Know yourself. Be yourself. Trust in God.

Everything I need to know about the recipe for overcoming fear I learned from David as he prepared for battle with Goliath.  

David, in his infinite faith in God, raised his hand to battle the giant.  Saul did what he thought he needed to do to prepare David for the battle.  He dressed him in a suit of armor and provided him a sword.  But David knew himself well enough to know that he wasn’t comfortable in that suit of armor.  He knew that he couldn’t win unless he used his own God-given talents to slay the beast.  So he took off the armor, and picked up the tools with which he was comfortable fighting - a few rocks. It was with those rocks that he took down Goliath.   

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off.”

1 Samuel 17:38-39 NIV

God gives us every tool that we need to succeed in.  When we know ourselves and trust in God, and stop trying to fight our battles as anyone other than ourselves, we will succeed.  

Know yourself.  Be yourself.  And most importantly, trust in God.

Forever, Bless this House

Bless this house
...and all who enter.

Bless every morsel of food
...every drop of wine.

Fill our hearts with love and laughter.
Let tender words be the stronghold.

Let this home be a welcoming place
That embodies your goodness and graciousness.

Let the sun shine bright through every window
And your gentle breeze flow through our doors.
Keep every room filled with your amazing grace.

Keep us safe within this house
...and put an angel on our shoulders to protect us when we leave.

God, forever bless this house.

“Now be pleased to bless this house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you Lord, have spoken and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.” 
2 Samuel 7:29

A Line in the Sand

Yesterday I had two of the hardest conversations I have had in a long time.  

With tears in my eyes, feeling like a fool, I sat down and talked to my bosses about how I have been feeling at work.  Overwhelmed, floundering, lacking confidence, feeling like I am failing --- feeling like they deserved better. Feeling like I wasn’t sure if my new the job was right for me. 

The overwhelming support they showed me was a gift from heaven.  David especially -- reminded me of a very simple truth -- mindset is everything.  

I was the one who had to make the decision that it either was or wasn’t going to work.  

It reminded me of a quote I have used 1000 times in my fitness coaching efforts -- a quote by Henry Ford that says -- “Whether you believe you can or believe you can’t, you are right.”

I am grateful for both Chip & David and the way they talked me off the ledge.  They supported me and gave me the shot in the arm that I needed to see my work, my role, and my purpose a little differently.

This morning I woke up and decided I was going to make this work.  And I reminded myself that it starts with taking care of me.  

In my prayer journal I wrote...

The line has been drawn...today marks my new beginning.  

Self-care means:

• Daily devotion

• Meditation

• Writing

• Healthy, nutritious foods

• Plenty of Exercise

• Water

• Good sleep

• Daily personal development

I know this recipe works and sets me up for success in all aspects of my life...including my career.

So beginning today...I will fill my cup and let it spill over to serve others.  

With that, I opened my bible to begin my daily devotional...and was met with these beautiful words.

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelations 21 :4 

The line in the sand has been drawn.   It is a new day.   And I am back.

Today I pray with a grateful and happy heart.   

Thank you for your patience with me.  

For putting the right people and the right messages in my life

For quieting my mind so that I can hear you 

It’s a new day.