Years ago when I was a church pew dweller, but not a true Jesus lover, I didn't understand the term "experiencing God". I thought God was Someone to worship, and out of reach, not Someone to have a relationship with, who could reach out and touch me in divine ways.
And then my husband and I went through a bible study called Experiencing God, and my view of this term was changed. I realized that going to church does not make us experience God. Although it does provide a tool for opening our hearts so that we can learn how to experience Him, ultimately it's up to us to make that relationship happen.
Encounters with God are the biggest privilege we can experience in our Christian lives, and today's giveaway will hopefully help someone who needs to know God loves them and wants to get to know them personally, have an experience of His love that they cannot deny.
A signed copy of Stressed-Less living
Experiencing God Day by Day Devotional, by Henry T. and Richard Blackaby
A Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll scented candle
How to enter to win:
My prayer is that for those of you who are going through this stress detox with me have experienced God in a special way over the past week, and that the daily Detox Challenges have really given you something to think about.
For those of you who are not signed up for the detox, I pray God has spoken to your heart through the snippets I am posting on these giveaway days. If so, be sure to watch for when signups begin in mid-September for the next Stress Detox so you can read the full posts and implement the daily challenges into your life.
Friends, to enter today's giveaway, I just want to hear from your heart. Leave a comment telling me which of the 6 Stress Detox posts so far have been your favorite, and how God may have used it to create an experience with you.
85 comments:
My favorite is day 2. When you talked about "Real Peace-a peace based on Christ." I have found this peace, finally. Is my life perfect? No! But I have a relationship with the One who is! I grew up as one who was a "Sunday, pew sitting, religious" Christian. It was at the age of 45 that I fell in love with Jesus and began a relationship with Him! THEN, I found true peace~!
My favorite would be "Rearrange"
"She wanted people to think she had the perfect home, the perfect family, and the perfect life. She wanted people to know how she had stressed over her preparations, so that they would appreciate her even more. She wanted to feel important. She wanted to give off the impression that she had it all together."- This is SO me all the time. I need to trust that Jesus knows whats best for my life and being so busy is not always better.
Cathy B
Oregon
I think today's is my favorite. I fell into that same pattern searching for stress relief. We're told so often to make it about 'me' and do things for 'me'. We do need time for ourselves but I find I'm happier when doing for others. I think that's one of the times I experience Him is when I'm trying to reflect him to others.
I can't say that there is a favorite! Actually every day has been a confirmation of where God has been directing me for the last few months. I especially though liked the exercise of writing down the chores eg and specifically noting what God was speaking about through the prayers about those items. I had just two nights earlier mapped out my entire week including my sleep hours to see where my time was going! Cindy Virginia
Today would have to be my favorite so far because I have found in the last 8 months this to be so true. In January of this year, my husband left our home and as of today we are still separated. I had such extreme anxiety, panic and fear until I came to really know Jesus. I felt I had hit rock bottom with nowhere to turn and that is when I began a more intimate relationship with Jesus. I have never in my life experienced such peace. I am praying that God will restore my marriage. I have the peace in my life that I never knew could exist and I know that I can have forever now. Despite my circumstances, I don't have to live with depression and anxiety anymore. I can "Be still and find my peace with Jesus" at anytime and anywhere!
I have really enjoyed them all so far!! They have ll challenged me to rethink the stress in my life. Particularly, day 5 with making the columns of what is consuming your time really hit home with me. Thank you!
I have really thought through and tried every challenge. I am now finding peace within myself and am able to let go of some of my stress. Although it is very hard most days; I know that God will be with me and with him I can do anything. Thank you so much for this stress detox.
I have enjoyed this entire stress-less journey but my favorite have been Days 4&5. I really would like to take more time to read God's Word, journal and learn to be still and quiet and listen to what God has to say to me in the busyness of life. This may involve changing things on my schedule but the Lord is showing me that I need to make more time for him to have more peace in my life.
Jennifer York
Springfield, VA
Well I love them all but day 1 really spoke to me. I am always trying to fix everything myself, instead of relying on God. I still battle this daily. I like to fix it and fix it now. God is definitely teaching me to rely on Him and His timing!
