor on this ride through 2018.

·       An attitude of gratitude- it will take you up the impending hills of the new ride.

·       Kindness- you will need this for the strangers you will meet as well as for the people who are unkind.[Ephesians 4:32]

·       Peace is essential and cannot be found on the side of the track but it is within you as you take time to sit and be still in the ride.

·       Joy-though it may tend to get a bit buried with the upcoming twists and turns in the New Year, just remember to stir it up with one of His promises and/or your life verse.

·       Grace-there will be many people in this ride with you that will need your unmerited favor, just as it has been given to you. There will be grace stations along the way to replenish. [2^nd Corinthians 12:9]

·       Love-this is the greatest and most important virtue to bring with you as we begin the ride into the New Year for to love others is to have accepted His gift of love and grace to you. [1^st Corinthians 13]

Fasten your seat-belts, friends . . . Here we go!

Love and laughter,

Evinda

P.S. may I challenge you to look up some scriptures to confirm these things to let go of and to bring in the year ahead?  Just look for key words or phrases and ask Google to help you find scriptures pertaining to that word or phrase. Have fun!

Monday’s Mantra

“I think you’d get a laugh, if you saw a tall giraffe, swinging by his tail from a tree,

I think an octopus would look quite ridiculous knitting sweaters at the bottom of the sea …”

Did I get your attention? Great! Mission accomplished.

Welcome to Coffee Hour at Chicklit Power and Megan’s Monday Mantra, with Trench Classes United.

The above ditty is from Danny Kaye’s “Tubby the Tuba at the Circus” It was on the very first album I had as a child. I memorized every word of it.  I caught this catchy little tune playing around in my head a few days ago and I realized its message is just as important today as it was then.

The song, being sung by a sympathetic elephant to a disenchanted Tubby, continues …

“Be yourself - you can’t be anybody else.

Be yourself, is my advice to you or else you’ll always be a nobody so, be yourself, or else!”

How many times, in my past did I observe someone and wish I possessed a quality they had? How many times did I wish my life was more like someone else’s life or wish I was more like someone else?

When I was 17, I was the fastest hot dog maker at the Sea World in Ohio. I could steam, bag, and load the hot dog into their bins in record time, which kept me in the hot and humid main snack bar for the duration of the summer. I seriously doubted this talent would ever serve me well. I longed to be gifted like the animal trainers, or accomplished like the managers. Yet, this seemingly insignificant skill-set, in all of its various forms, has weaved its way through my life, blessing me and making all the difference.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV) “Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”

I have often wondered why it is so easy to recognize other people’s gifts and talents but not our own.

Tubby the Tuba wanted to sing like a piccolo and fly like an acrobat, never dreaming his “Um-Pah” could make the elephants dance as they have never danced before!

Are you aware your own gift or talent could make the elephants dance as they have never danced before?

“BE YOURSELF …

I think that you’d be happiest by being no one else but you.”

Your comments are always most welcome.

Lovingly in Christ,

Megan

  

Monday’s Mantra

Did you know …

The word Christmas comes from the Old English “Cristes Maesse” meaning “Christ’s Mass.” The holly in a wreath symbolizes Christ’s crown of thorns, while the red berries symbolize the drops of His blood.

Welcome to Coffee Hour at Chicklit Power and Megan’s Monday Mantra with Trench Classes United.

Most of us grew up believing the Twelve Days of Christmas is nothing more than a song about the days leading up to Christmas. Some believe the Christmas carol was written in code, with a hidden message. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. It was during this time of severe religious persecution that The Twelve Days of Christmas was written. Each verse refers to a teaching of church doctrine. Each element in the song is a code word for religious truth.

Every verse of The Twelve Days of Christmas begins with “my true love gave to me.” “My true love” is a reference to God the Father;

Day 1: The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus Christ.

Day 2: The two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments.

Day 3: Three French hens stand for faith, hope, and love.

Day 4: The four calling birds are the four Gospels.

Day 5: The five golden rings represent the first 5 books of the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Torah or the Pentateuch.

Day 6: The six geese-a-laying stand for the six days of creation.

Day 7: The seven swans-a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Day 8: The eight maids-a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.

Day 9: Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Day 10: The ten lords-a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.

Day 11: Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.

Day 12: Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.

