Your Wholeness Journey – DAY THIRTEEN: Looking Sharp

Today’s principle focus is on creating a successful image, looking and feeling sharp!

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Today’s Positive Affirmation and Encouraging Words to Live By:

“I am a great example of Christ in action and I am able to minister positively to others through the way that I present myself.”

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 31:22

Think on this: While the proverb states “She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.” It could just as easily read: “From our homes to our attire, the wise man and woman of God have got it going on!”

“Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know that you are there until he has finished eating and drinking…” In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a young woman lying at his feet.“The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character.” – Ruth 3:3

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. – 2 Tim 2:15

ON A SCALE OF 1-10… (10 being the highest most confident in the area of appearance.) How stylish/put together do you feel?

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It is easy to see the value in getting dressed up, we dress our best for Sunday church, special occasions, and even for work.

Today we are going to cover a topic most sermons don’t cover, the importance of our day-to-day dress and appearance. Have you considered dressing your best, all the time? It wasn’t until I read Proverbs 31:22, that I saw that a wise person not only takes care of the inner man but of their outer selves as well.

Did you know that God wants you to be rich? Rich in love, rich in relationships, and rich in joy. It is His desire for you to be fully blessed. The Jewish have a word for it, ‘Shalom’.

Shalom means, nothing missing and nothing broken. You may hear as a standard Jewish greeting, “Shalom unto you, Shalom.” Their greeting is set up as if to say, “God’s blessings be unto you.” We will cover Shalom in detail, a little later.

I know quite a few single men and women who always look stunning! Their hair is shinny, clean, and their clothes are pressed. I did too, until I started having children and stopped trying to keep myself up. Being clean and dressed nice was superseded by whatever worked at the time.

Today’s focus is on remembering to be set on becoming stylish in the morning. Not only to look nice for your family, but to be available to serve the Lord. If the Lord called you to minister right now, are you dressed for it? Or do you serve only after you feel you are ready for it?

RUTH

One of our scripture references for today is a scripture out of the book of Ruth. Ruth was an astounding woman and in doing her family right, she became blessed and honored. When you read the scripture, did you notice that the key to unlocking Ruth’s blessing from Boaz was for Ruth to wash and perfume herself and put on her best clothes?

When we present ourselves to others, we are stating our belief in ourselves. What does all this have to do with Shalom? Until you can fully grasp that God desires prosperity in your life, you will not be able to understand God’s kind of prosperity or why it is important to present our best to others.

Some people choose to think that because they don’t have much money, they simply can’t appear pleasant. It is like those without funds are being limited 24-7. You can’t look nice, you don’t want to let anyone see our car, without money it can feel as if you are stuck not adding any value to the lives of others at all. You may even get fooled into believing that you can’t pray for someone, and unfortunately sometimes you can even begin to think that you can’t enter into the Kingdom.

Most Christians feel morally at odds with getting or being rich. They feel as if God would be displeased with them and if they weren’t found in a constant struggle they wouldn’t be found worthy, and that just isn’t so! If this were true, Ruth would have been told to just go home! “You don’t need a husband, or a family, as a matter of fact God told me He wants you to show Him how much you love Him by living an ordinary and dull existence, the rest of your life!” But instead, Ruth is so honored in her triumphant story that her life is written down in the everlasting book of the Bible, alongside with the Apostles and the Psalms written by some of the greatest men in history.

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As a matter of fact, there is a central theme of “prosperity and triumph” woven throughout the entire Bible.

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The Bible’s very premise and purpose is one of encouragement and joy. The telling of Ruth and the care she showed to her mother-in-law, is just one of these historical encouraging events. The Bible does not share with us every event in history, but it does show us the history of redemption. Each act in the book is a stage of cause and effect, all with the same conclusion redemption.

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God’s definition of prosperity is different than ours.

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God’s definition of prosperity is very different than ours. In our physical world, we are conditioned to see things in one dimension. Ever since you were a child you were taught to think in terms of only what you can see. Such as, “Burr, I’m cold,” or “Urgh, I’m hungry.” God is not looking at us to see how we feel He is looking to us to live by faith, despite how we feel.

A well-known preacher has said, “Prosperity with God is not determined by what you have but by what has YOU.”

The very basis of ones ability to comfortably be found stylish and appear put together inside and out, is based on how ‘rich and prosperous’ they feel inside. Not at all based on what you have or don’t have.

If you didn’t know that you were initially created to “have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth,” (Gen.1: 26) and that God created you to have dominion, you wouldn’t know that God wants you and desires for you to have dominion and a life full of prosperity.

If you knew that no matter what you tried you couldn’t fail, what would you do? How would you feel? Wouldn’t you feel like a million bucks?

It is my belief, that there are enough promises and scriptures found in the Bible that people don’t ever have to live in fear again. Scripture says that Christ has reversed the curse that was put on Adam and Eve, and that we as His people can once again walk with dominion over all the earth! (Galatians 3:13)

If you aren’t feeling confident and stylish at the moment and all you can afford is a cheap franchise haircut, get it anyway. I used to think that was beneath me. I used to think hairstyling had to cost hundreds of dollars or you wouldn’t be getting a good cut. In turn I wouldn’t keep up my looks. Looking like I didn’t care became much worse than having a “decent” cut. If you go someplace inexpensive, just make sure you keep it simple and don’t expect too much. A lot of great hair stylists start out in these types of places.

As far as clothes are concerned, if you can’t afford to revamp your own wardrobe, start wearing those special outfits everyday, instead of only once a week or never. For those of you that always look great but may feel horrible on the inside, begin to work on reading your Bible and changing that inner voice. Find as much as you can with in its pages on how to walk in confidence both inside and out. Another thing I have learned is to make my bed everyday.

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Studies have proven people who make their beds everyday have a higher self-image than others.

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Stack your books in nice and tidy stacks. Instead of putting your yucky clothes on and taking your make-up off as soon as you get home today, try your best to keep looking nice until bedtime.

Our kids know when Dad is about to come home because an hour before he is due to arrive I make sure to clean the house, do my hair and put on my make-up – when possible. Some mornings I get to it right away, some times I don’t, but at least every night before Daddy comes home, all things come together.

I know this might sound silly, but if you can afford it, go and buy some nice pajamas. One year, I took Jeff to a department store to buy brand named pajamas. They weren’t cheap by any means, but they have lasted forever. He always remarks on what a good night sleep he gets when he wears those pajamas. Nicely fitting, cotton pajamas. A good night’s rest is a great way to begin feeling good inside and out. When our house and our bodies look their best all the time, it creates within us a desire to expect greatness out of ourselves and out of others. People will begin to listen to us more when we speak, and we will begin to draw resources to us by our positive outlook on life. When we are constantly looking at where we can improve ourselves, and are focused on personal growth, we can begin being placed in a position of spiritual dominion over our circumstances. The bottom line, when we take initiative to appear our best, we are often found at our best.

Taking care and personally stylizing our lives will affect your whole family. Your children will begin to see a new you, they will see that their parents are taking care of themselves, and they will begin to think that they should too. Your spouse will begin to take notice of you, and you will start setting yourself apart from the nicely dressed but overworked coworkers in their workplace. They will eagerly want to bless you and do anything to help support you and your desire to get more ‘style’. Regardless of the outcome, by the end of the day you will know within yourself that you have changed and that now you are ready to serve!

Suggested Resources:

God Wants You to Be Rich “How and Why Everyone Can Enjoy Material and Spiritual Wealth in Our Abundant World.” By Paul Zane Pilzner

This book is a phenomenal book on economics. With so much talk about “scarcity”, Pilzner goes into great deal on how God would never let his creation out live their resources. Pilzner has masterfully crafted a book full of facts on the environment and technology, and will give you everything you will need to know to share with others Gods laws of abundance.

The Greatest Miracle in the World By Og Mandino

This is the most exciting book I have ever read! You will go back and forth between, is this really happening? And it must be real! Og Mandino has cleverly written a novel with characters that you wish could live on forever. I easily read this book once a year, and always recommend it to people as the best personal growth book ever written.

This Principle in Action:

According to the book of Esther, the women who were selected to go before the King had to undergo quite the beautification process. Before a girl’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. Esther 2:12

Queen Esther was presented to the King in her best form. She was respected and loved deeply due to the fact that she had knowledge in her heart of the scripture and her outer beauty portrayed her inner righteousness. She would read to the King at night and tell him of her homeland. As it was she single handedly through her bravery and encouragement from her uncle ended up saving the entire Nation of Israel from destruction. Her external beauty that 108 radiated from an inward confidence softened the heart of a King, and ended up saving an entire civilization of people.

Today’s Key Take Away:

• Whether rich or poor, decide today to put your best foot forward. Give yourself an extra 10 to 15 minutes to put forth the energy to care. Learn to love the way you look and present yourself to others with an inwardly and outwardly positive presentation. You are a beautiful and miraculous creation, created by God for a specific reason, let your light shine from your heart and know that God desires the absolute best for His children.

