As we watch the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we must take a deep breath and breathe in the Breathe of Life, our Creator God!!! From the beginning of time, the Bible shares in the first book Genesis: the creation of the earth, water, the sky, animals, birds of the air, ocean creatures, and the human in the physical forms of Adam and Eve.
Genesis 2:7 7 Then the Lord God formed a man[a] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
At these times of uncertainty in the world or even in our personal lives, our first reaction is to freak out and isolate hold or decrease our breathing. Our body is an amazing thing that needs the breath of oxygen and the exchange with carbon dioxide. We don’t even think about this physical exchange, it happens naturally. Our body needs the balance of these two elements.
When we are anxious, in fear or anger, we may tighten our chest, breathe more shallow and become more anxious, fearful, or angry. This sure doesn’t help our circumstances. With less oxygen circulating and less carbon dioxide exchanged, our minds are less clear and we freak out even further.
What would happen if we remembered to Breathe in with the Lord? With every deep breath, meditate on the fact, the Lord is your creator and He is filling you with Life. What awe, what truth, amazing!!!
I was blessed to hear this song from Maverick City Music, “Breathe”, is so filled my mind with hope, lessened my anxious thoughts on world events, and brought me to my Savior again.
Breathe in the Lord! Don’t hold your breath instead Praise the Lord! I believe you will sway with the music and receive the blessings of a moment of peace.
Conflict, according to Merriam Webster has a two-part definition: a conflict of principles involving divergent ideas, opposed, and in the verb tense, to contend in warfare.
From personal experience, I was afraid of conflict because I often wondered, “does the squeaky wheel get the grease”? This old adage reminds me of generations past and the assumption you have to speak up for yourself (maybe even rage)or you will be squashed.
Watching our dog navigate the animal world of our two cats shows the difference between assertion and aggression. Barking and hissing, or using a bite and slashing with claws are their skills of conflict resolution. I added the photograph as a visual for the topic of conflict :).
In human terms, we may have to pause before we throw out words that we can’t take back. Words can hurt more than punches. Words seem to find a way into the deep crevices of our minds. They can fester into pus that scars our self-concept or another’s for a lifetime.
Yes, there are times we need to be held accountable for our actions. However, a soft gentle answer turns away wrath. Proverbs 15:1 has been a gem to me. I have it posted on my refrigerator. Can you guess why it is in this location?
Proverbs 15: 1 - 5
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
Hangry and tired people hurl words without thinking. Can you relate? Grrrrr. Words that can bring regret, pain, loss,and permanent damage to relationships are the way the enemy devoursthe good people from our lives. That is the enemy’s plan to destroy our healthy relationships!
Jesus is our Shepherd, the gate for His sheep. We must learn to listen to His voice and wisdom not the impulse and emotions of the enemy who wants to rob us of good things.
John 10: 7- 9
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Action steps to healthy conflict resolution:
1. Deep breathe, slow down impulse reactions.
2. Post one of the scripture verses in Proverbs 15 ahead of time in places where you are triggered.
3. It is Spiritual warfare when the battle is on. It isn’t about flesh and blood but the enemy trying to destroy our relationships.
Ephesians 6:10-12
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
4. Realize we all need a reboot, we sin, we need a Savior to help us change unhealthy patterns.
5. Go to Jesus, talk to Him, ask for insight into your reaction.
6. There are times the other party needs to be laid at the cross of Jesus. What does that mean? Let go and let God!
You may need to step back from another for a while and almost detox from the conflict. Or even leave the dysfunctional relationship. The One (God) who created you knows all about you. He will be a safe place to regroup.
Self-care means putting your needs to refresh ahead of people-pleasing. Rest with Jesus!
The other party without your intervention may actually get a God revelation and change reactions. Even if that doesn’t occur, your time with Jesus will refresh.
Seek to learn from each experience. Let your mind be renewed.
Romans 12: 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Conflict can bring new revelations, they provide us with the opportunity to see our flaws and work to change them. We can’t do this on our own we are too self-absorbed.
