Category Archives: personal excellence

Bible Study, Christian, Faith, how to, Inspiration, personal excellence, Stress relief

True Freedom in Christ

CancerConqueror2

 

“It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set you free, stand firm then and do not allow yourself to be burdened by the yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

Dear God,

Thank you that my greatest source and fuel for happiness in this life occurs behind closed doors, when no one is watching…the prayers, dances, songs and free expressions of who I am before you alone.

I am willing to consider the freedom that Jesus Christ of Nazareth had when he walked the earth.  Known as the Prince of Peace, he was not concerned about status or the opinions of other people.

This week I will explore letting go of my need to be seen, acknowledged and recognized in order to feel successful, loved and enough.

Fill me with an expansive Spirit of joy and laughter so that a levity around all things begins to emerge in all that I do and say.

I am grateful for another day to practice letting go of the non-essentials and nurture what I value most in this life.

Have your way with me in spite of myself…your way has never left me empty handed in this life.

“Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.” 
Mark 12:14

“A man is enslaved to whatever has mastered him.” 2 Peter 1:19

As you reflect on your own relationship with the world, what has mastered you in your life? Is it your environment? Opinions and reactions of other people? The need to be seen, acknowledged, and recognized?

Is it your behavior? My clients, who are seeking freedom from compulsive behavior, will often say, “I just can’t help myself.” This reveals a type of personal enslavement due to allowing some food, substance, situation, or person to master them over time, which in some cases results in a biological addiction.

The stress hormone is linked directly to your emotional state of mind and heart. Extended emotional stress often leads to personal enslavement, which usually walks hand in hand with unhealthy outlets. The key to freedom in situations like this lies in your ability to accept where you are at, accompanied with a desire for positive personal transformation and a choice to take a step in that direction.

Dear God, I choose this week to align my thoughts, words and deeds with my highest good and the good of all concerned. Through the power of the Holy Spirit I ignite my ability to choose my responses to life remembering that I hold the key to victimization and empowerment AND what I chose to think about sets in motion my reality. 

All things are possible for me, shrinking back and allowing myself to be burdened by the yoke of slavery to unhealthy masters is not how you created me to show up in this life. I choose you and all things good, right, true, beautiful and praise worthy. #faithwalk #freedominChrist #biblestudy 

Because of His Love,

Lauren <><

Faith, Inspiration, personal excellence

PRAYING DOCTORS

Praying Doctors

May and June are the traditional months for graduations and  celebrations of great accomplishments.  We know that the definition of commencement means ” a beginning or new start”,  but many times we look at graduation like it’s the end.

I was blessed to be in this photo with a group of doctoral students and we took the time right in the middle of the reception ceremony to praise God for the beginnings and responsibility he had given to each of us.

Although my physical and mental body worked hard for this doctorate degree the honor comes with great responsibly.   My vehicle is education but each of us has a unique God give path to begin.  We are to develop and prepare ourselves for the work and greatness that God has in store for each of us going forward.

I write this to say, that God gives each of us great responsibility no matter what your job or path is in life.  We just have to take that purpose or path we are on now and work to achieve great things in life using it to spread the message of Jesus Christ. No matter what you are celebrating are commencing, remember that it is through him that all things are possible.

Lets us not  forget the accomplishments that we achieve and be so for every humble of these gifts, so that in turn we are able to give back to others through our achievements!

~Dr. Stella

 

 

Christian, Faith, how to, Inspiration, personal excellence, purpose, tips for purpose driven life, wellness

What Has Mastered You in Life?

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“A man is enslaved to whatever has mastered him.” 2 Peter 1:19

As you reflect on your own relationship with the world, what has mastered you in your life? Is it your environment? Opinions and reactions of other people? The need to be seen, acknowledged, and recognized?

Is it your behavior? My clients, who are seeking freedom from compulsive behavior, will often say, “I just can’t help myself.” This reveals a type of personal enslavement due to allowing some food, substance, situation, or person to master them over time, which in some cases results in a biological addiction.

The stress hormone is linked directly to your emotional state of mind and heart. Extended emotional stress often leads to personal enslavement, which usually walks hand in hand with unhealthy outlets. The key to freedom in situations like this lies in your ability to accept where you are at, accompanied with a desire for positive personal transformation and a choice to take a step in that direction.

Dear God, I choose this week to align my thoughts, words and deeds with my highest good and the good of all concerned. Through the power of the Holy Spirit I ignite my ability to choose my responses to life remembering that I hold the key to victimization and empowerment AND what I chose to think about sets in motion my reality. 

All things are possible for me, shrinking back and allowing myself to be burdened by the yoke of slavery to unhealthy masters is not how you created me to show up in this life. I choose you and all things good, right, true, beautiful and praise worthy.