Today’s Reflection: What did I learn about myself? When you dress your best, do you notice a difference inside yourself? Do you walk taller or breath deeper? How did today turn out having been prepare to serve, did anyone take notice?

Share this post with someone you think could use a sense of wholeness in their lives… we have 10 more amazing days to go! See our last post on living fear free HERE

Our NEXT post is on Living a life of honor…

Visit our website here: www.wholeheartart.com

Your Wholeness Journey – DAY ELEVEN: Compassion

Today’s principle focus is on Compassion

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Today’s Positive Affirmation and Encouraging Words to Live By:

“I am always available to help those in need.”

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 31:20

Think on this: While the proverb states “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” It could just as easily read: “Those who show compassion and reach out to the needs of others are wise.”

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” – John 21:15-17

ON A SCALE OF 1-10… (10 being the highest most confident in the area of compassion) How compassionate do you feel you are?

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Today’s focus in on compassion, a compassionate person can always be found lending a hand to the needy. Even when we are in great need, we can still be compassionate to the needs of others. It is with the constant thought of giving that we can begin to see the needs of others.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. – Proverbs 31:20

This Principle in Action:

Jeff and Jessica Heilman: Personal Testimony

When my second son was an infant, my husband Jeff and I had to believe in God for a financial miracle. Jeff had been interviewing at different companies through out the Dallas area. One such company hired him and he was going to get paid more than double anything he had ever been paid before!

The financial miracle that we needed had to occur during the interim period, that somewhat scary period between no job and the first paycheck. We had no money in savings, and we were committed to living life debt free. As a couple, we had decided that we were going to “give our way out” and put God’s Word to the test. We came to an agreement for finances, and trusted that God alone would provide for us according to His riches in glory. We decided that no one needed to know about our situation. The Lord knew about our need, and we knew the need, that was it. Instead of borrowing were decided to pray, and let God give to us what we needed.

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What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. – Matthew 6:33 The Message

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Armed with our understanding of sowing and reaping (Luke 6:38), instead of gathering all our pennies to spend, we did the opposite, and gave them away to those in need. I can remember paying a gasoline attendant 9$ in change for our gas in pennies, nickels, and dimes. Our funds had gotten that low. We didn’t know how God was going to do it, but whatever it was that He was going to do, and in whatever time He chose, we knew that He was our hero and capable of anything.

Saturday night before our first paycheck, I lay awake thinking to myself “Ok, it is 2 am. We have no more money and the baby is in his last diaper. We have a quarter of a tank of gas, and we wont get paid until next Friday. God, what else can I give?” My heart was fixed on the desire to give more, and more.

“Your prayers” God answered me simply, “You can still give to others through your prayers. Pray for the body of Christ, that it would be obedient. When the body gives to its members, no one will be in need of anything again.” He then took me to that scripture about Jesus and Simon Peter feeding the sheep. Jesus was programming Simon Peter’s mind to think compassionately towards others.

As a result of this word, I immediately began praying for everyone I knew, and those I didn’t know. I prayed for the church, the city, the Nation. I prayed that God’s people would begin to be obedient to their callings, and that they would be blessed, and successful. I prayed that all would receive the spirit of compassion and respond by caring for one another.

Sunday morning, Jeff and I woke up fresh and very much alive. We had survived to live another day! I was completely at ease, having prayed myself to sleep the night before. We figured that if we were going to go anywhere, church was where we needed to be. On the way to church we didn’t care that we didn’t have enough gas money to get home, or that Joseph was in his last diaper. We figured that God was going to deliver us one way or another, and if we had to walk home we would.

As soon as we got to the church, we were opening doors for people and letting others sit down before us. After church, we did our usual routine and picked up our boys and got into the car to head home. We started down the long driveway exiting the church, when we noticed a big burly man walking down the side of the driveway. This man was covered in black leather, completed with long hair and a beard. He looked very out of place at our traditional church.

Jeff immediately found compassion for a lone walker on the road and a lump rose in my throat as Jeff started pulling the car over to offer this “Hell’s Angel” looking man a ride.

Opening the door, the man smiled and was grateful for the assistance. I jumped over the center console and into the back of the car with the boys, and Jeff and the unnamed man began to chat.

This man was a trucker, and since the drive was so long and narrow he had to park his rig away from the church. He was a member of the motorcycle club in the church, and when he was in town he would come to church on Sunday. After a surprisingly delightful conversation we came to his rig and he said “Thanks”.

Smiling, we said that we were glad to do it. Then understanding that the man was going on another long haul, we grabbed some church sermons from the glove box to give him for his driving. We were still committed to “giving our way out, in to a miracle.”

“WOW! Thanks!” The man said, “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Well,” Jeff gulped “Maybe if you could give us like five bucks for the tapes, so we can buy some gas, that would be great.”

“Mister, I can do better than that.” With that, I saw this big “scary” looking man pull out a hundred dollar bill from his pocket. “God told me to give this to you!”

After he did, everyone in the car started balling. We were all crying with joy! The unnamed man went on to say:

“Once, when I was really down on my luck a buddy of mine gave me a hundred dollar bill. When I finally got back on my feet, I went back to my buddy to repay him. He told me to keep the hundred dollars, and he said “Someday you will come across someone else who needs that hundred dollars, when you do, give it to them.”

This gentle giant went on to tell Jeff and me, “As soon as I heard your car misfiring on the driveway, I knew you needed help. You picked me up, and I know I am supposed to give this hundred dollars to you!”

WOW! How I had misjudged this messenger of God! When we all do our part to listen and act, it is the greatest thing to watch how we all relate to each other! We didn’t even need a hundred dollars! All we really needed was like twenty dollars to get us through the week. We immediately paid our tithes and then that hundred dollars not only bought us diapers, it bought us food, gas, and completely sustained us until payday! God had heard our prayers, felt our compassion towards others, and rewarded our obedience!

Practice having compassion today! I have told our “Hundred Dollar Testimony” dozens of times. If you practice reaching out to others in compassion, perhaps your blessing to others will be received in the very same way!

Today’s Key Take Away:

• Compassion is the key to the safety and security of the body of Christ. If we can listen to the Lord and give when we feel called to give, we will be participating in a miraculous giving cycle. You have no idea when you may be in need not just financially but for prayer, healing, or support. If you can practice compassion to others, you yourself will benefit greatest by creating a compassionate heart within yourself.

• How many times have you given something away, just to have something better given back to you? Let’s focus today on praying for others, and meeting needs. Enjoy the process of making others begin to feel complete.

Today’s Reflection: What did I learn about myself? What miracles have you known God to do for you? When was the last time you gave to someone in need? Where you genuine? What kind of needs do you see in your family, community, or Nation? Can you do anything about them? Have you prayed about them?

Share this post with someone you think could use a sense of wholeness in their lives… we have 11 more amazing days to go! See our last post HERE

Visit our website here: www.wholeheartart.com

Your Wholeness Journey – DAY TEN: Contentment

Today’s principle focus is on contentment in WHO you are

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Today’s Positive Affirmation and Encouraging Words to Live By:

“I am exactly WHO God wants me to be.”

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 31:19

Think on this: While the proverb states “She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.” It could just as easily read: “Those who are wise, work diligently at the task at hand, accepting that which is required.”

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:10-13

ON A SCALE OF 1-10… (10 being the highest most confident in the area of contentment) Write down on a piece of paper where you see yourself in the area of Contentment. How content do you feel in WHO you are?

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The Apostle Paul described contentment best, “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul states that he has learned how to master his emotions and to be thankful for all that he has, and who he is regardless of any current situation.

Contentment is not only required for us with what we have, we also must become content in who we are. We as men and women have to be aware of our differences, and be content in the roles that we play. Even though we are one in Christ, we all have a different way of conveying His Message. Although in God’s eyes we are all equal – no two people are alike, and we have all been created as individuals, according to God’s (Jer. 29:11) plan.

WHEN EQUALITY BRINGS CONFUSION

Scripture states in Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. It is by God’s original design man and woman be treated as equal individuals and when they marry these two individuals become ONE FLESH. (Mark 10:8) This equality was never meant to overtake or become more important than ones individuality –Not all flesh is the same. (1 Cor. 15:38)

It is satan’s goal to confuse mankind and rob from us all of our individuality, for within our individuality comes our creative power and strength. All outliers in history became prominent as individuals doing things in their own creative and different ways. Equality DOES NOT MEAN SAMENESS – equality means opportunity.

Unfortunately the more “equal” we become as a society (which is how God has intended us from the beginning of time) the more forceful the devil must become in causing us to conform to a certain type of “SAMENESS”. This is the problem we are seeing in our traditional school systems today. The more EQUAL we as a nation have become politically and spiritually – the more frustrated the enemy becomes and attempts to squelch all of our individuality. Arts, music, and sports programs get cut from schools before the subjects which require the most calculations and memorization. While we as adults may be gaining equality politically and spiritually – our children sadly are most often left in danger of loosing their individuality.  

