Friday, January 5, 2018

Counselor's Corner: Choose Your Words Carefully!



►Our words have power, and they are containers for life and death.
 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit, Proverbs 18:21.

Women speak on average about 20,000 words per day, nearly three times more than the 7,000 words spoken by men. That’s a lot of words that leave our mouths every day.

Are we mindful of what is spoken from our lips, or do we just say whatever comes to our minds or may be feeling at that time?

The power of what we speak out into existence can actually destroy one’s spirit, and even stir-up hatred and violence. The ability to use language is a unique ability from God, and of all of God’s creation; we are the only species that can communicate with words. We have the capability to build up or to destroy (Proverbs 12:6).

Most Christians who are defeated in life is because they believe and confess the wrong things, and agree and confess what the enemy says instead. Saying words like,” This is going to kill me,” or “He makes me so sick,” becomes a life force that can bring blessings or curses. Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. James 3:10.


We can prophesy over our lives and others just by our words, and create our own self-fulfilling prophecy. In Psychological terms, this is defined as any expectation, positive or negative about a situation or event that affects an individual’s behavior in such a manner that it causes that expectation to be fulfilled. The term “self-fulfilling prophecy” was coined by Robert Merton. He describes it as:
“A false definition of the situation evoking a new behavior which makes the originally false conception come true.”

Our perceptions about events, what we believe, and what we confess about those situations, can bring life or destruction. How powerful that even the psychological community recognizes the importance of what we speak and believe. Be mindful the next time you want to share some juicy gossip, complain, curse, speak defeat, negativity, or say hateful words; that those words will be used tear down and destroy. We give life to what comes out of our mouths. We can speak word curses over ourselves and others, so the next time you speak, choose your words carefully!

A word curse invokes harm or injury on someone or to yourself. If you have been feeling defeated, discouraged, or depressed lately, ask yourself,” What have I been speaking over myself or what have others been speaking about me?” In the name of Jesus, bind up all word curses that you have placed upon yourself, others, or that other people have spoken over you, and begin speaking blessings over every area of your life. Cancel out all assignments of the enemy in the name of Jesus concerning negative words that have been spoken.

Reflection:
God spoke the universe into being with words. “And God SAID let there be…and it was.” Speaking faith-filled words is God’s way to bring things into reality.

What are you speaking into existence over your life, your spouse, your children, and over your circumstances? Learn to get into agreement with God’s Word and speak faith over your life and the lives of others.
“…Prophecy to these bones, and say to them, O, dry bones, hear the word of the Lord…! Ezekiel 37:4-10


For additional information on how to discipline your words by first choosing to discipline your mind, check out my latest book that offers practical help in overcoming negative words and thoughts. You can even download a free sample chapter from Amazon Kindle. Disciplining Your Mind, 30 Days to a New You.
www.electicopublishing.com

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Review: Breaking Busy: How to Find Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy

Breaking Busy: How to Find Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy Breaking Busy: How to Find Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy by Alli Worthington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A must read for all who need to break free from busyness.

View all my reviews

Review: The Rules of Engagement for Overcoming Your Past: Breaking Free From Guilt, Rejection, Abuse, and Betrayal

The Rules of Engagement for Overcoming Your Past: Breaking Free From Guilt, Rejection, Abuse, and Betrayal The Rules of Engagement for Overcoming Your Past: Breaking Free From Guilt, Rejection, Abuse, and Betrayal by Cindy Trimm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! If you suffer from guilt, rejection, and/or betrayal this book will help overcome these areas.

View all my reviews

Counselor's Corner: How Negativity Affects Your Physical Health



“Change your thoughts and change your world.” Norman Vincent Peale



Chronic stress from negative attitudes can upset the body’s hormone balance and deplete the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) required for feelings of happiness. Negative emotions can weaken the immune system. The mind, body, and spirit are interconnected. When one is affected, the other two will suffer. For example, someone with chronic negativity towards life can also have co-related depression and fatigue. Anger and hostility has been linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Many health problems such as chronic fatigue, depression, insomnia, and gastrointestinal diseases will not entirely clear up on their own, unless the mental and spiritual aspects are also addressed.


Some common negative emotions are: worry, fear, depression, guilt, resentment, lack of contentment, complaining, and anger. These emotions can open the door to sickness and disease. Worrying generates anxiety and reves up your body. People who are chronically anxious have a dramatically greater risk for developing asthma, arthritis, headaches, and peptic ulcers. Studies have shown that worry, fear, anxiety and other negative emotions weaken natural “killer cells” in our bodies. Killer cells actually attack abnormal cells.

Research has shown that positive thinking can aid in stress management and even plays an important part in your well-being.

According to the Mayo clinic, positive thinking is linked to a wide range of health benefits including: longer life span, less stress, lower rates of depression, resistance to the common cold, better coping skills, and better psychological health. However is positive thinking alone enough? No, you must replace every thought with a faith-filled statement and scripture. Say out loud these scriptures daily and any other helpful ones and write them out on index cards.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
                                 
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

John 14:27 ESV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.


For additional reading on overcoming negativity, check out my New Book, “Disciplining Your Mind, 30Days to a New You.” 
I give practical help in how to
discipline your mind. You can also find my book at Amazon.