Today's message is my favorite. I've spent years trying everything I could think of to cope with the waves of stress in my life that kept knocking me off my feet. My faith in God kept me from drowning, but my quality of life was still overwhelming me. I knew I wasn't living the victorious life Christ intended for me, but I didn't understand how to go from coping with all the stressors to actually breaking free from all the stressors.
I have loved all of the posts so far but I think that my favorite has to be today's. It has really spoken to what my heart has been feeling for a long time now. I grew up experiencing a relationship with God but gotten away from it. While I have changed churches and take my children regularly, my new church is more focused on the religion than the relationship. I know it is not their responsibility to get me to the point that I "know Jesus." I have felt a tugging on my spirit for the past few months to get back to the place I was when I was growing up. Today's detox was just the confirmation that I needed. Thank you so very much.
Dawn M.
Bloomington, IL
I loved today's message as well as day 5. The suggestions to make columns of what is consuming your time convicted me. I appreciate this series and you!
god bless you!
Day 3 is the one that really made me say "oh my". I know it's not as easy as just make a choice and there is more to deal with, but I have found myself making that choice on a daily basis. It is definitely helping turn things around and redirect my focus which in turn is helping me deal with the other issues.
Today, so far, is my favorite! I'm caught up in a seemingly hopeless situation and have been relying on my own wisdom to resolve it. Nothing is working and I'm stressed to the max. I could relate to what you said about our coping mechanisms leading to more stress too, it's so true!! I prayed the prayer at the end of your post with all my heart and am leaning on Jesus today to give me true peace in the storm!
Day 5 has really hit home for me. The busyness stuggle has been a huge stressor. Since starting this detox I have had more peace than I have had in a very long time. Putting Christ first and starting your day off with him really does make a difference.
Anita, WI
I do not have a favorite day, but I can tell you that the culmination of all the days so far has so helped me to realize that, although I tell myself all the time to relax, I really wasn't relaxing. I was letting things bother me and getting to the point that it was affecting both work and home life. Through realizing this, because of the daily reminders, I have been able to relax, destress each day, and not worry so much about things that I cannot change.
Christine Cornell Hawkins
I liked today's post because I can truly identify with trying other forms to release stress. I am bored while taking bubble baths and think of manicures and pedicures as a chore, something I need to do to look my best. I am still beginning my relationship with Jesus because like you, I was merely a pew dweller.
Thank you Tracie, I am glad I am taking the stress de-tox.
Honestly, the verse for day 1 spoke to me the most. I have been feeling like I'm at "the end of my rope" lately. And given the events of the past 1-3 years, I have every right to be. However, instead of wallowing in my circumstances and blaming everyone else for my misery, I need to let God take over. If I keep my eyes, heart & mind centered on Jesus, He will do great things and I will experience peace.
DMW
San Jose, CA
My favorite devotion so far as been Day 3 - RECLAIM! This part esp. really, really hit home with me "Even if we have forgiven others for hurting us, or forgiven ourselves for our own sin, our self esteem can still be negatively affected by the past if we refuse to accept that our intrinsic value comes from God, and God alone. God longs us for to recognize that His promise of unconditional love applies to each one of us, because He knows that until we do, it will be difficult for us to let go of the stress that negative emotions inflict."
I have such a difficult time letting go of the loathsome thoughts I have about MYSELF. If I am rejected by someone I take it to heart and feel less of a person. I know I need to recognize and BELIEVE that my value/worth comes from GOD! And not from other's opinions of me or even from my opinion of myself. I need to make peace with MYSELF. Be strong in who I am in Christ. This is hard for me...but I am learning.
While all the days have hit a spot in my heart, I think day 4 was my favorite. I need something to redirect my negative thoughts and I think the journaling of them will help me!