The Twelve Days of Christmas actually starts on Christmas Day and ends with the arrival of the gift bearing Wise Men (The Epiphany) on January 6^th.  The total number of gifts given and received in the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, is 364 – only one fewer gifts than the number of days in a year! 

 Imagine giving and receiving a gift a day, every single day … except for your one annual day off! Yet, the gift we are able to both give and receive daily resides in our very own hearts – His love, and there is no greater gift than this.

I pray this Christmas Day will find your hearts overflowing with His divine love for you.

The famous composer, J.S. Bach, inscribed most of his musical scores with “In dem Namen Jesus” translated; In the name of Jesus.

So, with the same heart and spirit, In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,

Megan 

Wednesday’s Word

Gifts that don’t cost money? Or Give the gifts that don’t cost …$!

The best gifts don’t cost $!

Okay, let’s keep it real…are you enjoying everything you’re doing to celebrate this season? Oh, how I pray you are; otherwise, why do it, right? I wrote this little jingle a few years ago to help us stay in the right frame of mind for this beautiful season. Thanks for joining me for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and for Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United. I hope you enjoy the jingle!

The Gifts of the Season

It’s not about the presents under the Christmas tree

But the presence of love we feel for friends and family

It’s not about the shopping that we feel we must do

But about the gift that’s already been given freely to me and you

The gift is a gift that your money can’t buy

The birth and death of Christ was and is for you and I

It’s not about making a list and checking it twice

Or buying countless gifts for the naughty or nice

The reason for this season isn’t about all of the debt and stress

It’s the season to offer simple gifts such as patience and forgiveness

Or how about the gift of time with one whose time is running out

A meal for a family in need to encourage hope where there is doubt

Or maybe someone needs a helping hand to accomplish a tedious chore

And don’t forget your lonely neighbor down the street or right next door

Oh, if we would take the materialism out of this special season

And in its place find ways to make redemption as our reason

To offer the gifts that money can’t buy, this requires a sacrifice

Slowing down and paying attention, and practicing just being nice

Yes the gifts of the season come freely to and from those walking in His spirit

For they will always outlive materialism, though the world doesn’t want to hear it

Just remember that love, joy, peace and patience, no these gifts don’t need a season

Nor do the gifts of kindness, gentleness or self-control have to have a reason.

May the gifts of the season carry you to and through the New Year!

Much love,

Evinda

Monday’s Mantra

God is not a cosmic vending machine!

Welcome to Coffee Hour at Chicklit Power and Megan’s Monday Mantra with Trench Classes United.

The following is my friend Mike’s response to my last week’s blog; God is not a cosmic vending machine. Mike is the one who quoted those life changing words to me.

His response, in my opinion, masterfully illustrates the heart, of each and every one of us, as we wrestle to define God in our own lives as well as how to bring Him into the lives of others. Even though this is a tale of two friends, each one of us will find a piece of ourselves in this story.

Mike writes…

“Wow, Megan, this is one of the best of all your blogs, yet. It resonated with me when you described our conversation that ended with my famous quote about the vending machine. I did listen that day; and I did feel your frustration. I felt your defeat. I knew there was a big disconnect between you and God, because my Bible says, “He loved us even while we’re yet sinners” – failures. I wanted to communicate that divine love to you, but I didn’t even know where to start. Your arguments were very logical, and I kept thinking you needed something logical and profound in return. My answer sounded too simple (“Jesus loves me; this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”)

“All the while you were pouring out your heart to me about your perceived insignificance to God, I prayed that He would give me an answer just for you. I had been looking for opportunities to tell you about the love of Jesus, but each time one came, it would be at a bad time. Many times your questions could not be answered with one or two words; they required a foundation and some background – and you would hit me with them at the most inopportune times. I felt totally inadequate, myself, for not being able to help. Maybe, as He often does, the Lord was dealing with me at the time, too, in situations where my strengths were irrelevant and my weaknesses were glaringly evident, to quote Sarah Young. But, I was convinced that I had completely failed you and Him.

“I’m reminded of another strange quote I read years ago by Donald Grey Barnhouse, “God doesn’t handle all His affairs in October.” Now, I’m privileged to watch you grow spiritually through our many conversations and through your blog, in which He teaches me as well. You have no idea what a thrill it is to see someone you care about come to Jesus, knowing you had a part in it – but you will someday.