Sadly this “SAMENESS EDUCATION” (a result of a 1900’s manufacturing economy and the enemies strategy to confuse our understanding of equality) has left many men questioning their manhood in order to remain unique, and many women have questioned their femininity as a way of voluntarily becoming different. Instead of questioning their creative skills and talents because they feel they may not have any, they question their very own God given image. 

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. – Romans 1:24-27

Through scripture, it has been revealed to us that this unnatural cause of affection, and this desire to be EXACTLY as the opposite sex is rooted in the misunderstanding of ones personal identity in Christ.

Some men have come to conclude that they need to become overly sensitive in order to deliver their creative messages and women have become led to believe that their message can only be heard through a masculine voice.

Let me reassure you that, being male or female is of no regard in the body of Christ. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. No matter how “evident” the physical differences may be between men and women, we have all become one in Christ. EQUAL individuals.

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There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. -Galatians 3:28

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What does this scripture mean to us? As believers, it means that we are all capable and qualified to become Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Prophets, and Apostles! Regardless of being made as men or women! Hallelujah!

Scripture says: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. – Ephesians 4:12

In the flesh men and women, have obvious differences. As believers we must accept, realize, and be content with God and His divine wisdom that He has a purpose for our blatant differences.

For instance, just recently the Lord has shown me how as a woman I am able to communicate the Gospel in a different arena than my husband. I have an ability to impress men with a woman’s knowledge of the Word, and as far as my husband is concerned he is able to minister to women in a leading way that I never could. His ministry comes from a position of authority, and my ministry comes from a position of mothering and sensitivity.

It is in my opinion that all men saved or unsaved, need a mothering and loving figurehead, and all women need a male figurehead to give them good and fatherly-type counsel. Though keep in mind, there is never a reason to counsel men or women alone one on one. Please be careful to have a group setting, or telephone conversation when needing to counsel the opposite sex. Though you know you are faithful to God, the enemy could use someone’s wild imaginations to try and expose you as something you are not.

Wise men and women know when to be content in their God given roles. Proverbs 31:19, describes a person who grabs the distaff and spindle with their fingers. This person grabs hold of their position in life and works with it, not against it. This person grabs ahold of life by taking that spindle (or role) by their hands, and works with it until it produces the exact intended result.

Women most certainly will produce different results than men, and men will produce different results than women. Neither one ‘better’ than the other, both conveying the same message, each delivering the message in their own unique way.

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. If you don’t treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard. – 1 Peter 3:7 (NAS)

Respect is earned, not demanded I find it important to mention here, true respect is not something that you can demand of another person. Respect can only be earned through consistent proof of ones intentions. A tyrannical man or woman has earned no more respect by the end of the day, than a person who demands absolutely nothing at all.

If you desire the respect of your spouse (either male or female), you must begin to make it your mission to earn it. Prove to each other that you love each other, and that you have their best interest at heart, and on your heart.

Together in marriage our teams work best when they work in unison, being in complete agreement. We are stronger when we as individuals come together as equal partners.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl 4:12

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Matt 18:19

Today, studying the characteristics of contentment, we are found assuming our roles as true men and women of God, doing what each other cannot do. Men have a tendency to be focus driven (sometimes narrow minded), quick to action (sometimes overly gruff), and incredibly enthusiastic (sometimes crazily sporadic).

Women have the ability to calm the storm (sometimes to the point of apathy), emotionally balance the ship (sometimes nagging their way out of balance), and subtly turn the rudder (unfortunately often not so subtly).

Let us focus today on our attributes in their best sense. Let us focus on not controlling or steering a new course, but perfecting the direction of the ship, causing the boat to maintain its chosen course with the limited amount of distractions.

What can we as women do encourage, support, and strengthen our husbands as they make the difficult and trying decisions of life? What can you as husbands do to relieve the stresses of the world that your wives consistently take on their shoulders? With a humble heart, and trust in our Heavenly Father as a “trifold” team (God, Husband & Wife), each doing our part, and content in our perspective individual roles, we can create something great!

Suggested Potential Resources:

For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men by Shaunti Feldhahn and Jeff Feldhahn

For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women by Shaunti Feldhahn and Jeff Feldhahn

Both these books are incredible at unlocking the mysteries of men and women. If you have ever wondered what makes your spouse tick, or why they do what they do, buy these books and read them. As a woman I learned that men function from a level of respect, and women function from an emotional need for love. Both of these books will greatly encourage you and enlighten you in ways of making your marriage work for the best.

Letters to Karen & Letters to Philip by Charlie W. Shedd Charlie Shedd as a loving father has written two books to his children, one named Karen and one named Philip. These books are a compilation of the letters that he wrote to them about life and marriage. They cover everything from finances to sex. These books will give you an amazing ear and understanding of the correct relationship not only between husband and wife, but father and child.

This Principle in Action: Ronald and Nancy Reagan: Former President of America and First Lady

Throughout history, there have been countless couples that have embraced and accepted their certain roles, and have become “Power Couples”. When I think of power couples in the Bible, I think of Abraham and Sarah, King Xerxes and Queen Esther, Joseph and Mary, etc. There have also been many single men and women who have assumed a role of ‘messenger’ regardless of their sex, like the Israeli Judge Deborah and of course our Savior and Lord Jesus. Since we are talking of ‘Power Couples’ and being content in the roles in marriage, I would like to remind us all of the amazing Reagan family.

Regardless if you agree on their political points of view or not, as a couple they were very much in love and made a great deal out of supporting each other. Ronald met Nancy in Hollywood. They were both actors, and he worked for the Screen Actor’s Guild. While Nancy will not admit to love at first sight, she was never the less enamored by him. On March 4, 1952 they were married. They later had two children. Anyone who knew the Reagan’s knew they were deeply in love and as he began to seek out his political aspirations, Nancy was right by his side.

Not only did Ronald end up being elected President, he was President for two terms, and in those terms Nancy served her country in various ways, including developing the very successful “Just Say No!” to drugs campaign. It is said that he often referred to her as “Mommy,” and she referred to him as “Ronnie.” They displayed openly the affection that they had of one another and after Ronald was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Nancy told Vanity Fair, “Our relationship is very special. We were very much in love and still are. When I say my life began with Ronnie, well, it’s true. It did. I can’t imagine life without him.” 

Today’s Key Take Away:

• When we are content as men and women in Christ, it opens the doors for us to be the most effective. Men and women are different, and even though it is a level playing field in our abilities, the nature of us being created differently is on purpose and by design. Men can command a room by simply entering it, and women can warm the hearts of anyone with a genuine smile and with thoughtful consideration. Today we are focusing on being ALL men, and ALL women. Trusting that as we do this, God will show us the best way possible to convey His message in our respective roles.

Today’s Reflection: What did I learn about myself? How has today’s focus on being content in your roles, helped you? Have you done anything different on the job, or in your marriage? Did you find it necessary to ask for forgiveness, or to celebrate in your God-given role? How did your spouse respond?

Share this post with someone you think could use a sense of wholeness in their lives… we have 12 more amazing days to go! See our last post HERE

Visit our website here: www.wholeheartart.com

Your Wholeness Journey – DAY SIX

Today’s principle focus is on Patience

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Today’s Positive Affirmation and Encouraging Words to Live By: “I am happy to wake up early!”

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 31:15

Think on this: While the scripture states “She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.” It could just as easily read: “Those who are wise are not hesitant to get started on their day, and it is through their patient and positive morning routine that they are able to prepare the day for others!”

I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. —Psalm 119:147

ON A SCALE OF 1-10… (10 being the highest most confident in your patience) Write down on a piece of paper where you see yourself in the area of patience. How patient do you feel you are?

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Today’s daily focus is on patience. It is not a kind of patience without works however, this week in addition to the other daily characteristics we are studying, we are going to begin applying patience to our morning routines.

The challenge is to wake up early* everyday for a week (you will need patience with yourself and others in order to do this!). Out of all the 22 Principle Attributes this day/week was the hardest for me to adhere to. It may be very difficult for you, as well, but if you can be disciplined to wake up early, you will undoubtedly begin seeing benefits by the end of the week.

THE EARLY TO RISE WIFE

Ladies, in waking up early you will be able to take control of the whole atmosphere of your home BEFORE everyone else begins to stir. If you are not normally an early bird, the key for you to making this a successful week will be to pray the night before. Ask the Lord to multiply your sleep and meditate on good and positive thoughts as you drift off. If you do this every night before you go to bed, you will wake up every morning feeling enthusiastic and blessed. You will sleep peacefully and you wake up refreshed.

