Why Should I Pursue Wholeness?

 

 

 

• Are you happy and content with your life as you know it?  

•  Do you know why you are here on earth?

•  Have you found out what is God’s plan, purpose, and destiny for your life?

•  And if you are already living your whole life, are you willing to instruct others how to get there?

•  What strategies did you use to obtain wholeness?

 

  I believe that living your best life is living life with intent and purpose. We human beings are flawed and broken, but we can become works in progress as long as we are willing to improve. This will take developing a strategy that will lift you out of the mediocre into a quality of higher-level living. That’s living the whole life.

Now if you are one of those people who are content with your life, I think that’s great. If your family is good, you have a good job, and you can afford to live a comfortable, healthy life. That’s a real blessing. 

But if there is something deep down in your heart that yearns for more and questions your existence here on earth,  it’s time for some self-examination. 

 

 

Your presence here on earth is not by accident, you are here by a carefully calculated process designed by God. He loves you so much and He wants you to experience life on this earth. He also desires that you seek Him concerning His plan and purpose for your life. It's a process that will yield much fruit in every area of your life. It will not only be a benefit and blessing to your life but others as well. This is what becoming whole is all about. As you do the work of processing, healing, and readjusting your life, you’ll be able to help others as well.

 

You Are Being Watched

 

The Bible says that we are living epistles to be read of men. 2 Corinthians 3:2. Whether we like it or not, people watch us and check how we carry ourselves. Our interactions with people reflect who we really are. I had a co-worker tell me that I give them so much hope. It made me wonder what have I done to make a mark on her life like that. It’s not that I’m all that but it’s who I live for. I was happy to know that God had used me as a conduit to touch her heart. I believe in being a real person whether you’re at home, work, the store, or church.

 

 

Reasons You Should Pursue Wholeness

 

 ·         To Bring Glory to God (Have a good testimony before Him)

·         To be a good example for others to follow

·         To live a balance stable life

·         To be able to face life’s challenges in a healthy way

·         To respond, not react

·         When you know better, you’ll do better

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Wholeness All About?

 

We human beings are made up of three parts: spirit, soul, and body. We are spirit, we possess a soul, and live in a physical body.  All these parts of ourselves are interrelated and function together as a whole. What affects one part of our being  will directly affect the other, whether in a positive or negative way.

Before I go into what wholeness means to me, let’s get into the definition of wholeness. Merriam Webster terms wholeness as the condition of being sound in body. The quality or state of being without restriction, exception or qualification. The Free Dictionary defines wholeness as containing all components, complete, not divided or disjoined. In the physical sense, it’s defined as not wounded, injured, or impaired; sound or unhurt. It’s also a state of having been restored, healed.

As you read through these definitions, what comes to your mind regarding wholeness? Does it seem to be an unattainable reality?

Well let me put your mind at ease. Wholeness has nothing to do with perfection. It’s a lifelong pursuit of balance in your spirit, soul, and body. It is bringing your whole self into balance and alignment through healing and restoration.

 

What Does Wholeness Mean to Me?

 

When I think of wholeness, a pie comes to mind. (Ok, so now you know I’m a fan of sweets…)  A pie is a whole unit, but it didn’t start out that way. From the crust to the filling, they all were separate ingredients. Once these ingredients go through a process of being measured, combined, and baked, these separate ingredients become one cohesive unit,  a delicious mouthwatering pie. That’s the process of becoming whole. It’s taking the fragmented areas of our lives through a progression of self-examination and personal growth in order to heal and become a better more vital you.

Before we can pursue wholeness with intention, we must acknowledge the truth about ourselves- the good, bad, and the ugly. Once you’ve begun to acknowledge the areas of your life that need to be improved, you will need to set daily goals and implement a daily strategy to achieve those goals. This can be developed through prayer, journaling, going through therapy, or talking to a trusted friend.

 Everyone is different and no one’s pursuit of healing to wholeness is the same. It is a work in progress for anyone who dares to break out of the norms of life and choose to approach life with a different mindset. It’s a matter of wanting to become your best self in order to live out your best life, not a perfect life, but your best life.

 

 

 

 

 

New Year New Mindset

New Year New Mindset

Are You Willing to Change Your Focus?