Take the 30 day challenge with me in fasting from negative thinking. Check out my challenge video on my Facebook.www.facebook.com/HopeandEncouragement4Women


Let me know if these resources has helped you. I would love to hear from you!

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

30 Day Challenge-Discipling Your Mind. Order a copy of my NEW BOOK, "Disciplining Your Mind, 30 Days to a New You," from Amazon.

Counselor's Corner: Health Benefits of Being Thankful



Here’s a revelation, God does not owe us anything. He has already given His life as a ransom for our sins. Somehow we believe we deserve more and better. In our western culture and particularly with the millennia generation (generation x), there is a sense of entitlement.

We enter into sin when we begin to complain about our circumstances. I am not discounting heartache and hardships. I know firsthand about getting dealt a “bad hand” in life, but sometimes you have to play the hand you were dealt. There are a lot of people who are angry with God, and displeased with their lives. It is okay to work out your anger with God, but don’t stay there!

What if we started focusing on what is right with our lives, as opposed to everything that is wrong with our lives? Our attitude about things is actually more important than what happens to us. You may be thinking, “How can I be grateful when my life is a mess? “This may be true, but there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for.


►There are even benefits to being grateful, such as improved immune system, feelings of connectedness, a positive outlook on life, boosts your well-being, and benefits your cardiovascular system. Being grateful protects you from negative emotions that can come from extreme loss. WEBMD reported that gratitude can help boost feelings of belonging and decrease feelings of stress. Emotionally, gratitude can foster positive emotions, make you more relaxed, and even more resilient. Gratitude has been linked as well to being less self-centered, increased self-esteem, healthier marriage, more and deeper friendships, increased energy, and improved work performance such as time management and goal achievement.

Life is continually filled with distractions and circumstances that can cause us to not focus on what God has done for us. If we are not mindful to refocus our attention to our blessings, bitterness and anger can seep in. When we shift our anxiety and burdens to the Lord, we exchange these weights for peace, which in turn causes thanksgiving.

Keep a daily gratitude journal or say verbally out loud at least (5) things that you are grateful for. Counting your blessings instead of your counting your woes can lead to improved health, relationships, emotions, and career. It will even improver your relationship with God.

“Let us thank God heartily as often as we pray that we have His Spirit in us to teach us to pray. Thanksgiving will draw our hearts out to God and keep us engaged with Him. It will take our attention from ourselves and give the Spirit room in our heart.”
-Andrew Murray (1827-1917), South African born missionary and minister.

Psalm 118:24 ESV
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Colossians 3:17 ESV
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Psalm 136:1 ESV
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endure


* For additional reading on this topic and how to have a better attitude and a more disciplined thought life, check out my new book, "Disciplining your mind, 30 days to a new you," click on the book title to purchase or find at Amazon or Barnes and Nobles. 

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Counselor's Corner: Get Back on Track for 2018 and Gain Your Momentum Again!




After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be tough getting back on track. If you are like me during the holidays we let go of things a little more and tend to indulge in things that are not always good for us.



It is a New Year and it is time to get back on track and gain your momentum again!




Have you had a difficult time staying on track lately? Maybe you have desired to accomplish your goals and have even tried multiple times to move forward with them. What happened? You lost focus and allowed distractions, annoyances, and stresses to sidetrack you.



Distractions can come from everyday living and some are sent from the enemy in hopes you will focus on them and get little or nothing accomplished. Whatever you focus on will become bigger. Before long, you lose your momentum. What is momentum? The strength of something that is moving or increasing in forward motion.



→Distractions, annoyances and stresses can cause you to stop and pay attention to them thus    decreasing your forward motion of pursuing your goals.



→Steps to GETTING BACK ON TRACK and Gaining your momentum again:



1.      Get up earlier than everyone around you and connect to your power source-Jesus Christ. Spend time early being still and quiet in the presence of the Lord. Let God speak to your spirit about any strategies that He may show you to defeat and overcome any plan of the enemy to derail and sidetrack you.

2.      Make a daily schedule and stick to it as much as you can. Schedules can help keep you focused when the distractions come. If you are so distracted you cannot focus, get up, breathe deeply and pray that God will help you to focus.

3.      Keep a routine, that means have certain activities that you do the same every day. An example would be having a routine of going to bed and getting up at the same time.

4.      Refocus your attention from whatever bothers you or keeps you from moving forward. You can refocus by taking a walk in nature, talking to God about it, or IGNORING THE STIMULI.

5.      Make your bed every day! That’s right, make your bed! Completing tasks, even small ones makes you feel successful and productive. Doing this very small task first thing every morning registers to your brain that you are capable of being productive.

6.      Eliminate energy drains and recharge. Reward yourself for getting back on track and getting tasks accomplished and do something that is enjoyable.

7.      Get motivated again. Set your mind you will go all the way through this time. Motivation starts in your mind-believe that you can and you can!

8.      Connect with people who inspire you and especially those who inspire your dreams.





For additional reading on how to discipline your thoughts so that you can get back on track, check out this practical resource written by Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW, LBT, BCCC, “Disciplining Your Mind, 30 Days to a New You.”

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