Make sure to give yourself enough time every night and every morning to read at least one bible scripture. Make waking up early a game if you have to.  A concerted effort to put a smile on your face (maybe even some make-up) before everyone else is awake will cause your family to begin to think that they should put in the effort too. As the saying goes “It always starts at home.” Instead I would have to say, “It always starts with mom!” Your family will begin to greatly appreciate the effort, take it from me …you can do this!

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. —Proverbs 31:15

THE EARLY TO RISE HUSBAND

It has been in my experience that men have a much easier time waking early then women. Their natural ability to “seize the day,” often comes into action, and they can wake up with a “Go, go, go” mantra.  If you are a man such as this, today and this upcoming week, I would like to encourage you to dig deeper than just “Go, go, go.” Your prosperity and success in your life is determined more by your morning mental routine than any other activity you can do.  What you think, dream, pray, visualize and meditate on in the early morning hours will determine how you go about your day and how others see and respect your actions. Take for example these two men,

TONY: Executive

Tony has a job working at a Fortune 50 company.  He wakes up at 7am showers, brushes his teeth, shaves, and walks into his closet and finds freshly pressed clothes to wear. Tony dresses then goes to his car and drives to work. On his way to work he yawns, stretches and dreams about his first in a series of many cups of coffee. The stress, pressure, and mental exhaustion that he under goes leaves him by the end of the day with only enough energy to eat his dinner in front of the television and tell the kids “Goodnight.” He and his wife watch separate television programs and the most exciting thing that they do in the evening is fight for the covers. Tony is stuck, in a high paying rut.

WILLIAM: Store Clerk

William is a store clerk. He has worked at his company for the last six months, but has a vision and a dream to own the company some day. William wakes up at 5am and prays for guidance and clarity. He doesn’t spend much time praying for what he wants, instead he talks to God as a Senior Business Partner, and counsels with the approach to the day that God would have him to make. William then goes through a morning routine of preparing his mind with some light reading, a few minutes of Bible study and ends his hour with stretching and deep inhalation. At around 6:30 am, William begins to shower, shave, and eat the breakfast he (or his wife) has prepared. (Unlike Tony who’s breakfast consisted of a pot of coffee) He then chooses his best and cleanest uniform. His spirit being fed and covered, his outer appearance has lined up with the inner man and he has full confidence leaving the house even in his dungarees. William leaves early for the store and on his way walking to work he has an iPod with his favorite sermons to listen to. William literally has energy to spare. William does his best at work, and after 6 months he has already been promoted twice. He started as a janitor, and now is on his way to head clerk. Customers have begun requesting his services and the boss has taken notice. When William’s day is done, he goes home to an enthusiastic response from his wife and children and helps his wife clean up after dinner and still has the energy to walk the children around the block before bed. The children go to bed at 8:30, and William stays up until 10pm reading, loving on his wife, and praying thanksgiving for his day. William has a dream, and is cultivating his mind in order to do so.   

It is not enough for us to just leap out of bed and shout “Go, go, go!” We must have a weightier substance behind our desire to daily achieve.  Our morning routine is our catalyst, it is our blueprint, and it is our title deed to our success in life.  Having a morning routine in place is not meant to be rigid, or burdensome. It is meant to have purpose.  If until now your morning purpose has been “just to get to work,” I would challenge you this week to begin setting up your day giving yourself the advantage. Create an environment for yourself that will not only create positive growth it will begin forcing growth to happen. We are a product of our thoughts, and the way we think from morning to night will be determined within the first hour of your day. Think of it as first fruits, or a morning tithe of your time.

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“If you take the time to put God first you will find you have time for everything else that you need to get done.”- P. George Pearsons, Eagle Mountain International Church

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Waking up early takes discipline and in order for us to be able to wake up and start serving others, we must serve God first. It is through Him that we will have the energy to put our own needs last (the physical need to sleep in, etc.). Getting up early gets us up in order to fill our spirits to overflowing with God’s Word.

When you wake up early and have enough time to make breakfast or lunch for the day, you will begin your day with peace of mind because the house is quiet.  You are not the only one who benefits from raising up early, your family will also have a great start to their day, instantaneously they will awake and begin feeding off of the energy in the house that you and God alone have created. You are making it possible for them to be more productive, and in turn, more successful.

Think about the child who is sent off to school with a bowl of cold cereal, power bar, or worse yet, nothing at all. How well do you they do on their exams, or how equipped are they to handle the stresses throughout his day?

Our children are not only starving spiritually, they are starving physically for the love and care that a parent can give in the form of substance and time conversing in the morning hours. The time that you spend eating together can be a miraculous time of strength and victory. A meal shared with a parent who cares, will far supersede a chance occurrence with a friend who tempts them to do wrong.

So let us be brave this week, and patient with our progress. Let us give it our best effort to change and perfect our morning routine.  This will take all the patience we have, and will be perhaps the greatest exercise of self-control that you undergo. Let us do everything we can to wake up early and challenge the norm. Before you know it, you will be waking up before everyone, and you will be happy and blessed in order to be able to do so!

Today’s Key Take Away:

• Waking up early is on purpose, and not just to get ourselves out of the door. Our daily successes build and compound. Day after day, when we focus on the right type of set up we begin creating a life long motion of increase. Starting our day on a positive note not only benefits us, but it benefits others and through our example of the mastery of the mind through what we focus on daily, others will begin to take notice and begin seeking our source of peace and inspiration from within.

Today’s Reflection: What did I learn about myself?

How did waking up early this week change the atmosphere of the house? Who was impacted the greatest? If you kept this morning routine for a year, what can you see happening?

Share this post with someone you think could use a sense of wholeness in their lives… we have 16 more amazing days to go! See our last post HERE

Visit our website here: www.wholeheartart.com

Your Wholeness Journey – DAY THREE

Today’s principle focus is on Service

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Today’s Positive Affirmation and Encouraging Words to Live By:(Repeat this statement as you go about your day and feel the need to take instead of give.)

“I enjoy serving and giving to others.”

Scripture References: Proverbs 31:12

Think on this: While the scripture states “She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.” It could just as easily for today’s modern family needs read: “The wise ones will bring each other good, not harm all the days of their lives.”

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. —Luke 6:38

ON A SCALE OF 1-10… (10 being the highest most confident in your ability to serve) Write down on a piece of paper where you see yourself in the area of service. How service oriented do you feel you are?

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Our third day in our journey to Wholeness in Christ is devoted to servitude, a day of eagerly anticipating serving your fellow human being, especially your family! Someone who is focused on serving looks for ways to bless their household. They go out of their way to schedule oil changes, car washes, play dates and dry-cleaning trips. They use their spare time to invest in enriching the lives of others.

A PORTRAIT OF A SERVANT-HEARTED SINGLE:

The servant-hearted single has perhaps the best opportunity for ministry available on this earth. This man or woman can freely come and go, worship openly and unabated and can give God all of their attention. The Apostle Paul wrote,

Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Cor. 7 NIV

The servant-hearted single can come and go as they please and can listen to God with open ears. They can hear His direction and immediately act on it, without having to ask someone else for approval or opinion. A servant-hearted single can be diligently submitted to God and His will for their lives as long as they take the time and discipline required to be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10) Listen, pray and obey.

A SERVANT-HEARTED WIFE:

Both servant-hearted wives and servant-hearted husbands must listen and obey God. However, they are in a different position than singles. They have a partner to communicate with and confer with. When this is done right and by the Spirit the two in agreement can do anything!

Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. Matt. 18:19

The servant-hearted wife will communicate with her husband regularly, asking him if there is anything he would like her to do for him. I call Jeff every morning, to ask if there is anything I can do for him that day. Whether you are a working wife or not, this does wonders for the relationship. Realize that if you serve your husband long enough, in no time you will begin to reap a personal harvest of joy.

The servant-hearted wife’s goal is to be the very best wife and mother possible. She knows beyond a shadow of a doubt replacing her would be impossible, and she strives to maintain poise and dignity all the days that she is married.  Scripture says, “all the days of her life.”

The serving wife cares to speak highly of her husband, both to the world and to her children. She is compassionate when she hears other wives speaking negatively about their husbands. She constantly speaks encouraging words to her husband and to others, she can be found praying for the other wives she knows, that they might someday too feel as loved as she does.

Talk to your husband today and ask him if you can do anything for him to lighten his load. (This is a thing any good brother, sister, or best-friend would do… it is common curtesy in a relationship) If there are things around the house that you know he would like to have done, try and get them done.

A SERVANT-HEARTED HUSBAND:

The servant-hearted husband offers to take the kids for his wife, engages in conversation, cooks, and yes even changes the occasional diaper. Men don’t have to do much to show their wives they care. Women can be easily pleased by being made dinner for, or by being taken out to dinner. When you as a husband make sure the dishes get done and your wife gets a good night of sleep… well, everything else comes off as a heroic!

He who loves his wife loves himself. Eph. 5

Is there anything that your wife is in need of right now, that a little money or time could make happen for her? Can you remember anything she might have mentioned in particular? Serve her and watch what happens. You might rekindle that feeling of deep love for her that you thought was all but gone!