Don’t fear conflict seek to want a better relationship. If the Lord is asked into your communication He will give the best advice. Choosing God’s best and believing He loves and wants to give a good life can bring joy and a healthy future.
Today is Valentine’s Day, a day when those with love interests and those without are deeply effected. We all want to feel loved. It is the most important connection to our human race. It defines our need to fit in and feel a sense of worth. Our Creator made us in His image, Jesus loves you!
Love crosses every human relationship: family, friends, besties, team mates, and then, the more obvious on Valentine’s Day, the romantic relationship.
God gives a template for how to really love another human. The key character traits are found in 1 Corinthians 13, I have found over a few decades of marriage these traits are not always easy but they are mandatory.
Grace, mercy and forgiveness in relationships is a choice. These are the same character examples given to us by our Savior, Jesus Christ. We can’t use these love actions without knowing Him and wanting to reflect Jesus to those we love. It is not in our strength it is in asking Jesus to help us be a loving example. On my own, my responses tend to be selfish, self serving, impulsive, prideful and pretty much it’s “my way”.
So on those days, you feel anger, disappointment or sadness related to a miscommunication in your life, seek Jesus first and be amazed as your response is more like Him.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT. [4] Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud [5] or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. [6] It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. [7] Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Love in Action exercise: Reread 1 Corinthians 13 and replace your name in every place of you see love.
As you say aloud: ——— is patient, ——— is kind, etc. you may reevaluate your responses and deep breathe as you exchange your actions in love Jesus way. It isn’t easy however it will be worth it.
We are so capable of transformation in our walk with Jesus! Did you know He wants to move in your life? We have to submit to His authority not as a judge snd jury but as the One who wants to use us in a mighty way.
Zach William’s lyrics, Less of Me, were so right on for me lately. I want to be more full of grace, mercy, kindness, and less like me.
We all have failures, warts, so to speak in our lives. But we can be healed of the past and be used for the Kingdom of God.
We don’t have to settle for less than God’s best plan. Today’s the day, be willing to be more like Jesus and less of you. First, you must submit to His authority, bend your knee to Him, believe He can transform, say it aloud as Romans 10:8 – 15 reminds.
Romans 10:8-15 NLT
[8] In fact, it says, "The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart." And that message is the very message about faith that we preach:
[9] If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
[10] For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
[11] As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced."
[12] Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. [13] For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."
[14] But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? [15] And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
May you feel the love of Jesus direct your life. It is amazing;)!If you have made this declaration of faith, let me know, I rejoice with you as does the family of Jesus!
I really appreciate the wisdom I have found from Kari Kampakis. I have two of her books. If you have a preteen, teenager or even young adult kids, you will benefit from her consistent, transparent, God given wisdom.
I am blessed to reblog this post “10 ways to Love a Teenager”. I am sure it will be a great resource. God bless you as a mentor, parent, friend, human. 😉 Mary
I was a teen when MTV was introduced. I love music it brings joy to my day. For this reason, I love to share songs most weeks on my blog that have impacted my life. In our current generation with YouTube, Spotify, Sirius radio, and even the standard FM radio, the access points are endless. I was blessed to see We the Kingdom in concert and they were amazing.
We The Kingdom concert by MM
Music can soothe, can pump ya up as you get ready to play a sport, bring you down with lyrics that express despair, or just get your feet tapping. Music can bring flash photographs of the first times you heard a song or a season of your life.Parenting and music go hand in hand. I love to share my love of music with my kids and remind them the best music was in the 80s :). I use instrumental or classical music for homework or stressful times.
Lyrics to songs add intensity and address the human condition. Somehow the singer expresses your inner emotions better than you could. Sometimes their despair is catching especially when you are a teen in angst. Sometimes their joy can fill your heart and mind with peace.
Did you know there are men and women in the Bible that love music? In fact, we are called to sing songs and dance with joy. When we choose this action, we feel calmer, more energetic, more peaceful. Our bodies were made for the beat.
There are many scriptures that reference music and instruments.1 Chronicle 13 shares a time David and all Israel celebrated before God in songs and with musical instruments.