Today's word about refreshing was so timely for me. I had just posted on my blog a poem called "Overcome" about needing to be refreshed because of the stress in my life. I really appreciate this detox that you're doing. Thank you for shining the light of Jesus into our stressful lives. Here is the poem that I wrote:
Overcome
Tears flowing, streaming down my cheeks
Overcome by emotion, overwhelmed by life
Wishing for a hug, a smile, a hand to hold
Commitments pile up, expectations rise
How I need refreshment, need to be refueled
And then I focus on the many blessings I have
Finding peace in God's love
Reminding myself that He cares for me
That I'm not alone in this journey
Tears of hurt turn to tears of surrender
Overcome by emotion, overwhelmed by Him
Strength will come as I look to the cross
To stand and face another day
They have all been so good and so needed. But today Day 6 really makes me think. Right now my husband and I are going through an "experiencing" moment. God has placed a special place on the heart of us both and my husband is going on a mission trip next month to this special place and our prayer is that God will show clearly to both of us what He is telling us. We are a family of 5 our girls are 7, 10 and 12. We are seeking clear direction and in this we are "experiencing" so much.
Stephanie Hanks
slhanks1975@yahoo.com
My favorite is day 4. - Redirect.
So many times we complain about everything, not realizing that life is a gift from God.
All these devotionals have helped me to see things in a different way, God's way. I feel more relax, and with peace in my heart, the kind of peace that only our God can give us.
Thank you so much for letting God use you to bless others.
karen.ortega@deltaapparel.com
I think the last one I read is my favorite! Seriously, I have needed this so badly. I got behind on reading the posts and thought I'm stressed about reading about de-stressing - what is wrong with me?! I'm caught up now and in reflecting back I think Day 5 has been the one that resonated with me the most. I realized I had been thinking so negatively lately and that just isn't my normal mode. Every time I have an issue at work I find myself saying, "I hate..." whatever it is. I know I have to stop that. I MUST rest in God. I, too love the beach. The awesome majesty of the vast waters...the ocean waves so predictable in such an unpredictable world. Even though I'm a good 19 hour drive from the nearest ocean, I know I can kick back and relax in the arms of my loving Savior! Thank you for being a Faithful Servant!
I have enjoyed all of them. But I think my main one is Day 5 and avoiding the "Martha" syndrome. I work for a mission board in the office. We plant churches in Ukraine, Peru, Russia. My son goes to a Christian high school and I volunteer there once a week. I do a monthly newletter for my church. So every aspect of my day and life seems pointed in the right direction...Jesus! But I have to keep in mind that these things are for the glory of God. Don't let them become a drudgery. Don't forget the ultimate outcome is reaching out to lost souls. On the flip side...I am constantly focused in the right direction! I am surrounded by Christians who help me stay focused.
Today. How often do I run to "things" to take me stress away. Has my wisdom or "things" relieved the stress? NO! The Holy Spirit convicted me Through your message. Jesus, He is the answer to my stress! Just saying His name makes my shoulders relax and my breathing normal. Thank you for being an instrument of His and putting head knowledge to the heart.
All of the stress detox devotions have had meaning. I just need to be quiet more. Thanks.justopte
What a blessing to read all of your comments, and to see God at work. I love how God can speak to us all in different ways through the same words. Especially loved how one commenter named Nanvab stated, "Jesus, He is the answer to my stress! Just saying His name makes my shoulders relax and my breathing normal."
The snippets that I have read from your stress detox are wonderful. I fully intend to sign up for the next one since I missed this one. I realized that you can experience god every day you don't need to sit in a church pew to do it if your heart and mind is open.
Tami-Lynchburg
I think Day 1 was pretty powerful - to recognize that what needs to change...is me! We always blame other people or circumstances for our stress, but the reality is that there will ALWAYS be stressful circumstances - what has to change is me.
charity
boone, nc
I cannot pick which one has been my favorite so far as each one has had something I could use in dealing with my stress. Thank you for putting this all together.
Emily S
Azle,Texas
Yesterday you used this quote: "Is everything as urgent as your stress would imply?"
Turer words were never spoken to my heart.
Prioritizing my stessors. I use "or" as these are the people around me. Mom of 4 teens, I feel everyone's drama and being in the leaders of my church workers...I just have to step out of me and see the BIG picture.