 

EVERYONE HAS A DREAM, FIND OUT WHAT YOUR SPOUSES IS – AND BEGIN TO ENCOURAGE IT

Are there any life long dreams that you know of that you can look into for your spouse? Dreams are very important, as important as needs. Without dreaming for the moon, how would we ever reach the stars? Research is free, and often times you can get brochures or DVD’S on the things they have always wanted to accomplish. Encourage dreams!  Scripture says,

A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out. Proverbs 20:5

Knowing your dreams and being able to draw them out of each other, takes an understanding man and wife. Set some time aside today to really meditate on how you can bless each other and draw out your deepest dreams and desires for life. What is that unaccomplished goal? Where is that place that you have always wanted to see? Spend time together tonight before bed dreaming about the future.

Everyone has a need and a dream, find your spouses and begin to fill it. I personally have done hours of research on golf, Citation X aircrafts, cost of flights and travel to Africa and Class A Motor homes. These are dreams wrapped in a material package, but both Jeff and I know that these dreams will never be fulfilled without first seeking God and His Kingdom. (Matt. 6:33)

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

SUGGESTED POTENTIAL READING:

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

This excellent book will explain to you key insight about your spouse and their individual ways that they communicate love. According to his understanding of men and women, each person has a certain love language complete with internal  ‘love tanks’, he encourages us all to work at filling our spouses love tanks and suggests that most problems in marriage stem from emptied love tanks. Just like a gasoline engine, no car ever runs when it is empty, neither does a relationship operate when someone isn’t getting the right love message. This book will change your marriage and how you understand your spouses communication and how they speak love to you.

The Five Love Languages are:

1. Physical Touch
2. Words of Affirmation
3. Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Quality Time

Learn to unlock and fill up your spouses “Love Tank” today!

 

THIS PRINCIPLE IN ACTION:

Local Gardener, Loving Father

I once heard a story of a father who worked hard as a gardener. He did very well at his job, but was not paid very much. His daughter took an interest as a girl in piano. She was very naturally talented. When he came to understand that she was gifted, he immediately got her involved in the best piano teaching school that was available. When she asked him if he was sure about what he was doing, his simple reply was “Yes, I’m a working man.”

His daughter went on to win many musical awards including  “most talented piano player in her grade in the Los Angeles Public School System.”

Today’s Key Take Away:

• Everyone has a dream and it is an important factor in serving someone if you know your friends/family/loved ones dream, as well as the dreams of your own. If you focus on serving others and encouraging them in their dreams you will be doing your part to bring them good, all the days of your life.

 

Today’s Reflection: What did I learn about myself?

Take a moment to list your dreams and what dreams of others you may have discovered today. How did focusing on service to others make a difference in your life today?

If you feel comfortable, comment and share your experience – we are all in this together!

Share this post with someone you think could use a sense of wholeness in their lives… we have 19 more amazing days to go! See our last post HERE

Visit our website here: www.wholeheartart.com

Your Wholeness Journey – DAY ONE

Today’s principle focus is on Nobility

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Today’s Positive Affirmation and Encouraging Words to Live By: (Repeat this statement as you go about your day and possibly when you feel things to begin to get out of control)

“I stand strong and with noble character in all that I do.”

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 31:10

One who is of noble character who can find? For they are worth far more than rubies.

ON A SCALE OF 1-10… (10 being the highest most confident in your nobility) Write down on a piece of paper where you see yourself in the area of nobility. How noble do you feel you represent yourself?

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NOBILITY IS FOR YOU

Welcome to day #1 of your spiritual wholeness journey! The first characteristic of study in our 22 day journey is that seldom recognized characteristic of Nobility.

Nobility is not just for royalty, today we will practice responding in the most noble way to each of our daily activities, no matter how simple the task. You may be driving the children to school, answering the phone, or even going to the store. Proverbs 31:10 clearly states, that when we are found noble, we will be found worthy. Specifically, we will be considered worth far more than rubies! Focusing our energy today toward seeing ourselves as noble people that are able to see past temporary offenses will put us in a more valuable and prominent position.

Today, while you are practicing responding to others in nobler ways, make sure to not confuse the humbled trait of nobility with the very unflattering act of self-righteousness. Make a conscious choice today to be a person who is not above the most menial tasks. A King or Queen of stature is a King or Queen who serves. These “servant” Kings and Queens go down in the history books as legends. You can be a legend too!

The noble man or woman is a person who is able to carry out their tasks with dignity and respect, regardless of the level of service required. A noble person does not get overly emotional, is not quick to anger, and is always focused on the benefit of others. Though it may seem impossible for you to think that you can do this, remember the promise that is a result of the one who acts with noble character. The promise is, that you will be found far more valuable than rubies! Every scripture that has a command, suggestion, or guideline comes complete with a promise!

When you are noble in character, you set yourself apart from the rest. You can be found doing the right thing whenever and wherever you can. To have noble character simply means that you choose the right way of doing things. If you are unsure about what the right was of doing things is to do, take cheer and pray to the Father, through prayer and communication you will be able to receive guidance and the ability to decipher which direction to go. As you purify your life and add nobility to your daily way of doing things you will begin to see the direction and path for others. You will begin to be entrusted with the awesome responsibility of leading them in the ways of the Lord. (See Titus 2)

NOBILITY IN ACTION

I remember once when I was in High School I had to diffuse a tough situation. I was in a situation where a peer of mine was constantly ridiculing my performance. He was only ever remarking on my inabilities, and in turn I was left feeling horrible and inadequate. For weeks on end I endured the tormenting, until the thought came to me “What if I love him anyway?”

I approached him, and told him that no matter what he said or did to antagonize me, I was going to love him anyway. My exact words were “No matter what you say, or do, it can’t keep me from loving you.” Immediately the teasing stopped, and I formed a great friend. My ability to love permanently diffused a continuous attack.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. —1 Colossians 13:3

My ordinary response would have been to be hurt, or embarrassed. However for some reason, this time I decided that love was the only thing that would work to stop the teasing. The only thing your enemy cannot comprehend is love. Scripture says,

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. – John 1:5

There is a saying that goes, “Hurting people, hurt people, and are easily hurt by people.” Over the years I have found this statement to be true. When we respond to hurting people in the noblest response they will be left wondering, “What just happened?”

MAHATMA GANDHI

Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi is an expert example of the nobility trait in action. Through his peaceful protests and non-violent acts, he was able to display to his persecutors the only thing they could not understand peace.

Originally, his government could only understood the language of force, violence and war. By acting non-violently, Mahatma Gandhi proved to his nation and to the entire world that the opposite response to anger and oppression is the freedom found in peaceful and noble resistance. True freedom comes from understanding that “If you are willing to stand forever, you will not have to stand for very long.” In scripture Jesus says,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45

When you maintain a noble response while under attack, you will always seem intriguing to your persecutors and your response will leave them asking questions. As Christians, we want people to ask us questions about why we do what we do. “How can you always have peace? How can you love me anyway? Tell me more.” As you gain scripture knowledge you will begin hoping people will want to ask you these questions, instead of avoiding them. Read your Word and be prepared! Your nobility will shout loud to others, even when you are not saying a thing!

YOU ARE IN GOOD COMPANY!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, and countless others have had the uncanny ability to command a room simply by entering it. They have had the ability, the grace and the wisdom to put others at ease with their genuine kindness and nobility. As they walked with nobility and did not let their negative circumstances take command over them, they have become considered some of the greatest leaders in history. The best leader is a noble leader.

As you have committed to take this challenge, you are telling yourself that you are ready to accept the kind of leadership that comes with being an excellent spouse, parent, and friend. All of your relationships in life will surely benefit. If you are kind when you need to be, respectful, and positive choosing to be noble at all times, you will be found far more valuable than rubies! The Word says so! What a wonderful characteristic to strive for!

Nobility is likened to outward righteousness.

Nobility does not consist only of our inward response to others, but it can also be portrayed in our outward representation.

For example, how much skin would the Queen of England or Princess Diana show?  Would the King of England be seen sporting a ‘baseball cap’ as everyday wear? They would not show much skin or wear such hats (except for while playing sports of course), why? The man and woman of royalty see themselves as the physical representations of the Kingdom, and must be a noble example to others. People may speak ill about you, or think that you are less than you are, simply due to the way that you dress. Noble men and women set trends, not follow after them. The Bible says:

Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives. But mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around. —Titus 2:1-8 The Message

Nobility is likened to outward righteousness.  Living a life modeled by nobility can be difficult as we live in a media driven “I want it all, and I want it all right now” society. This environment of instant gratification can prevent us from attempting to live righteously, by diverting our focus from those things that are truly important and “traditional”, (our own personal righteousness, our families, and our loyalty to our spouses for example) to spending frivolously and becoming distracted by the latest most popular fad.