“Blessings in Abundance,

Mike”

Thank you Mike for your heartfelt honesty. Your response means more to me than I can find words for. Thank you for allowing me to share this with our readers.

Lovingly in Christ,

Megan

Monday’s Mantra

Today, I want to share with you a previously posted blog because I believe it’s worth remembering where we started in our journey with our God.

Is it mandatory to experience an “AH HA” moment when you commit your life to Christ? I sure hope not, because I didn’t!

Welcome to Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power and Megan’s Monday Mantra with Trench Classes United. Warm up that cup of coffee you’ve been carrying around all morning and join me in my salvation story.

***********

Jesus knew how much I needed Him, so He snatched me up early…

My Mother thought our neighbors were undereducated. In other words, STUPID!

She reluctantly let me play with Bobbie and Tom because they were the only kids in our neighborhood close to my age. I thoroughly enjoyed their company but Mom always wished I had someone more my “equal” to play with.

One Sunday morning, Bobbie and Tom’s parents asked my Mom if I could go to church with them. To my surprise, she allowed me to go. I will never forget pulling into the parking lot of a pink brick church. At the impressionable age of 6 years old, I had never seen a pink building let alone a pink brick church!

There were no Sunday School classes, everyone just filed into the church and filled the pews. I can still distinctly remember where we sat – 5^th pew from the front on the left side facing the altar.

No one could ever accuse my neighbors of being a traditional prim and proper type of Christian family. They worked hard, played hard, and then some. My playmates, Bobbie and Tom, were always into some kind of mischief, which was what I liked most about them. Today was different though. Today they all sat in a neat row, backs straight, hands folded in their laps, and feet firmly planted on the floor, waiting expectantly for the sermon to begin.

The most colorful character I had ever encountered, up to this point in my short life, confidently approached the pulpit. His presence was so huge that the pink brick church could hardly contain it. His booming voice filled the city block surrounding him and he wore the largest cowboy hat I had ever seen. His name was Preacher Cowboy George!

I know he delivered a great sermon because the congregation was on fire. The only, and most important, part I remember is when Preacher Cowboy George asked, “Have you committed your life to Christ? Have you asked Jesus into your heart? If not, then come on up and we will do it together here, today!” My first reaction was to jump to my feet and head straight to the altar, but not before looking to my neighbors to do the same. There they sat, calmly watching and smiling at those who were making their way to the front of the church. UH OH! I didn’t know anything about asking Jesus into my heart, yet clearly my “undereducated” neighbors not only already knew – they already had! I felt ashamed.

I lagged behind on my way out of church. I had been too afraid to stand up in front of the congregation, to accept Christ, all by myself.

That lone “UH OH” moment led to a nightly prayer asking Jesus into my heart for the next 16 years.

That lone “UH OH” moment led to some very spectacular “AH HA” moments throughout my lifetime. That lone “UH OH” moment changed the path of my life forever.

So, as you navigate your way through the highs and the lows of the coming week, please keep in mind ...

Oftentimes God’s “UH-OH” moments are actually “AH-HA” moments in disguise!

Enjoy this day that God has given you.

Lovingly in Christ,

Megan,

Faith-Filled Friday

It’s Faith-Filled Friday! Grab your coffee and your strand of faith for some great knot-tying in and for your faith! Jennifer has a thought-provoking question to ask us…and an answer, her answer to that same question! Come on in for a few!

How would it change your mindset if you suddenly realized that you were born to solve a problem? 

When I was young I would read history books or stories of people who did great things and marvel at what they were able to accomplish.  If only I could do great things.  If only I had a special purpose in life.  That hope was tossed aside by the realities of my life: Parents who often worked late and weren’t home, bullies at school, an abusive husband.  I have often felt unworthy, not good enough and that having a purpose in life was for someone else and not me. 

Then one day I heard… “You are a solution to a God problem.”  It wasn’t a voice from on high but from the pulpit. I had just moved to Florida and it was the second or third time attending this church.  The pastor went on to explain that all of us were created to solve a “God problem.”  Every hard situation, every joy was meant to fulfill that purpose. 

Every person is born with purpose, to solve a God problem.

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” (Proverbs 20:5)

All people are made in the image of God. Each of us are born with a purpose and calling that we can discover… or completely miss. The influence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers gives us insight to His purposes for us.