Because of His Love,

Lauren <><

Faith, how to, Inspiration, personal excellence, purpose, Stress relief, tips for purpose driven life, Uncategorized, wellness

Pursue What Leads to Life Satisfaction

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One of the first verses I memorized at 17 was John 10:10: I have come that YOU may have LIFE and have it to the FULL.” Jesus desires for us to experience life satisfaction, to have a joy within us that does not rise and fall depending upon how the world judges us at a single moment in time.

The next verse I memorized was Galatians 5:1: “It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set you FREE stand firm then and do not allow yourself to be burdened by the yoke of slavery.” Slavery to what? To the shiny objects, selfish ambitions and the ‘Fame Game’ which distracts me from the fullness of life Jesus died to give me? The world screams and God whispers. In order for our ability to tune into those things that truly bring about the experience of Jesus proclamation: I have COME that you may have LIFE to the FULL, it is essential that we stand firm and not allow ourselves to be burdened by those things that perish within the human heart as quickly as they enter.

What do you spend your time pursuing in life? This will reveal the position of your heart. It is not so much what you do throughout the day of life you have been blessed with but the person behind what you do that reveals the presence of God through our words, thoughts, deeds and actions. Examine the motives behind those things you choose to pursue. Why are you spending your efforts in this direction? Will this produce fruit that will last or fruit that will give you a momentary hit of satisfaction? Why do you do what you do and does it align with the person you are committed to being in this world?

I woke up with this verse on my mind and in my heart: “He who pursues Righteousness & Love finds LIFE, PROSPERITY & HONOR” Proverbs 21:21
Righteousness: to be aligned with high moral standards. Life satisfaction flows easily when we are aligned with our highest good and the good of all concerned. “When I show up in life with nothing to hide because I practice humility; integrity; love and authenticity, my sleep is sound and content. I am willing to admit when I am wrong and I am conscious of good and bad behavior along with a willingness to learn, adjust and understand.”
Love: the ability to authentically seek the highest good of another person, often times associated with intense feelings of care, concern and affection. “When I love first and then step out and lead I put to the front lines of my response to another human being the following attributes: patience; kindness; gentleness; forgiveness; humility; trust; confidence; perseverance.”

Because of His Love,

Lauren <><

Christian, Faith, how to, Inspiration, personal excellence, purpose, tips for purpose driven life, wellness

Stress Solutions for the Soul

Edge God In

Do what you do in life because of who YOU are, not because of how people respond to you. It is easy to love those who love you back. You resurrect the presence of God within you each time you make the choice to love and respond in kindness in the face of negativity. 

 Your authentic character expands in the midst of those moments when you love, serve and speak the truth in kindness because of who you are, not because you are feeling mutual love and kindness. 

 When you choose to show up with love & kindness, as you remain connected to God in the face of uncomfortable encounters, a feeling of deep satisfaction will often wash over you, this is because your soul had its way with you over your flesh.

 One of the most freeing prayers you can pray throughout your day is this: 

Dear God, grant me the grace to release my desire to be liked so that I will stay grounded in the person you have created me to be on earth: confident; loving; kind; peaceful; inspired; creative and capable of solution based responses free to be me without out worrying about what other people will think.

Stress or inner peace flow directly from your choice to serve your soul or your flesh in this world.  How much of your time in a day do you spend worrying about what others think, do and say? OR linger in the past or future?  Lean back into your soul where your worth and value remain in tact.

Dear God, I give my soul permission to guide my flesh into all of life today.  Grant me the grace to remember that with you all things are possible.  You call me to remain, remain, remain, remain in John 15, as the vine remains in the branch.  I give you permission today to have your way with me in spite of my wondering mind.  Ignite my soul and fill me with IN-Spiritation…so that nothing outside of me disrupts my confidence, love & inner peace.

Enjoy Your Gift of Life,

Lauren <><

 

Bible Study, Christian, Faith, how to, Inspiration, personal excellence, purpose, Stress relief, tips for purpose driven life

How to Hear the Voice of God

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God Spoke & He Continues to Speak.

This verse comes from the Old Testament; it is Samuel’s response to hearing God speak his name. It took three times before Samuel actually responded to God as he thought that Eli, who was the priest taking care of him, was calling him in the middle of the night.

How many times has God spoken to us and we look for other options as to where the guidance is coming from? I have found that God speaks in sound bites, small impactful statements of guidance that rock our world. “Dear God may there be less lag time today than yesterday in my ability to hear and respond to your voice of guidance which says, ‘this is the way, walk in it.”

My first book, Hearing His Whisper, came from several years of Samuel’s prayer: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” I would put a question before God and listen. Then I would guess what I thought God may say which ultimately opened up my ability to grab the sound bites coming in. At first I questioned them as Samuel did: Why would God speak to me? Is this really His voice or mine? As I increased my confidence in the simple truth that the ONE who calls me into fellowship with Himself if faithful and He will do it. “Less of me more of You, Dear God” because the desire of my heart.