We are responsible for fully representing His Kingdom and His type of Godly righteousness

Some people become so enamored with the latest trends and toys, that they will ruin their lives and go into great debt in order to live the over sensationalized “American dream.”

True dream living or righteous living in reality is found in being able to live a life of spiritual fulfillment in Christ, with nothing missing and nothing broken. We must deeply understand that He is our King, and that we are His noble subjects responsible for fully representing His Kingdom and His type of Godly righteousness.

Don’t worry friends a noble character does not make you a slave. It means you are respectful and willing to help others, including your spouse. It means stepping in to help them complete their tasks before you get to yours. You cannot be a slave, if you commit your lives to the service of others.

In his book Up From Slavery, Booker T. Washington (The last Black American leader to be born into American slavery) talks about his overseas visit to England and the mentality of the English servants, He states:

“I was impressed, too, with the deference that the servants show to their ‘masters’ and ‘mistresses,’- terms which I suppose would not be tolerated in America. The English servant expects, as a rule, to be nothing but a servant, and so he perfects himself in the art  (of servitude) to a degree that no class of servants in America has yet reached.

In our country the servant expects to become, in a few years, a “master” himself. Which system is preferable? I will not venture an answer.”  – Booker T. Washington  

Being noble in character is what it takes to kindly bless your spouse with a cool glass of water when you know you yourself could use one, or cheerfully choosing to overlook their little quirks and habits that can seem irritating to you.

If you continue to prove to yourself that you have a noble character, and practice the art of self-control and attitude according to the scripture, you will be praised and considered valuable to all those around you. You will soon find yourself influencing the actions and motives of those around you and others will also begin living as examples of nobility in their own lives by emulating you.

I once heard a famous preacher say, “Sometimes the only Bible others will ever read or get a hold of is YOU.”

THIS PRINCIPLE IN ACTION:

Jesus of Nazareth: The Lord and Savior of Christians

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, He said to them. “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not (just) welcome Me but (also) the One who sent me.” Mark 9:34-35 NIV.

Today’s Key Take Away:

• Start your first day of journey toward wholeness with an air of nobleness, eager to carry out tasks kindly, while remaining emotionally secure. Pray when you feel weak, count to ten when you are about to explode, and always remember “You can do anything for a day!”

Today’s Reflection: What did I learn about myself?

Take a moment at the end of your day to write about what you learned after spending a whole day focused on acting and thinking noble. How did others treat you? How did you feel about yourself? Could you see how staying in a noble mindset might make you more valuable in society, if you chose to adapt it as a characteristic? If you feel comfortable, comment and share your experience – we are all in this together!

 

Share this post with someone you think could use a sense of wholeness in their lives… we have 21 more amazing days to go! See our first post HERE

Day #21 You Can Be Made WHOLE

I believe it is time to begin writing again. It has been five days since last I wrote, and while I thoroughly enjoyed being away from the incessant blinking of my computer curser, I began to feel extremely selfish in my avoidance of the keyboard.

WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT NEXT?

During the last five days, I have been away wondering and praying about what I should write next. This whole blogging thing has always been a puzzle to me. Who on God’s green earth wants to read what I have to say – or rather, what I have to think? Certainly not the people who are busy and have lives to live. Definitely not those who are bored. Who am I but a stay-at-home mother of six children who has somehow managed to create a life worth living, a thing most anyone can do.

“How about you tell your story… from the very beginning.” – God

Just the other day, my dear friend Stephanie and I were out to juice (it is what we do in California) as we were out wandering around and talking about things, we began discussing exactly how it is people get “stuck” in situations.

Why for example, some people who could be made well do not receive their healing and why others can seem so easily to step into it in the “hear and now”. PLEASE do not mistake me when write about the manifestation of healing, there are definitely cases of miraculous healings, however the types of healings I am talking about are not necessarily those of the “terminal” kind.

I am writing of the ailments which become “identities”. For example, let us look at the man who wears corrective lenses. This particular man could very easily have his eyesight fixed by way of lasik surgery, and yet he does not go through with it. HE IS SCARED. When you ask him why he won’t do it, he allows himself to believe something will happen during the operation and the very little sight he already has, will be taken from him when in reality the operations have extremely HIGH success rates and the odds of the man coming out worse than when he went in are nearly impossible. The man isn’t REALLY scared of the procedure – he is scared of who he will become as a “glasses free” man. Will he be recognized? Will he be successful? Will his brand suffer? Who is he really… without glasses? This man does not know.

As we begin our journeys in attaining wholeness (in the Hebrew this is referred to as ‘shalom: nothing missing nothing broken’) we must begin by asking ourselves “Am I willing to leave my broken identity behind?”

If you are believing God for a healing, would you be willing to leave your handicap placard behind? If you are believing God for finances, would you be willing to get off of Government subsidies? These are hard things to do, and I am not asking you to do them.

What I am asking you to do is to THINK beyond your afflictions and the identities which have taken ahold of your heart. Who are you without your afflictions? Who are you without your infirmities?

Jesus asked a very telling question to those whom he healed… here is what he asked:

“Wilt thou be made whole?” John 5:6 KJV

I believe Jesus asked then, and is asking us today… “will you be made whole?” Will you allow the Lord to make you whole? Can you give up on the old and afflicted you? Can you give up your old friends who make you feel lonely and depressed? Can you instead see yourself with friends who only talk about the future and where you are all going together as a team? Will you let Jesus make you whole?

WALKING IN WHOLENESS TAKES COURAGE

Walking whole takes courage. The kind of courage only those who stay in the Word of God can produce. We read the Bible daily, not to be “good Christians” but to remake our identities in Him. From sickness to health, from poor to rich, from lonely to surrounded by an abundance of friends. The Word of God changes our viewpoint from LIFE being what being on this earth is all about – to DEATH being an eternal and wonderful rest in the arms of our everlasting Father. The Word of God gives us permission to live life and live it more abundantly while at the same time we work to NOT store up earthly riches but instead to store character, resolve, and immeasurable amounts of faith – things that are eternal.

Wether a man lives to be 120, 25, or 10 – the only thing which will be left behind him is his character. As a matter of fact, we can say with all confidence Christ’s character STILL being spoken of 2016 years AFTER his death. The man walked p e r f e c t, the man was w h o l e. Imagine that. Having a character so pure and so perfect the world would be talking about you 2016 years after your death. Only ONE man could be that remarkable, our Lord and Savior the Messiah – Jesus.

BUT we can still work to walk in wholeness and with a pure character, as we are called to imitate Christ, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.” Eph 5:1 (NLT) People most certainly won’t be writing about us for 2000+ years, but after we are gone those we loved can certainly remember us with fondness and as wonderful people.

Yes my dear friends, you CAN be made whole. I too was broken once. I was depressed, emotional, desperate and in agonizing pain. I could not see the light in front of me and it was as if I was buried alive in a pitch black tomb. Then one day, the light came into my life and INSTANTLY I was made whole. Perhaps this blog moving forward will be about that… my whole story.

Today’s key takeaway: If you are believing for a miraculous outpouring in your life, don’t forget to take inventory about how you would REALLY feel about the manifestation of that miracle. Are you comfortable with the thought of walking in wholeness? If Jesus were to ask you right now ‘will you be made whole – would you be willing to leave the ‘who you know you are’ behind, for a new and unlimited you?’ Would you – could you accept your new reality? 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 NIV

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” Galatians 3:26

“Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.” Matt 9:22 NIV

“Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.” Matt 8:13

Are you a believer? #ibelieve365

 

 

Day #16 School Reform aka RAISING SUPERHEROES

Reading, writing, and arithmetic… oh, and a life.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

Born into slavery in 1860 George Washington Carver became an outstanding man with quite a thirst for knowledge.

Sickly as a boy, he was brought inside the main house to do household chores like cooking and cleaning. When slavery was abolished young George (who had been taken in by his previous owners) was encouraged to “go to school” and at 10 years old he took himself to school 10 miles from his home to a school that accepted black children, (his local public school did not).

While he was in his new town sleeping in a barn, a rather nice woman noticed him and traded with him odd jobs for a place for George to stay. George was on his own at ten years old, earning his housing AND going to school. He did not initially go to school to learn trigonometry, calculus, or AP English. He was in school to learn how to READ and get enough of the basics under his belt he could one day go on to college (which at the time was a furthering education on did to ENHANCE ones education – NOT TO GET A BETTER PAYING JOB).

In 1890 Carver started college studying art and piano, however his teacher saw in him a great love for plants and encouraged him to attend Iowa State Agriculture College in Ames, he was accepted and became the first black student to go to the college in 1891 – he was 31 years young, one could say “he was a gifted man from youth”. Taken from wikipedia.com:

“(Over his lifetime) George Washington Carver reputedly developed 300 uses for peanuts and hundreds more for soybeans, pecans and sweet potatoes. Among the uses that he suggested to southern farmers to help them economically were adhesives, axle grease, bleach, buttermilk, chili sauce, fuel briquettes (a biofuel), ink, instant coffee, linoleum,mayonnaise, meat tenderizer, metal polish, paper, plastic, pavement, shaving cream, shoe polish, synthetic rubber, talcum powder and wood stain.