1 Chronicle 13:8 David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.
David was a man after God’s own heart. He was known for his love of music. The Book of Psalms has many of David’s songs written on many human emotions, he is able to express times of hopelessness, depression, sadness, fear, and joy. Psalms is a great place in the Bible to feel a connection to God regardless of the days’ events. You will feel understood and like David you will see how he processed despair and came to the knowledge of the Lord and their amazing loving relationship as the answer.
Psalm 42:8 But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.
Psalm 66:4 Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.
Psalm 98 beautifully expresses singing to a new level. It describes victory and love for God’s people and even describes the earth singing and making music. I was in awe as I read this psalm. Take a moment to ponder its words written by David.
Psalm 98
1 Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
2 The Lord has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
3 He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
let the mountains sing together for joy;
9 let them sing before the Lord,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples with equity.
Have you ever wondered why you love music? It started at Creation. It is a God-given gift. Just imagine the sea, the earth, and every living thing praises their Creator.
Visualize the river clapping in glee. Beautiful creation resonates with their own sounds. I see that smile forming on your face. Find joy, dance if you wish, and Praise Him.
Let me know if you found these amazing scriptures as fascinating as I.
More love, less fear — Photo by Jasmine Carter ( Pexels,com)
1 John 4:11-21 NLT [11] Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. [12] No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
The challenges of the COVID years have brought more fear, less love. Fear of the unknown causes some to isolate, to put up not only their mask but in a sense a fence across their lives.
Fear is a tool of the enemy meant to devour peace, joy and love. Fear can cause divisions in families when people conflict in their understanding of truth. The culture further isolates by fear mongering and continuous barrages of emergency notices. It causes overloaded emotions. feelings and emotions are intense, griping and exhausting however they are not truth. Emotions that run wild cause us to devour and destroy our relationships. Having a relationship with Jesus brings truth and faith over fear.
God calls us not to fear. God calls us to love. I love 1 John : 4. Let me share more gold nuggets of faith in verses 15 – 19.
15] All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. [16] We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. [17] And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
[18] Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. [19] We love each other because he loved us first.
Love is an anecdote to fear. God is love, He wants you to throw out the fear and choose a perfect love. When you choose God ( Jesus) you choose to listen to Him not feelings.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
We live in a time of challenges, COVID, mandates, isolation for some, human trafficking, addictions, political unrest, etc.
If we fix our minds on the worlds crisis points we can easily be taken over by fear, anxiety, and depression. But the Lord tells us to believe in His plans for good not disaster, for a future of hopeful things.
In our human mind, those goals seem unreachable. But putting our fear behind us and choosing to hold onto faith in our Creator takes guts, a strength beyond ourselves. People may think we are nuts but choosing to live with the Joy of the Lord as our strength is the place to start.
Consider writing the Jeremiah 29:11 scripture on a post it note or index card. Tape it to your mirror or place it on your car visor. As you feel the worries of the world attempt to steal your joy or purpose take a look at the scripture, read it aloud again and remember the truth.
Mindset changes do not happen over night. So start today, it is a new year, choose new hope. It may be contagious as the COVID virus. You may not feel complete confidence in the Lord at first, but He can be trusted.
Let me know if your posting the scripture was helpful. I know this technique has been helpful to me.
Leave your response on my blog. Answer this question: What worry do I have to give to the Lord? Why do I resist handing the worry to Him? Let us grow together in the knowledge of God.
His story and life has been shared for over 2000 years, make a change in where you place your hope today.
Psalm 25:9 NLT He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
Where are you fixing your eyes? Is it in anticipation of the Bright Morning Star and the remembrance of Jesus at Christmas? Scripture tells us Jesus is the Bright Morning Star.
My fascination with astronomy, NOT astrology has been increased this year. I have been blessed to hear a few sermons on astronomy from our pastor. He has opened my mind to the word of God and the many places scripture supports the specific placement of stars in the sky. However, we are not to worship the stars but the One who made them.