I have an assignment from God specifically for me.  Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

This truth opened up a world of hope and a resolve to discover that plan and achieve it.   I no longer feel like someone tossed about by my experiences.  I feel free to walk out what God has called me to do.

How about you?  Do you feel bound up by the past and/or how you view yourself?  Do you believe God has a special assignment for you?  He does, and He is waiting for you to accept it.

Jennifer

Wednesday’s Word

per·spec·tive

“The interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed; also: point of view; the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance.” 

Did you know that your perspective can be affected by your perception?  I know; I see you scratching your head so let me make a confession: I honestly thought they were the same thing! Welcome to Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United. Come on in for what I hope will be a powerful blog that will clear your perception to positively affect your perspective, no matter where you are in life!

I can’t take credit for this breakthrough; it comes from Jason Frenn, the author of Power to Change.  Let me see if I can explain it to you in a way that brings clarity. As the definition states, perspective is where you are physically, emotionally and spiritually when you view something, or someone, and perception is how you interpret what you are looking at, perceiving with your mind and soul, from any given perspective.

For example, we have all read or heard of those amazing stories of a person born into poverty, or a not so positive generational cycle of any type; this equates to their perspective, position and/or placement in life. Now, how they rise above it and make something of themselves because of how they viewed and interpreted their circumstances is their perception. In other words, perception is how we take in whatever we take in. 

Let me share a word picture that comes to mind: There are many arteries and blood vessels (little pipes) that carry oxygen and blood to and from the heart but they can’t do that if there are clogs in the pipes, so to speak. Life can clog those pipes –perspective—and receiving God’s love becomes really difficult, if not impossible for many. (John 3:16) It is NOT because God’s love isn’t powerful enough to clear the clog, but more because their perception needs to receive truth in order to unclog the perspective.

His love is what changes our perception so that no matter what perspective we are viewing our life’s circumstances from, or those of others, our perception doesn’t waver.

Perception can change your perspective.

But how do we change our perception despite our perspective?

God knew there would be so many of His kids born into unhealthy cycles,  incredibly unpleasant circumstances, which is why He left us the precious gift of His Spirit: to change our perception, despite our perspective.  Could it be that when we feed our faith, our perception is able to rise above our perspective?

What will you do today to positively affect your perception in a way that lifts you above your perspective?

Thoughtfully,

Evinda 

Monday’s Mantra

Have you ever told a lie? That is one of the questions on a sales assessment test. If you answer no, you are lying. If you answer yes, you are a liar. The best case scenario…you are an honest lair!

Welcome to Coffee Hour at Chicklit Power and Megan’s Monday Mantra with Trench Classes United.

When I was the age of five, my mother decided it was time to teach me about the consequences of dishonesty. One morning at breakfast she said, “Megan, do you know God knows every time you tell a lie?” “How does He know?” I asked. She answered, “because every time you tell a lie, there is a light that blinks on and off in Heaven.” I had to take a few moments to think about that … and then I asked, “Mom, do you ever lie?” “Of course not!” she proclaimed. “Mom,” I replied, “I think there is a light blinking on and off in Heaven!”

A comical childhood memory, yes, but not without thought-provoking implications. What is the difference between a half truth and a white lie? Are we able to speak the truth if we are not able to be truthful with ourselves? Can we be totally honest without sacrificing the feelings of others? Does saving someone’s feelings actually save them from the truth?

I am currently studying “Speaking the Truth in Love; How to Be an Assertive Christian” in my Stephen Ministry class. Speaking the truth in love means being genuinely honest, direct, and open when relating to others. Assertive behavior is built on the principles of respect, truth and honesty. We are called to be honest with God, ourselves, and those with whom we love, live, and work. When we express our thoughts, feelings and preferences, in an honest, direct, and respectful manner, we empower others to do so as well. The Christ-centered, assertive Christian is one of wholeness and integrity; a person whose words and behaviors are consistent with his or her beliefs and values – a person who accurately reflects on the outside what is on the inside… a person who lives his or her truth out of love and respect for God, themselves, and others.

I pray, Dear Lord, that we may grow and blossom into this kind of Christian, so that our behavior may bring honor to You and to the whole Body of Christ. 

“But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head – Christ” Ephesians 4:15 

Your comments are always most welcome.

Lovingly in Christ,

Megan