Three patents (one for cosmetics; US 1522176, issued 1925-01-06, and two for paints and stains; US 1541478, issued 1925-06-09 and US 1632365, issued 1927-06-14) were issued to George Washington Carver in the years 1925 to 1927; however, they were not commercially successful. Aside from these patents and some recipes for food, Carver left no records of formulae or procedures for making his products. He did not keep a laboratory notebook.

Carver’s research was intended to produce replacements from common crops for commercial products, which were generally beyond the budget of the small one-horse farmer. A misconception grew that his research on products for subsistence farmers were developed by others commercially to change Southern agriculture.Carver’s work to provide small farmers with resources for more independence from the cash economy foreshadowed the “appropriate technology” work of E.F. Schumacher.”

I DO NOT BELIEVE GEORGE WAS GIFTED, I BELIEVE HE WAS INSPIRED

An autodidact is a “self taught person”.

Many of the GREATEST men and women throughout the history of humanity have taken the time to teach themselves. While George went to various schools in an effort to learn from others, schools were his PLAYGROUND. Schools were his LABORATORIES. He didn’t begin school until he was 10 which left him more that capable of comprehending reading, writing, and arithmetic. Upon learning the lessons of the day (where school was NOT 8/9 hours a day) he continued his higher education by PURSUING his OWN desires.

He studied art, music, and plants. This was in the 1890s! There was no mandatory “general education degree”. If you studied agriculture, your SCIENCE, MATH, HISTORY, WRITING, and COMPREHENSION was ALL centered by agriculture. The science of plants, the math of plots and farming, the history of seedtime and harvest time, the hypothesis and essays of new theories in plant cultivation, and what the process all meant as a contribution to SOCIETY. THIS IS HOW SCHOOL SHOULD BE TAUGHT.

George Washington Carver, 1910

To me, George was every boy or girl and his humble beginnings prove it. He was a sickly and weak child. He was born into slavery. He had no education with no personal attention as a boy from an involved parent. HE JUST WAS.

His thirst to study – SPECIFICALLY something he LOVED was what lead him to become a 47 year head of agriculture at the Tuskegee Institute under at the time acting President Booker T. Washington.

He became a counsel to Kings, Presidents, and even Henry Ford who discussed with him at length how cars one day could operate on soy bean oil! George’s color didn’t hold him back, his lack of a general education didn’t hold him back, NOTHING held him back! There is an old adage that says this:

“If you LOVE what you do for a living, you will never have to work a day in your life.”

What if instead we rewrote this to say,

“If you LOVE what you are learning, you will never have to go to school a day in your life.”

Yes, I believe George took his education into his OWN hands. I believe people saw things in him – like him tinkering with plants at home – and gave him direction. That’s it just direction, they didn’t tell him what he needed to do or not do – they merely suggested options BASED ON WHAT THEY SAW CAME NATURAL. What if our school system was reformed to this point. Let’s say instead of “school as a manufacturing plant” school became a “Laboratory for Life”.

HERE IS MY PROPOSAL

Let us say we go back to basics. How about children don’t worry about “starting school” until they age in at about 10 years old (or even 12) let’s say these children by now have a pretty good idea about what THEY want to study. Art, humanities, math, writing, and science. Let us encourage children to really DESIRE to learn more because (well frankly) they are sick of playing. Yes, in MY reformed school system children would play games, sports, socialize, make friends, fish, and go on field trips from 5-10. NO formalized education required.

What if instead of taking 19-30 children who are all the same age and sitting them behind desks for 8-9 hours a day to teach them things which they aren’t ALL interested in (some things yes, others no), we instead treat EACH CHILD as an INDIVIDUAL.

What if we give the children all the tools at their disposal in an already existing school and we OPEN up all the classrooms and starting from age 5-10 we let each child “go wild” (Of course with guidance – but we let them be free to eat when they want, learn when they are ready, and try out everything new).

In my imagination I can see setting free at least 100 children into a totally open door school where each teacher stood in each room, and waited for children to COME to them. There might be 5, 9, 6, & 8 year olds in the chemistry lab READY and eager to mix “bubbly stuff” and then there might be 7, 6, 10, and 5 year olds who just CANNOT leave the auditorium microphones alone and MUST be in costume! Each room would have a designated teacher, and each teacher would be left ONLY working with children who really WANTED to be there. If the child got bored, they didn’t go see the school psychologist – they went to a different classroom! Each classroom would have an open door policy! Each child would be encouraged to come and go as they please! No lesson plans, no tests, no requirements – merely a school chalked full of miniature LIFE LABORATORIES with skilled educators ready to inspire.

Yes, starting at age 10 my students would sit with their parents and some wonderfully encouraging counsellors (who had been assigned to them since they were 5) and these counsellors would have noticed (by observation) what the children were natural gifted and prone to do. If one child particularly enjoyed art in their higher education they would have one set of curriculum. If another proved to enjoy science, debate, music, acting, math, etc. they would ALL have separate curriculums, none of which would force a child to do ANY type of work they HATED – boring work probably, but there can be joy in the mundane. For example, if you LOVE to bake – even doing dishes can become enjoyable. 

This “NEW SCHOOL” is beginning to sound a lot more like the X-Men’s school for gifted youngsters! What if we could raise SUPERHEROES!

In tomorrow’s blog I will continue to dream about this dream “day school” which I have in mind for the older age groups (10+). For now I will have to go to bed dreaming about the looks on the potential youth of tomorrow’s faces as they are set free hypothetically into computer labs, art studios, music rooms, bio and chem labs – just to “TRY everything out, HANDS ON”. What a remarkable dream! To see every child in America and the WORLD free to learn at their own pace, in their own time, things that THEY desire to learn… what a wonderful dream.

Today’s key takeaway: While this “dream school” sounds preposterous at a National level, many schools are beginning to steer AWAY from worksheets and memorizing facts and instead are attempting to teach children how to think. While I believe this is BETTER news, it does NOT address the fact children are REQUIRED to study things which negatively impact their delicate psyches like taking a naturally gifted Thespian and requiring them to study chemistry or biology – this is NOT a “life lesson” this teaches our young Thespian nothing but to doubt themselves and to hate going to school. The SYSTEM is flawed. It isn’t about grades, it is about interest. TODAY I would pray you look into your children’s (and your own!) lives and ask what you are doing to encourage your child’s God given talents and gifts.

What brings you a breath of fresh air when you think about doing it? As you think about this today, work to do more of whatever that is – as soon as possible. Life is TOO short to be saying “If only I won the lottery”. DO LIFE NOW instead.

George Washington Carver was not expected to live past his twenty-first birthday due to failing health. He lived well past the age of twenty-one (he died at 83), and his belief deepened as a result.Throughout his career, he always found friendship with other Christians. He relied on them especially when criticized by the scientific community and media regarding his research methodology.

Carver viewed faith in Jesus Christ as a means of destroying both barriers of racial disharmony and social stratification.He was as concerned with his students’ character development as he was with their intellectual development. He compiled a list of eight cardinal virtues for his students to strive toward:

• Be clean both inside and out.
• Neither look up to the rich nor down on the poor.
• Lose, if need be, without squealing.
• Win without bragging.
• Always be considerate of women, children, and older people.
• Be too brave to lie.
• Be too generous to cheat.
• Take your share of the world and let others take theirs.

Beginning in 1906 at Tuskegee, Carver led a Bible class on Sundays for several students at their request. He regularly portrayed stories by acting them out.He responded to critics with this: “When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.”

Are you a believer? #ibelieve365

Day #11 A Letter to the Lottery Winner(s)

Hi. My name is Jessica.

YOU DON’T KNOW ME

First off, I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS! Now breathe.

Dear Winner(s)-

My name is Jessica Heilman and I am a mother of six children and a wife for the last twenty years.I DON’T want anything from you instead, I would like to GIVE something to you… WISDOM.

You see, I have been where you are at. Well, not literally – the money we have gotten over the years has been mere chump change compared to the dump load you will be walking in to.

Yet, I have seen both sides – I have burned furniture in the fireplace to stay warm and I have had multiple cups of that monkey poop (civet) coffee at $25 a cup. I can remember one year making a whopping $19,000.00 (to support five people) and the VERY NEXT year making $600,000.00+. I would like to say we had wisdom back then… but we DIDN’T we went into debt STRAIGHT AWAY, because why not? We had all the money, we could afford the payments… I admit it, we were stupid.

#1 YOU ARE LIKE KARDASHIAN RICH NOW – DON’T GO INTO DEBT

OMG, PLEASE do not let the demon of debt into your heart! That sucker will start you out borrowing money for houses, and next you’ll be a billionaire charging groceries at Target. Just let it GO! Let go trying to make all the credit card companies and banks happy. They are merely selling you on WHY it’s ok to borrow money so they can make interest off of YOU! IT’S NEVER OK, debt NEVER benefits you.

