I read having a Mary Heart in a Martha World – Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver over the summer. A book I now highly recommend for all women, young and old to read. I have been actually sharing my findings as I journey through the accompanying Bible Study Mrs. Weaver placed at the end of the book on my blogs. Here is the latest question I studied out and gave commentary on.
Questions for Discussion or Reflection – Day Fifteen
2) According to Dr. Edward Hallowell, over half of us are chronic worriers. Which of the ten signs of a big worrier on page 33 do you struggle with? How do worry and anxiety spill over into your daily life and affect your behavior? Your physical health?
Ten Signs of a Big Worrier
Is worrying a problem in your life? Dr. Hallowell says it might be if these worry signs are true about you:
1) You find you spend much more time in useless non constructive worry than other people you know.
2) People around you comment on how much of a worrier you are.
3) You feel that it is bad luck or tempting fate not to worry.
4) Worry interferes with your work – you miss opportunities, fail to make decisions, perform at lower than optimal level.
5) Worry interferes with your close relationships – your spouse and/or friends sometimes complain that your worrying is a drain on their energy and patience.
6) You know that many of your worries are unrealistic or exaggerated, yet you cannot seem to control them.
7) Sometimes you feel overwhelmed by worry and even experience physical symptoms such as rapid breathing, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or trembling.
8) You feel a chronic need for reassurance even when everything is fine.
9) You feel an exaggerated fear of certain situations that other people seem to handle with little difficulty.
10) Your parents or grandparents were known as great worriers, or they suffered from an anxiety disorder.
Search me O God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting – Psalm 139:23 – 24
###
Personally I believe all of us have some areas and have had times in our lives where we have worried over people, places or things that we should had turned over to God. I know for me, I have a tendency to either over analyze a thing or want something to be so prefect that I fail to even start on a project I know. I should be doing. Praise God, he is helping me in that area by bringing the right people and influences across my path and I am willing enough to accept their counsel vs. being offend by it.
2009’s I speak by faith and see by my actions strongholds are not being carried over into this New Year. Missed blessings or opportunities are not an option. I have cleaned out my inner ear to hear more clearly from God. In turn, I have begun the process of removing the waxes sort of speak of distractions, either externally or internally created.
To be continued… I welcome your comments!
The previous article can be found Psalm 139:23 – 24 ### Personally I believe all of us have some areas and have had times in our lives where we have worried over people, places or things that we should had turned over to God. I know for me, I have a tendency to either over analyze a thing or want something to be so prefect that I fail to even start on a project I know. I should be doing. Praise God, he is helping me in that area by bringing the right people and influences across my path and I am willing enough to accept their counsel vs. being offend by it. 2009’s I speak by faith and see by my actions strongholds are not being carried over into this New Year. Missed blessings or opportunities are not an option. I have cleaned out my inner ear to hear more clearly from God. I have begun the process of removing the waxes sort of speak of distractions, either externally or internally created. To be continued… I welcome your comments! The previous article can be found here. Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com " target="_blank">here.
Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
Proverbs 18:16 (Amplified Bible) 16A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
It has been a good challenge for me to decide what would be the first topic; I would blog about this year. A lot has happen since my last posting. I celebrated a birthday my 31st, I began working in a new industry health care administration and officially graduated to the status of courtship with a man of valor; a friend I have known since my girlhood.
With all these new developments and responsibilities I had to begin the process of evaluating my priorities again. Judge myself and see if the last things God told me to do, if I was still doing them with the same level of passion I had when they were first dropped in my spirit. Or had I allowed other things to distract me from accomplishing my assignments. Basically I asked myself have I been a faithful steward.
In short in some areas being very transparent, I have not been consistent. The word consistency is defined by Webster to mean “1 a archaic: condition of adhering together: firmness of material substance b: firmness of constitution or character”. Ironically, one of the points my Pastor taught during our Watch Night / New Year’s Eve service was in fact the importance of being consistent. He let us know that his year having a steadfast mind will be one of the perquisites for obtaining the fullness of the blessing (the empowerment to prosper.)
Looking back at the last 12 months and at my I WILL statements for 2009, I can say I believe I have made good progress in areas such as being a better steward over my relationships with others professionally, personally and spiritually. I have become more pliable and fearless out of necessity and a true desire to want to change my life for the better.
2009 was a year where God began pruning me. I was like a tree with unruly branches that were bearing fruits of selfishness, a short temper and just plain fleshy behavior. I had to go back to the basics in making sure I was getting in enough word and fellowship time with God (prayer) to balance any worldly attacks. I had to humble myself and repent to those I may have hurt emotionally through the neglecting of their needs in my pursuit to guard myself from new hurts. In short I had to get honest with myself and God.
So as I embark on this New Year 2010, the one question that I continue to replay in my head and I know I must answer is… “What was the last thing God told me to do?”