Now that we've crossed over into the New Year, have you started to gear yourself up with new beginnings, resolutions, and strategies to be and do better. How's it been working for you so far? For me it's been iffy, but sue me, I'm human. If you're anything like me, I'll start out with good intentions. Somehow by  February, all of my intentions and efforts start to fizzle and wane.

Matthew 26:41 states: Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Unfortunately we start to make excuses for our lack of focus and willpower, then make friends with compromise to justify our feelings of guilt and frustration.

Have you been through this? I know I have many times. That's why I stopped doing resolutions years ago. My reasoning is if I start a resolution I'm just setting myself up for failure. Through careful self-examination, (sheer desperation for real ya'll), I began to find out why I started sabotaging my efforts. When the light came on, I discovered my focus on past failures stalled any goals I set for future success. So I had to make the choice to redirect my focus. Redirection will give you a new point of view that will grow into a new mindset. Different mindset = Different results.

So how do we start?

RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE GATHERING

Proverbs 24: 3-4 Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

You know, as the saying goes, Knowledge is Power. And knowing how to apply that knowledge is wisdom. I began to research new strategies and techniques to accomplish my goals. I began to gather the tools and even some shortcuts to make accomplishing my goals easier. This helped me to stay focused on the results I desired.

WRITE YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS DOWN

Habakkuk 2:2b Write the vision and mke it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.

The best tool that I've used for goal setting is writing them down. Make it fun and interesting for yourself by getting a beautiful notebook or journal just for your goals. Set aside a special time and make it all about you. Don't rush yourself, really think about and meditate on what areas of your life that need improvement. The system that I've adopted is: Write your goals, fill in the desired results for each of those goals, then start at the beginning with small daily steps.

STAY FOCUSED ON ONE GOAL AT A TIME

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

Are you one of  those people that dive in, all or nothing? When we try and do too many things at once, it only causes chaos, confusion, and frustration. List your goals in order of importance to you. Then just like a skilled contractor, build upon your foundation with careful precision. If you happen to veer off course, don't beat yourself up, take your time and get back on course.

TAKE IT A DAY AT A TIME AND JOURNAL YOUR RESULTS

Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the tings of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Remember to take it slow. this is a process of moving forward and gaining ground. Everyday is a step to a better and greater you. Celebrate each milestone and keep going. Before you know it, you'll be reach your goal successfully. Be mindful that success does not just happen when you meet your goal, it happens when you start the process. It makes me think of that famous quote: A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

Zechariah 4: 10 Who [with reason] despises the day of small things (beginnings)?

Thanks for Caregiving

Matthew 5:13a - 14 Ye are the salt of the earth. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

This post is dedicated to all caregivers. Whether you care for a special needs person in your family, an elderly member, or if it's your profession, being a caregiver is a very special calling. I watched my mom walk in this calling numerous times when she helped her sister take care of mama cindy (my grandmother). Years later she took care of my dad. She also worked for years as a professional caregiver and built a great reputation of loving and caring for others. Now I have the awesome priviledge of taking care of her.

Sometimes I go through a little guilt because I have to work a full time job, but I'm thankful that God blessed us with a great lady who comes in to clean and care for my mom. My husband is also a great help to momma when I'm unable to be there. I had to learn to let go and let others come in to aid me when life happens.

This leads me to this point: as much as we love the ones we are caring for, we must not forget to care for ourselves. If we don't get our proper rest, relaxation, and recreation, we experience burnout and frustration. Proper self care is tantamount to a balanced life and a  heathly and whole well being. Remember we will not be able to be our best for others if we are unwilling to invest in ourselves. Here are just a few self care tips to start you on a pathway to a balanced life free of burnout.

· Contact an agency to find out about their respite care services. You need whole self care. You can't be your best for the people in your care, in other relationships, and other areas of your life without checking in with yourself.

· Keep a journal. It's cathartic to pour out your heart and soul on paper.

· Have a day out with friends.

· If you can, get a day spa treatment or a deep tissue massage.

· Find a good support group.