You will pay much more in interest than those rewards they try to give you. Even if you are responsible and pay your bill EVERY month, when you partake in rewards systems you are supporting “the system” and all the other people who aren’t responsible like you see systems like these when they are in action – and they cannot help themselves. BANKRUPT the reward system – don’t support it, make it unavailable for the people who know no better and teach them instead by example to wait for whatever it is they need or want. Pay cash, teach your kids to pay cash, and tell the bankers to go make their OWN money! You’re YOUR OWN bank now.

#2 DON’T GET COSMETIC SURGERY

“Cosmetic” surgery is NOT the same as life saving surgeries. (PLEASE do those) When I am talking cosmetic surgery I am talking about boobs, lips, eyebrows, butt implants, pecks… etc. Any type of surgery that takes a PERFECTLY good YOU and turns you into “That rich dude/dudette that won the lottery and had some work done.” God made you perfect just the way you are, and REAL CHANGE the kind of change that SAYS something about you and your character takes time. No amount of money can replace good old fashioned HARD WORK.

#3 DON’T GIVE IT TO YOUR KIDS

Oh my Lord no. Don’t give money to your kids… GIVE THEM JOBS! Start a foundation, incorporate yourself, build a University. Make your kids work their way up from janitor to President or CEO. Like I said, NOTHING REPLACES HARD WORK. Hire people to HELP you manage what you have, get yourself and your kids (if you have adult children) on a SALARY and learn to live within your means of that. Things will be different from now on, no doubt about that – but unless you have a good job to do with your life (YOUR WHOLE LIFE, LIKE LIVE TO 110 LIFE) you will end up dead, miserable, and broke no matter how rich you are today.

#4 FORGET INVESTING IT

Well, ok so that title was just to get you to read this paragraph. Invest… but invest where GOD tells you to invest. No one saw what was going to happen to Apple stocks initially other than Steve Jobs, no one saw what was going to happen to Disney Corp. except Walt Disney, heck even Phil Robertson when he ran into his living room holding up his first duck call shouted “This is it! This is what is going to make us millions!!” to hear only crickets in return from his family.Only God knows the future, and He won’t lead you astray. How do you hear from God?

Tell EVERYONE ELSE IN YOUR LIFE to GO AWAY until you get your Word from God. Get a hotel room somewhere, lie face down on the floor and DO NOT MOVE or do ANYTHING except pray to your Father in Heaven until you hear from Him. Take your Bible, take a note-pad, and leave everything else behind. You can do this. We’re rooting for you.

This is a picture of our family. No amount of money could ever buy the lessons they have learned from their parents. The first picture I posted was of me ON THE DAY I got my hair done. Money won’t keep your roots done, your prostate from flaring, your cycle (if your premenopausal) from resurfacing every month.

Money won’t keep you company or teach your children to LOVE EACH OTHER. Forget loving their parents, any parent can “buy their kids off” with cars and houses and things – but there is a common denominator among uber-rich siblings, they more often than not end up HATING each other. You might be able to buy your children’s “love” to you, but you can never buy the love they have to earn between each other.

They get jealous of each other, they won’t hug each other, they won’t even smile to each other in the hall. They end up only doing ONE THING competing with each other. Competing for attention, respect, love, and admiration. ALL THINGS MONEY CAN’T BUY.

AS A MOTHER OF SIX CHILDREN & A WIFE

• Money can’t solve your children’s need for attention. This can only happen organically when they interrupt you. If they are swimming in pools of gold coins, they don’t need you for anything – and therefore they do NOT need to interrupt you for anything. Instead, they retreat into their own world and while they are playing by themselves with their Ferraris, they are wishing they had a reason to interrupt you to ask you if they could borrow the Toyota.
• Money can’t give children respect. No one instantly respects you. Even President George Washington had to EARN respect. How did he earn respect? He earned it in battle. He earned it by holding his soldiers hands. He earned it by fighting for a cause everyone believed in. As you are newly rich and training your children, GUIDE them in BUILDING things. It isn’t just a “good work” to do with their lives, it is an ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY task in their ability to earn respect from others.
• Money can’t buy LOVE. Love is NOT a feeling love is a state of being, and states of being do NOT happen over night. Much like respect, love is something which can only be cultivated. Love begins as a seed and when watered and weeded and harvested properly, love can LAST FOREVER. Buying a diamond ring that could choke a horse will give that person a temporary adrenaline high and quite a boost of cortisol, BUT THIS IS NOT LOVE. Love starts with the person who would accept a gummy lifesaver as a ring. TRUE love is a love capable of enduring every season you throw at it. Rain, sun, snow, hurricanes, tornados… real love can last through it all.
• Money can’t buy admiration. These children of ours LOVE each other. They love each other because just as love started from a seed, our children have started from seeds too. As a mother and a parent, since these six sweethearts were babies I have taught them to encourage each other, spend time with each other, play with each other, make up instead of fight with each other. They have learned to ADMIRE one another for each other’s strengths and totally ignore each others weaknesses. Where one is weak the other is strong – and together they make one heck of a team. They each think of the others higher than they think of themselves. (This is something they have watched their parents do. I believe my husband is WAY better at EVERYTHING than I am – and he feels the same about me)

I DON’T ENVY YOU – GOOD LUCK

I really don’t envy you.

The shock your system will go through is going to be INTENSE. The people who are going to come after you will be NUMEROUS. No, I don’t envy you… but I DO believe in you. I believe with Christ all things are possible, and I believe you have been given a great gift from God! No go, make a life and ENJOY it!

Sincerely your friend,

Jessica

Today’s key takeaway: God doesn’t make junk. YOU were made in His image. He has a plan and purpose for you wether you have just won the lottery or have debt collectors at your door. There is so much more to life than money and what money means. While money isn’t good – it isn’t bad either! Money is merely an amplifier of a character which is already developed. It is the megaphone to the person who is dong the speaking. If you would like to make more money, get out of debt etc, invest in the ONLY surefire investment out there… BOOKS. Begin to devour books on creating and establishing a good moral character and you will see your bank account turn around IN NO TIME, with better chances than winning the lottery.

Are you a believer? #ibelieve365

Learn more about Jessica Heilman, her family, and her business by visiting her about.me page at: https://about.me/jessicaheilman

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Day #9 Dog Tired

A real life battle… doing what you are called to do when you DON’T WANT to do it.

DOG TIRED

I’m really so dog tired tonight, thanks to staying out late for a date night and spending the last four days locked in my office rebuilding my companies website. I have had to re-enter each product listing one at a time, I have had to build images and make my own buttons… the list goes on and on.

Then to celebrate, we took the kids out on a family drive and ate Taco Bell. Then we came home and went to a movie. We saw Sisters. (Oye Vei) I typically try NOT to watch R-Rated movies (I’m a Christian for Peet’s sake!) But part of my Christian walk is being open and honest with you. Yes, we saw the new Tina Fey movie and as to be expected there was swearing and derogatory sexual references… and NO I wouldn’t recommend the movie. HOWEVER, I laughed a lot and I kind of cried inside at that feeling of loneliness that comes from having no siblings. No one to talk you off the ledge when you are thinking of doing something stupid – no one you can tell EVERYTHING to because they won’t or can’t judge you. As an only child I don’t know if I will ever have a relationship like that with any woman. Maybe one day. It felt good to laugh.

GOD GAVE

I know I wrote yesterday about making a commitment to pray The Lord’s Prayer every morning and while I might have walked into temptation (?) by watching the not-wholesome-at-all movie, God still GAVE to us regardless. I received my first order off Etsy in a long time and my husband took a new job within his company! Like seriously! God GAVE to us, even though I know I am not worthy. (This should bring you hope)

I always pray that I would have a heart like David. Repentant, humbled, and sensitive. I pray for the wisdom of Solomon, the heart of David, the judgement of Deborah, and faith like Sarah. To be able to be a woman of character has always been the thing I have desired the most.

I hope that when you read these words, the words you read are an honest account of a person who believes in Christ, a person who makes bad decisions and doesn’t totally regret them (because I really did laugh out loud!), a person who is conflicted and lives out that verse in Romans 7:14-25:

“What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.

But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.

I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?

The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.” (The Message Version)

Today’s key takeaway: We all fall short. Even the “great” ones have days when as soon as they decided to do something ‘HUGE’ for God, sin is right there knocking on their door. Yet God’s compassion sees us through because even when we desire to rebel against His natural law – He is right there GIVING unto us regardless of our misgivings. Tomorrow I will pray and I will write, I will love, and I will play with my kids. Tomorrow I will make more mistakes – and tomorrow God will GIVE to me just like He did today… because He loves me, and because I asked. 

Are you a believer? #ibelieve365