God good, may not always be comfortable for people and I can't always fix their un-comfortableness.
Rosalba.
I will be honest with you. Each one of the challenges are helping me in one way. Day 4 is the one that I really feel that God is working in my mind. (even my husband has notice a little change in me) Day 1 of journaling my thoughts, By God's grace I didn't have a negative thought. Day 2 either. Today day 3 I wrote down my first negative thought, what? yes early in the morning before even prayer I did have my negative thought, but God is helping me during this time. Also reading today's post in refreshing is also a good start. (today's challenge is also good, daily praying) Thank you for your time to share with us.
I really didn't think I could pick just one. I went back through each day which in and of itself was a good thing because I had to really think again. I have to say that Day One - Recognize - would have to be my favorite. I've always been real good at playing the "if only" game. Before I retired I would say "if only I didn't have to put up with all these problems at work". But my husband would tell me "babe you'll always find something to worry about." And he's right. So thank you for helping me to recognize what I've been doing and for providing ways to overcome it.
Day 5 has been the best to me so far. I feel like I have so much to do and can't do it all! I need to rearrange my schedule and only do what God wants me to do.
They have all been a blessing and eye opener for me, however, today's Detox 6 went along with something else I have just started. Both together has made such an impact on my morning and looking ahead. Letting God have the control, not me. I have been letting God have some but have such a fear of being hurt, has caused me to let stress, fear, etc control me. Surrendering is so hard, but the peace will be there. If I had a place to go and find peace, and I know God would go with me, it is by the river at Alley Springs, Missouri -- my special place and time with God!!
Charlotte, West Plains, MO
I, too, love the beach, and even live in close proximity to two! And while I do feel peace while there, it is nothing like the peace I should know from Jesus. Today's message is just what I need. I'm feeling like the waves of life are crashing in on me; I've lost my focus, focusing on circumstances, not on Christ. Stress seems to overwhelm me, my every thought. Time to refocus and let His peace reign in me.
my fav probably is Day 3- Reclaim. Good reminders and good asks to put into practice (of not dwelling on the past/mistakes, etc.) because of these, I've added a new prayer to my list asking for God's healing where needed.
I have Loved All of the posts so far but I think that my favorite has to be today's But there is 4 more! So I think as I am getting theses, I am getting stress released more and more!! Thank you Tracie for your help.
Day 5; I get so busy doing I forget to be still with God. With #hellomornings it's getting to be more of a habit.
Heidi J
This journey you're leading us on has been my journey for the last couple of years. Most of what you wrote for Days 1-5 were a confirmation of what I have been learning, but today brings some new revelations. Thank you for the blessing of your message!
Sheri Montano
I look forward to getting signed up for the next round. I would love to be stressed-less! Thanks!
REARRANGE would have to be the day that spoke to me. I read that devotion the morning after my boss shared a video clip of a sermon at his church that talked about being too busy with all of our commitments and what that does with our ability to build and mainain a relationship with Christ. Of course, while I wad watching the video, all I could do was think about the other things I could have been doing instead of watching a video. Then I woke up and read your words about rearranging. It was like God said, "Hey, I know you weren't listening the first time I sent you the message. You need to know this and take a hard look at what you have going on and make time for me.". I think this is one lesson I need to pay attention to.
Lori in Fort Worth
Today's is my favorite post so far. I am reminded that it is only through fully relying and fully abiding in Jesus that I will have peace. I know what to do when stress sets in but I run around trying to find worldly fixes and forget the incredible peace that I have when I am resting in His arms.
Thank you for the reminder.
TODAY'S POST IS MY FAVORITE BECAUSE
EVEN THOUGH I KNOW!! THAT I SOULD
ALWAYS GO TO GOD FIRST BEFORE PLANNING
MY DAY I USUALLY FORGET AND PLUNGE IN.
NO WONDER SO MANY OF MY DAYS SEEM SO
HARD TO GET THROUGH!!!