I am sure and I know that there will continue to be more pruning by God as he prepares me for the next phase. He is preparing me to walk out my destiny in fulfill his ultimate purpose.
I DARE YOU… To begin to ask yourself similarly the question, WHAT WAS THE LAST THING GOD TOLD ME TO DO? AM I STILL CONSISTENT IN FULFILLING IT? You may be surprised by the answer you receive back.
If you liked this feature and would like to share your own dreams, leave your comments now.
Lela Jefferson
http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
Recently, I was given the opportunity to re-enter the workforce in a new industry from my former. Previously, I worked in non-for-profit religious and before that direct marketing. This new industry actually is one that has been around me my entire life. Many of my relatives have worked in it or currently still do so. That industry is healthcare.
The most important and awesome part about the experience is the opportunity came suddenly after a shocking self examination. What I realized was that I had been neglecting (in my prayer time) the topic of gaining new employment. In the natural, I was still being diligent calling my recruiters and applying for opportunities, reviewing my skill sets and working on clarifying my personal brand (online and offline.)
However, spiritually I had stopped thanking God for my new job in advance. On the flipside, I had begun studying and confessing over my business ventures. However, I needed to schedule more time for increase study including goal setting. I was lacking balance and once I realized that and corrected it; it was less than 24 hours that I received a phone call about this new opportunity!
All this was realized when the workaholic in me began to be decoded. Webster defines the word ”workaholic” as being a person that is a compulsive worker and one of the definitions for the word “decoded” means to discover the underlying meaning. The one thing that is powerful about prayer it is supposed to be a two way dialogue between you and God. When you take the time to stop talking it is amazing what God can drop into your spirit. For me, it was being shown why I had in the past always seemed so busy and why while I was working on projects, I was not able to close them out.
The Holy Spirit gently corrected and guided me through the process of an honest self assessment of how I had been managing my time.
- First I needed to be realistic with my schedule. Remembering to put God first. Giving him undivided time and focus; more than I had before.
- Not taking on new projects without first closing out current ones and consulting God in prayer about taking new ones.
- Re-learning how to and socializing offline with like minded people.
- Exploring my environment for new opportunities (neighborhood and community)
- Not second guessing when God has already given me peace in my spirit on projects that take me out of my comfort zone.
- Tapping into my personal networks, family, friends and former colleagues. I now have mentors not just supporters.
- Truly seeing my life and myself as God sees me as someone and something that is precious and worthy to be loved, shared and shown appreciation.
Now getting back to the topic of this article the decoding of a former workaholic, my life during the last year has become more balanced. Though my schedule on the outside looks fuller it is filled with manageable items.
No longer is work, my life it is a function or aspect of it. I truly know and trust that God is my source and by living a balanced life; I am giving him the greatest of me really for the first time. I know it is not his will to see me stressed out, cranky and snappy to those I love and care about.
Two questions I now constantly ask myself…
- How can my spirit yield when called upon by the Holy Spirit if it is stressed?
- Why should I hold onto concerns He/God has given me the okay to give to Him?
So as I continue to be decoded…
- Leave work on time
- Eat my lunch away from my desk
- Take care of my physical (using my gym membership), mental and spiritual health
- Foster my relationships
- And most importantly believing by faith that God plus me is okay
I can confidently say I am a former workaholic that is being not only decoded but also re-invented and classified as passionate.
Lela Jefferson
http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
I read having a Mary Heart in a Martha World – Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver over the summer. A book I now highly recommend for all women, young and old to read. I have been actually sharing my findings as I journey through the accompanying Bible Study Mrs. Weaver placed at the end of the book on my blogs. Here is the latest question I studied out and gave commentary on.
Questions for Discussion or Reflection – Day Fourteen
1) Martha wanted Jesus to tell Mary to help out in the kitchen, but instead of giving her what she wanted, Dr. Jesus made a diagnosis: “Martha, Martha… you are worried and upset about many things.” If you had been Martha, how would Jesus’ words have made you feel?
I have been Martha, in the past and sometimes do even have relapses. However, to answer the above question directly and honestly, I would have felt at first taken aback and quite possibly a bit offended by Jesus’ comment. The reason since that this man would have been undressing my mind, with his response to my request of help, from Mary my sister. Culturally yes the women were to ready the house for guests. However, nowhere in this encounter with Jesus do we see Martha being asked to do anything by Jesus or anyone else for that matter. She made the conscious decision to busy herself. I can imagine being Martha saying to myself while being very aggravated “I wish I could sit at the Master’s feet and act as if I have no cares in the world like my sister Mary! However, I must do what duty dictates.”
Duty at times can be a blessing. It leads to the maintaining of order. However, it cannot be our excuse for not making positive changes in our lives. Mary outside of the two sisters was the most bold in this story. She went against traditions to sit herself in a room filled with men, at the feet of a man that was not her husband. In this she showed Jesus that she valued what he had to offer, his presence.