Father God:
We thank you for the blessing of caregivers. I ask that you will give them a double portion of strength in their spirits, souls, and bodies. Thank you Lord for blessing them not to want for any good thing. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Meditation on Moderation

                                                                        Philippians 4:5

                             Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

                                                         
As we continue our meditation on Philippians 4, let's aim our focus on verse 5.  The word that jumps out at me is moderation. I always think of moderation when I'm trying to diet, you know the whole cutting back on sweets, bread, and junk food, thing?  No fun, huh? That's what our everyday usage of the word entails--restraint or temperance. It's choosing to be disciplined in order to attain a goal or reap a benefit. Whether it's budgeting to buy a house, or embarking upon a new exercise and diet routine, moderation opens the door to achieve that goal.

In the Strong's Greek dictionary, moderation is known as being gentle, mild, forbearing (patient and restrained), fair, reasonable, and moderate. Wow! This takes it a step further from not just being disciplined, but also our attitude while being disciplined.

So what is Paul telling us in this passage? To walk in a spirit of meekness. I like to think of it as "grace under pressure". This is Christlike character and conduct. Our character is a reflection of motives and morals, our ways and means of living our lives and dealing with people and situations. The more we live a life surrendered to God and His Word, His Character is formed within us. He gives us His ability to not only do right, but to be right, from the inside, out. This enables us to be the salt and light disciples to a culture that is yearning for the manifestation of the sons of God. Romans 8:19


Heavenly Father:

Lord I thank you for your long suffering towards us. As we go through the progression of moderation, help us to be mindful that it's Christ in us, the hope of glory, that will enable us to walk in godly character, good reputations, and examples in righteousness. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Rejoicing Resets Your Life

I've been meditating on Philippians 4:4-8. I've gathered three principles from this passage of scripture: how to conduct ourselves in our Christian walk; how to walk in God's peace and well being, as we go through trials; and spiritual keys that open the door to answered prayer.

In Paul's ending in his letter to the Philippians believers, he left them with instructions that gave them power for living a Christian reality. First he points out the importance of rejoicing in the Lord, not once but twice. To rejoice means to be glad and take delight. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NKJV Praising God raises us up from the depths of despair to the heights of God's victory. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10 KJV  Giving God praise changes our focus. The more you rest you gaze upon Him, His bigness, His majesty, your circumstances will seem to diminish. Through praise and worship God will give you His revelation and His wise counsel to manage life situations in peace and not in panic. Why? Because you are choosing to humble yourself before the Alpha and Omega, the One who knows all things and makes all things possible. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto you own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Father, I thank you for the gift of praising and rejoicing in Your Presence and Your Precepts. Help us to daily keep you on our minds and to see life through Your vision. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Key Thought:  How are you treating life? How do you react when you encounter something negatve? Refocusing your perception of circumstances by engaging in praise and worship to God will change your vision and reset your life.

Gifting Forgiveness

 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32

The gift of forgiveness while not tangible it is definitely sustainable. What do I mean by that? Choosing to gift  yourself forgiveness will free you from the burden of holding grudges, carrying bitterness, and being controlled by hatred and anger.

When you open the gift of forgiveness you will find it contains the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy , peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

During this season of giving, don't forget to treat yourself and forgive. Take some time out for yourself and search your heart. If there is anyone from your past or present, living or dead that you've been holding a grudge against, it will be sure to surface. Our bodies and minds tend to hold on to trauma such as offense, but if we take a deep breath and relax, we become mindful of any undealt with issues. Choosing to forgive will bring healing and wholeness to your spirit, soul, and body. It resets your entire life. Once you start to make this a lifestyle, you will notice that negative occurrences tend not to linger in our conscience because the way you see people and circumstances will be viewed through a healthier emotional and mental state. When our spirits and souls are being made whole through forgiveness, our bodies will become less stressful and healthier as well. 

Hope the Pathway to Promise

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:5 KJV Hope is a pathway to a desired result, it is our earnest expectation of something favorable to happen. Whether it's getting that promotion we've worked so hard for, being accepted into the college of your dreams, or getting a good report from the doctor. When we place our hope in God our creator and sustainer, He assures us by and in His Word, that if we look to Him for the favorable outcome, He will not disappoint.
God loves us with an everlasting love and He desires to give us life and life more abundantly. John 10:10.

No matter what we go through, God is waiting for us to bring Him all of our difficulties and cares. He promised that He will work everything out for our good. Romans 8:28 When we are going through trials to the point of frustration, God is right there with the encouragement and the answers we need to overcome every obstacle.