My favorite was day 3 ... I fight with my self image and self blame often. Remembering to embrace and reclaim my identity in Christ. Dreaming it is possible to let go of the stress that comes with constantly trying to prove my worth to others and to me. What a freeing thought. This has become my daily pray. To believe what God believes about me ...
My favorite day was Day 2 - Reflect. I picture those dream scenarios where my life is perfect and stress free, so it was a great reminder that even if some of those dream scenarios happen they won't be stress free. But just because life is stressful doesn't mean I need to live in stress because my peace is in Jesus.
Day 5 - Rearrange
I am one of those people like Martha that can focus on the wrong things--with the best of intentions at heart!
Right after I read Dady 5 I actually went to the bathroom at work, and prayed that God would help me to remember that He is what I am to focus on, that that if I do that all other things will work out!
My favorite was Day 4: Redirect.
"Sadly, when we form a habit of negativity, and begin to doubt God's love and concern for us, we are actually sabotaging ourselves and our peace from the inside out. The turth is, that reacting to stress by becoming a chronically negative thinker only accomplishes one thing: more stress!"
Almost two weeks ago, I received notification stating that a job I really wanted and thought I had a chance at getting was filled by another person. I was devastated, felt incompetent, made myself physical ill for several days, and denied that God cared for me. All those negative thoughts didn't help my situation: it made it even worse! I believe God was teaching me a lesson. I now know that instead of pulling away from God, I should've reached out even more.
I've enjoyed all of them, as each one has spoken to me in one way or another. Last night, I sat with my 7 year old and read a book for 1/2 hour. Part of me was yelling at myself for not starting the dishwasher first, or atleast starting a load of laundry. Then I thought, you know, this is precious time, and I let myself off the hook. Tracie, your de-tox is working!
My favorite day, the one that spoke to my heart the most, was actually Day 5. In truth...I have Martha tendencies. I was reading the Prescription for Peace and the following jumped out at me: "She wanted her busyness to be a sign of her dedication and her success to symbolize her importance..." Whoa...that hit me in the gut. And as I kept reading, I stumbled upon another passage: "Productivity becomes the indicator of our worth, and accomplishments drive our sense of purpose." My God...that's me! I am so focused on being "good", a good daughter, a good employee, a good Sunday school teacher, a good person that I forget what is "best"...to listen to Jesus whisper peace and truth in my ears and to base my worth in His love for me. Thank you thank you thank you...God bless.
They have all been great, but I think the first day really hit home. I have recognizing I am my biggest stressor. The past few days I have applied the different challenges to my life.
Melissa
Frisco TX
I like day 5, I need to prioritize
Day #3 about fragrances. Actually all have been very good!MarthaT.@CRPrairie1@imonmail.com
There are 2 days that have really struck me, day 1 and day 3. They all have been really impactful and thought provoking.
"When you free your heart from the stress of trying to please everyone, and learn to be proud of who you are because of Whose you are, some serious cleansing can take place."
What sweet freedom that is!!
"But first you must recognize, and admit, that you have a problem – a problem with stress rooted deep in the heart. Trust that healing will come as you discover that letting go of the rope, drops us right into arms of Hope."
Day 5, "Rearrange" is my favorite so far. I feel like a Martha most of the time. I run around trying to make sure everything is done right and being "busy" and miss the joy that God has for me. I really needed this reminder.
Day 6 really spoke to me. Even though my children are married and living on their own, I still have to take time to relax and de=stress. My job and then church responsibilities can keep me constantly on the go. Then I make meals for others that are coming home from the hospital or not able to care for the family due to illness. I love showing God's love to others by preparing food and giving a kind word. Even in all of the busy work, I just praise God and He gives me a peace that passes all understanding because I can do nothing without God.
Day 3 - Reclaim has spoken the most to me so far,though all have been helpful. One more reminder that God wants to heal the past. Definitely need to see myself the way He sees me.
Every post has been great. Today may be my favorite. I REFRESH with, a good cup of coffee, tea, reading, looking at family pictures, eating some dark chocolate (chocolate chips are always easy) taking a walk and counting how many butterflies I see or looking at the cloud shapes. There are so many blessings that refocuses me on what is important.