I invite you into the daily practice of Samuel’s prayer: Speak Lord, your servant is listening. Ask, seek, knock and listen for God’s sound bites in life. The quicker you respond the quicker you will find your ability to hear becomes.

“Dear God, where would you have me go today? What do you want me to think and say. I am on your time, not mine, for your purposes, not mine. Fill me up with all that you are so that all that I am this week makes you recognizable on earth.”

Because of His Love,

Lauren

 

Bible Study, Christian, Faith, personal excellence, purpose

Sing at the Break of Dawn

Faith and the Spoken Word Unleash Prosperity copy

 

Sing at the Break of Dawn. Prosperity is Godliness with contentment, life satisfaction that flows from aligning ourselves with what we value most each day.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

I stood outside this morning before 5 am captivated by a chorus of birds singing, their melody echoing through the silence that stood at the cusp of a new day of life. What incredible faith I thought to myself, these birds are bringing in the new dawn before the sun has even appeared over the horizon, singing in the darkness with full confidence that the sun is about to rise.

Faith exists beyond reason and the 5 senses. It is the experience of believing without seeing so much so that your actions align with the space that your faith has already occupied. Just as the birds sing in the darkness as if it was mid-day, may our song of thanksgiving resonate in this world before we have received that which we have asked for…this kind of faith unleashes our reality and lights up the world.

Explore the following faith scriptures, stop doubting and believe =>

“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. ” Matthew 17:20

“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.” Matthew 21:21

” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31

“Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matthew 15:28

“Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 9:2

Sing at the break of dawn.

Because of His Love,

Lauren <><

Bible Study, Christian, Faith, how to, Inspiration, personal excellence, tips for purpose driven life, wellness

Man or God: Whose Approval Do You Seek?

God is Up to Something

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men.” Gal. 1:10

Step out of the drug of approval today: your need for recognition from others to know that what you do has value. God delights in you. Don’t expect anything today except to be loved and cherished by God.

Dear God,

 Thank you that I have the ability to remember that I am not what I do or what I have achieved.  Who I am is a constant reality and flows from my identity in you, therefore, UNLESS I CHOOSE to farm out my sense of self worth and value to people, circumstances or situations, I will be free from the roller coaster that exists in the drug of approval.

 If I do what I do to be seen by others then what I do becomes diluted by the drug of approval and my authenticity is compromised.  I choose this week to do what I do because of who I am, not because of how I want to be perceived. 

Because of His Love,

Lauren <><

 

 

Bible Study, Christian, Faith, how to, Inspiration, personal excellence, purpose, tips for purpose driven life, wellness

The Power of One

 

God Steps Into the World

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” Luke 15:4
Do you play the numbers game? How many likes? Shares? Friends? Clients? Responses? Participants in your program? Lecture? Seminar? Workshop? I have. Many times I have felt the ominous serpent of self-doubt slither in the back door of my interior castle as if my work was compromised or less valuable because of the lack of “numbers.” Jesus gives us an invitation in Luke 15:4 to consider the POWER contained in ONE life that is flipped from darkness into light; from confusion into clarity; lost to being found; death to life.

When I consider that I was one life at 17 years old that was flipped into the expansive experience of Jesus, the one life, one death, one gift of Salvation; which has made all the difference in the person I am committed to being today I realize the Power of ONE. Have you ever considered that if you were the only person left on earth, Jesus would have died for you?

If but for one soul; one kind remark; one moment of listening to understand rather than to be heard; one moment of considering the needs of another person over your own desire to be seen, acknowledged, recognized; one act of forgiveness; one moment of positive connection; one choice to stand for good; one choice to speak the truth in love; one choice to listen to the whisper of God over the screams of the world; one act of kindness; word of encouragement; invitation to grow or prune for growth; one moment of silence and shared grief or rejoicing…what a difference we will make in the One day of life we have been blessed with, never underestimate the power of One life that is refreshed because of One Choice to Make God Recognizable in your life today.

Because of His Love,

Lauren <><

 

Bible Study, Christian, Faith, how to, Inspiration, personal excellence, purpose, Stress relief, tips for purpose driven life, wellness

What’s Your Energy Source in Life? Unplug and Recharge

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:4-5

Jesus calls us to come closer each day. He created us with a single source for restoration and strength when we attempt to plug into that which is not HIM we experience energy leaks that produce fears, doubts and worries. Come to me, Jesus says, all of you who are burdened by the demands and distractions in the world and I will give you the true peace, sense of purpose and the internal rest & confidence that you seek. Watch the above video prayerfully and plug into John 15 this week.

Because of His Love,

Lauren <><