Deuteronomy 4:19
19 And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon, and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.
When I ponder on the true meaning of Christmas, I am amazed to think that God placed the stars in the sky and He named each one of them They worship Him. My small human mind can’t compute this truth. This is another opportunity to dig into the Bible and ask Him to show me and you.
Genesis 14: 14 – 19 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.
Psalm 147: 4 He (God) determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Psalm 19: 1 – 8
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. 5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The angel spoke to John, the apostle, and showed him things to come. This is a prophecy of Jesus coming to earth.
Revelation 22:16 Jesus said, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give youthis testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
When we consider baby Jesus coming to the world as a baby in a manager, we always remember the Star of Bethlehem that shined. It was a revelation of lighting the way for Jesus coming and drew shepherds, wise men, townspeople, and even Kings to see what was revealed in the darkness.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the Light. He is the Bright Morning Star!
His statutes are trustworthy, right and give joy to the heart. Joy to the World.
Websites for Astronomy and Biblical wisdom: Click the links below. The Home button will get you to Bethlehemstar.com and the second link is to The Gospel in the Stars message by Pastor Matthew. Be amazed at our amazing Creator!
The more time passes as a parent, the more I realize how little I truly understand about parenting. Even if you are not a parent, this post is to encourage you. We need each other to walk on this earth and raise our children.
Children are a masterpiece of God. We are the caretakers, coaches, encouragers, the listening ears, the cheerleaders, the disciplinarians, the peace-giving, the conflict resolution teachers, and provide comfort with kissed boo-boos and emotional support. Most importantly, we are the example of authority as Jesus walking on this earth.
Because we are all created in unique, beautiful ways, our DNA is intricate. There are physical, psychological, and spiritual elements to our parenting process. We want to do it right. We want to be the most perfect mom or dad to our children. But it is not possible without allowing God to direct our steps.
Genesis 18: 18- 19 The Lord said, "Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.[c] 19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”
Genesis is the first book of the Bible and Abraham was chosen by the Lord to be an example of being a father to all nations on earth. Abraham had some good and bad choices but he kept seeking the Lord and allowing the Lord to complete the work He started. We are descendants of Abraham, we have the same promises available to us.
Just like Abraham, we come into the parenting relationship with our own baggage that needs to be purged by the Lord. We are sinners, our children are sinners, and it all started in the Garden of Eden. Because of the first original sin, we are marked by the same fleshy thorn.
We can’t get mad at Eve and Adam. They were human and as are we. They were given free will to make choices. Their flesh nature, our children’s flesh, and our fleshy nature get in the way of being the best parent. Of course, the snake in the garden, the devil, loved to detour the plan of human and God’s personal relationship from the beginning of time.
The snake still works hard today, attempting to devour our potential and our children’s potential. Scripture tells us he runs around like a roaring lion seeking to kill, steal and destroy. He hates the Children of God.
1 Peter 5: 6 - 9 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
I am learning that God must be my authority. God speaks in His Word in the Bible, through some amazing sisters and brothers in Christ, and when I am willing to be still He prompts me to remember the instructions in His Word.
When I drop the fleshy, no it all, I am in control, anxious, restless selfish actions and words, I can better reflect Him in my parenting or even in any relationship.
However, it really does take a village to keep me on the trail to improved parenting. My village is full of wise women and men who are not afraid to speak His truth and go against the current trends, our world views. The wisdom of the Body of Christ is the answer in all relationships whether you are a parent, friend, have family members, or coworkers.
Philippians 4: 8 - 9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
We all need a village of compassionate, loving, wise people. The village spends time in the Word of God and shares what they are learning. They are willing to be transparent at times of their own sins and mistakes. This way others can be blessed to be a blessing to others.
If you are not a parent yet, not sure you want to parent, or struggle with infertility I can relate. I have been where you are. As the Lord wills, this post is for all of God’s people.
This scripture encouraged me to seek the Lord for who I was to impact for His Kingdom prior to my becoming a mom. May it encourage you to make a difference in those children or young adults that walk across your path. You can be an influencer for Jesus wherever you walk.
Psalm 113:9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 