Instead of trying to show him through works begat from busyness, she [Mary] showed him in her immediate corresponding action of faith by sitting at his feet. Martha on the other hand, showed her busyness to be more important than to hear a word from Jesus.
To be continued… I welcome your comments!
The previous article can be found here.
Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
Folks, I have a new sister-friend to tell you about! Cherese Bracey, a devout Christian, early childhood educator, entrepreneur and author  . She has just released her first children’s book, Story Time Friends which is geared to encourage children to operate in love, compassion and friendship… |
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When I was a little girl, I had dreams of one day becoming first a ballerina, then a veterinarian, a civil rights attorney, a writer/poet, and finally a history professor.
My parents helped to shape those dreams by sending me to dance classes beginning at the tender age of three. I was allowed to bring home my first pet, a stray kitten to nurse at age four. With learning how to read, and write shortly thereafter my dreams were nurtured and expanded further through the books I borrowed from the public library with my 1st library card at age five and composite books and plenty of writing utensils.
My point in all this is to say when we are young it is our parents and/or guardians’ responsibility to help positively shape our dreams; to provide us with the resources and tools to make them, obtainable through hard work, discipline and diligence.
Our heavenly father is no different. He who birthed in us our desires, our dreams, left us a manual for life, that if we were only to read it, believe it and apply what we learn from it will receive all the promises he has set aside for us. In it he tells us that we can go to him, and petition for his advice and guidance. He left us the Holy Spirit and gave us Jesus his only begotten Son as shining example. The manual but of course your might have already guessed it is the Bible.
Today, I would like for you to take a moment and think back when you were a little girl or boy to what your dreams were, are still in the process of chasing those dreams or because of life’s challenges have your abandon them for new ones? Or have you given up on dreaming all together?
If you have given up on your dreams; know this, every dream if it is good, is a gift from God and worthy of considering again. By allowing yourself to dream you are allowing yourself to believe that what wonders God has in store for you are possible through faith.
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]– Ephesians 3:20 (Amplified Bible)
I DARE YOU… To begin to DREAM AGAIN TODAY!
If you liked this feature and would like to share your own dreams, leave your comments now.
Lela Jefferson
– http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
I will pass the test of walking in love even in the midst of hurt feelings. I know that I am accepted by my Abba Father and am the righteousness of God.
If I must boldly stand apart and embark on things unknown, I know my faith in the covenant promises will be more than enough to sustain me.
I will see God’s will done through my life of bond servitude and my inheritance. Know this…I regret nothing, nor do I desire to go back through doors that have been clearly shut.
Lela Jefferson
- http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
I have been studying the book of Ruth from the Old Testament for the last month and a half. Not for the usual reasons. Women are generally told to learn of and study Ruth’s life in preparation of meeting their own Boaz or future mate. I understand that as a single born again Christian woman, Jesus is my Boaz till I marry. So, anything I do now in “preparation” is really maintaining and improving when it comes to OUR relationship together.
The character I have been drawn to is Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi (from her first marriage) and her development throughout the book…from being a bitter and discouraged woman that mourned the loss of her husband and her two sons…to becoming a helpful, selfless, wise and mature woman, who was finally restored and redeemed beyond measure…
In my own life I have had to put aside feelings of rejection, failure, disappointment, betrayal, mistrust, doubt and a host of others in order to not close my eyes and heart to visions of God’s will for my life. During this last year for example the roots of my character have been examined, tested and still are as I have begun the process of executing / birthing visions. I am not the same person I was a year ago and I know it is all for the better.
What inspired me to begin this study of Ruth was as I was coming home from a powerful rehearsal session of the volunteer / seed sowing ministry I serve in Music (at my church), the Lord through the Holy Spirit pressed on my heart to begin reading. Since I joined my church now over 5 years ago, I have made it my business to always have in my bag a Bible translation. So when prompted, I didn’t question why I was being led, I just began to read.
What has surprised me the most is the fact that I do not know how I could had (in the past) overlooked the importance of Naomi’s role in the story’s back drop. It was Naomi’s son whom Ruth was first married to. It was Naomi’s homeland of Bethlehem where Ruth is introduced to Boaz and it was Naomi who advised Ruth in all she should do to prepare for Boaz. It was Naomi in the end of the book that becomes nurse to Ruth and Boaz son O’bed who would one day be the paternal grandfather to King David.
Naomi was able to do this because her heart began to be changed through service and obedience she received from Ruth. Slowly her attitude became one of gratitude. So, like many great preparers of other biblical characters before and after her, Jethro (Moses’s father-in-law) Samuel (prophet and appointed kings), Mordecai (uncle and adviser of Queen Esther) she was used by God in such a way that has affected generations.
That part of her testimony is one that I want to one day also be remembered for…
Lela Jefferson
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