I will be forever thankful that I finally figured out how to acquire such wonderful well-being. The secret is staying tuned in instead of tuned out. The secret is getting attuned to God.

 We need to spend time with Him. We need to read His Word daily.  We need to listen to the gentle nudges from the Holy Spirit saying turn this way or that. Just as a trained ear of an auto mechanic detects every ping or rattle inside a roaring engine, we need to train our ears to detect the whisperings and workings of our Lord. Just as a doctor listens raptly by stethoscope to a patient's heart, we need to stay as attentive to the very heart of God.

  " How does the musician become sensitive to tone, pitch, harmony, and tempo? By living with great music, listening to it, meditating upon it, analyzing it, saturating himself with it…

   So if one would sensitize consciousness for the perception of God, he must familiarize his mind with the quality of God as others have recognized and known Him--as He has revealed Himself in the beauty of nature, in the truth of the prophets and seers, in the holiness of the saints, in the love of the humble and heroic servants of humanity, in the courage and sacrifices of pioneers and crusaders, and supremely in Christ. He must saturate himself with the divine music of inspired writings and with the classic literature of devotion. Thus will he become aware of the nature of God and what to expect in contact with God. Thus will he recognize God, as God seeks to make Himself known in the hour of prayer or in the crowded ways of life."[i]

What ways have you used to stay attuned to God? I would love to hear from you!

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[i] Albert Edward Day, An Autobiography of Prayer (New York, Harper & Brow.: 1952), 170.

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7

It would be interesting to know how many people have given up right before their miracle.We can quit praying for that so wanted answer. We can put off reading our Bible for the special word from the Lord. We can talk ourselves out of being obedient when the Lord nudges us to do something we don't feel like doing.

Here's what I have found. When I finally focus on You, Lord, everything falls into place. I am peaceful, content, renewed, filled with purpose, joyful and most importantly, grateful to You.

What about you? Got a testimony about almost giving up, but then hanging in there till God worked? I'd love to hear from you.

Strengthened Hearts: Self-Help vs. God-Help There are some crazy self...

Strengthened Hearts: Self-Help vs. God-Help

There are some crazy self...: Self-Help vs. God-Help There are some crazy self-help books out there. Here are 3: 15 Minutes to Your Best Self is the playful but ...

Self-Help vs. God-Help 

There are some crazy self-help books out there. Here are 3:

• 15 Minutes to Your Best Self is the playful but sophisticated reference busy women can turn to over and over again for ideas, advice, and solutions
• Weight Loss for the Mind
• Simply your Life in 6486 Steps

Let's be discerning! Some self-help books are only "helping" the bank account of the author.

So how can we pick a good one? There are a lot of books that can offer some band-aids to someone's problems, but real, authentic help takes heart-surgery...the kind God does. Only God knows the heart and only God can transform that heart. So strengthen your heart; look to God.

From Strength to Strength speaks to the hearts of people who know the problems—but don’t have a clue of the answers. From the basic to the profound, this book supplies specific, practical help for those who yearn to become sane and settled in this often perplexing and difficult world. It provides the knowledge and skills necessary to handle life’s many trials and challenges well and overcome those problems and sins that try to so easily beset us all. 

 

From Strength to Strength presents 7 Essential Points of Power:

·       Allowing Almighty God to be your true Source of Strength

·       Knowing your value and specialness through Jesus Christ

·       Learning action steps for dealing with sin and satan

·       Using sound communication to relate to the Lord and others

·       Applying specific, proven skills to halt harmful habits

·       Setting goals to become mentally and spiritually healthy

·       Growing in maturity and grace and knowledge of the Lord

 

Let's Finish Strong

Where are all the confident, competent people? Through my years of teaching and counseling, I have encountered too many people, even Christians, settling for miserable lives. Many suffer from all kinds of mental and emotional issues.
It can be hard to stay brave and settled in this sometimes crazy world. I really believe it takes effort to be a pillar of strong character and mind.  So many things are likely to shipwreck us that only a concerted effort can lead us safely to calm and productive lives.
So this blog is a rescue effort. I want it to be a lifeline. Think of it as a type of lighthouse beckoning those in the storm to head this way.
I want to use this blog to strengthen hearts. I want to use this blog to encourage the disheartened and to bring light to those who are confused and looking for answers.
I would love to hear from you. Join with me as we look to the Source of all Strength, The Lord.

Where are all the confident, competent people? Through my years of teaching and counseling, I have encountered too many people, even Christians, settling for miserable lives. Many suffer from all kinds of mental and emotional issues.
It can be hard to stay brave and settled in this sometimes crazy world. I really believe it takes effort to be a pillar of strong character and mind.  So many things are likely to shipwreck us that only a concerted effort can lead us safely to calm and productive lives.
So this blog is a rescue effort. I want it to be a lifeline. Think of it as a type of lighthouse beckoning those in the storm to head this way.
I want to use this blog to strengthen hearts. I want to use this blog to encourage the disheartened and to bring light to those who are confused and looking for answers.
I would love to hear from you. Join with me as we look to the Source of all Strength, The Lord.