Healing prayer:

Heavenly Father, I cast all of my cares upon you and choose to place my hope and trust in you, Lord. You are my earnest expectation. I thank you Lord because you are just and faithful, that You will bring me into a favorable outcome. In Jesus Name.

I declare I will hope in God no matter what the situation or circumstance. He will work everything together for my good. 

I'm Back....

My apologies folks.  I have been away for about a year dealing with life's happenings, but by God's grace, I'm back. Whoo!Hoo!
How has your 2019 been?  My year has been full of ups and downs--we've had to do appliance replacements and a roof replacement. Fun times...😏  But through it all, God blessed me to write two books, Uncovering Unforgiveness and Revelations of Forgiveness, A 21 Day Devotional. These two books were birthed out of my journey of learning to forgive and release people who have hurt and disappointed me over the years. I'm thankful for the freedom and the victories God has bestowed upon me through this process. Although I'm still processing and progressing, I've noticed how my demeanor and ability have improved. I'm walking in a greater love and compassion than I ever have, I'm also learning not to take things so personally. Forgiveness is a powerful weapon in our day to day lives that shields us from the cares of this life. It starts with making a quality decision to walk in freedom in order to live your best life.  That's what being whole is all about. It's not about being perfect according to societies standards, it's about letting love have free reign in our lives. How do we do this? By surrendering our lives and our personal wills to God. When we draw near to God, He draws near to us. James 4:8 He desires our fellowship and relationship so we can live quality, productive lives that bring Him glory.
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

It's Coming....

Phillipians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God,
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Yes the holidays are coming.  To some the thought of this causes you to respond with delight at the coming prospect of pumpkin spice aroma and warm kitchens full of culinary delights.  Or you may be like me walking around with a sense of anxious dread mulling over thoughts of whom should we invite over.  Maybe we should go over a relative or close friend's house where we have a standing invite. 
Then there's the menu--should I cook the traditional fare or try something different?  Oh my, too many choices and decisions.  Just thinking about it even at this early makes makes me cringe, just a little.  Yikes! 
I'm determined to approach this holiday season with a different mindset.  As I thought about last year, I remembered having a quiet Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It was just our small group, but it was relaxing.  I've been thinking about inviting other family members, but I'm a proactive person.  I would need at least four months prayer, deep cleaning, and prep time to have true peace of mind. 
As I move forward to the holidays, I've decided to take it a day at a time, and give myself permission to relax, plan wisely, and not stress out about making sure everyone's okay and having a good time.  I will focus on being thankful and meditating on how God has blessed us and brought us through everything that worked together for our good. (see Romans 8:28)
I'm not sure what our plans are this early in the game, but I know if I keep my focus on God who made it all possible, it keeps me sane, alive, and well.
Got a question, "How will you approach the coming holidays?"

Wholeness Inspiration Blog

Happy Fall 'Yall!

Besides springtime, fall is my other favorite season of the year.  We are entering into a time of wonderfully warm colors of foliage, pumpkin spice scented candles, and homemade soups.  In my part of the country, I often notice how summer and fall wrestle for dominance.  But eventually around October, autumn wins the struggle and summer woefully wafts away with the promise of reappearing after next spring.

          The Struggle is Real

It makes me think of the struggle we as born again believers endure between our flesh (sin nature) and our regenerated spirits born of God.  Paul in Galatians 5:17 says: "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do do the things that you wish."  And the enemy, trickster that he is knows the things that our flesh is bent toward -- holding grudges, having an out of control temper, gossip, and slander. Or our struggles may be bent toward insatiable urges of physical lust.  Paul cries out in desperation in Romans 7:24, " O wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me from this body of death?"  The struggle is real folks, (I'm a witness), but our Almighty God is real, alive, and ready to fight for us.

              Victory is Yours

 The good news is that Jesus, our Savior and Lord has overcome the world, enabling us through the power of His Holy Spirit to not just endure our internal and external struggles of life, but to make us more that conquerors, Romans 8:37. The more we open up and surrender our issues to God, the more of His Power we have available to become overcomers.

 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1John 5:4

 That means that not only are we able to conquer whatever circumstance may occur, but we are able to walk in a lifestyle of victory and triumph. 

  "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, that he that is in the world. I John 4:4