My favorite is todays! I think I am a church pew dweller, actually I teach the "Children's Church" during the worship service and I work especially hard reaching out to others who can minister to me. I know I have experienced God's presence many times in my life, but I have the greatest desire to be in the presence of the Lord on a daily basis. to seek him everyday with all my heart. This is where the stress and the struggle of everyday living seem to get in the way.I have ordered your book in hopes of finding my way to have more encounters with God.
All have been very helpful but I believe it was Day 3 - My value is based on who GOD is, not on who I am, or what other people say or think about me! I used to get told, "You need to be like your sister." I grew up thinking that I was never going to be good-enough because my sister was nearly-perfect and if I couldn't be as good as her there was NO WAY I could be good-enough for God! It has taken me a long time but it's finally sinking in that I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus - 2 Corinthians 5:21
Thank you for all of these reminders/reinforce-rs in Detoxing our Stress away!
-Arlene G.
Deb - AZ
My favorite is "Rearrange". It really speaks to the sense of being overwhelmed which is a current state of being for me.
My favorite, I think, was day 1. Right from the get go it was simple, honest and up front... Jesus is the way to be stress free... ONLY He can give us that focus, that perspective that lets us see what is truly important. I once had a poster that said "When I'm with Jesus, I begin to hear the important, rather than the urgent"... that's what you're telling us here, and I love that! Thank YOU!
I have to say that I think today's hit me right between the eyes! As I sat at my computer, stressed up to my eyeballs, I read today's message. I am so tired of being stressed out, I am so tired of being tired and worn out! I find myself trying to find peace in food or in mindless computer surfing. I truly wish to find everlasting peace!!!
Tracie, Really a favorite?? I have to say I am loving this whole process. I don't see myself as stressed as I could be, because I've learned to give what I can't handle to the Lord. But I'm learning a ton of ways to keep stress out of my life in the future too.
Every day has spoken to my heart in some way, but todays' really sums them all up. Bringing Jesus into ALL of my daily activities should be my goal every day. That is the true path to less stress.
Thank you for your inspiration and dedication.
Geralyn
Everyday speaks to me. The day that hit home was day 3 and 4. I identified with the things you said and it took me a long time to change. I still think that way at times but I try to give it to God as fast as I can. I love this detox and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.
Blessings
It's so hard to choose! Day 6 - "Love, respect and trust in Jesus has a healing effect on our minds." I love this and am learning more and more about trusting Jesus as my husband and I walk through a season of unemployment. I'm learning to be real with Him, my feelings and thoughts, which helps me to keep my hands open to His will, my ears open to his voice, and my eyes open to His perspective. This should be a time of stress, according to the world, but instead I've found joy and peace. At times in my life I've waited for the "next" and THEN I could have peace and joy. Jesus offers it to me right now, right where I am, and I'm just so grateful.
Day 5 has spoken to me more clearly than the others thus far. For one thing, I have been so busy and stressed at work that I didn't get a chance to read it until lunchtime on Day 6!! "Productivity becomes the indicator of our worth, and accomplishments drive our sense of purpose." Boy did that ever hit me square between the running lights... And, I believe that might be the reason it is so hard for me to truly "get" that because I have accepted Jesus, that in itself is more than enough for me to be worthy in His eyes. All the busyness is a sly trap of the enemy to keep us from developing the deepest relationship w/Christ that we can.
Day 5 about putting into columns the things that consume my time really made me think about changing some things.
Janet D
Galax, VA
In all honesty, ALL of them have been divinely appointments for me! I know this stress detox came across my path for a reason, God knew I needed this!! I don't even remember how I came across your detox BUT SO GLAD and thankful I did!! :) Thank you, Tracie for this stress detox!!
My favorite was today's on all the different ways that you have tried to relax and how nothing worked. I too have tried them all including anxiety medicine and even tonight when I read this I am stressed and ready to just go face to face with Jesus. Mandy from AZ
For me Day 1 made a huge impact. Especially the Detox Challenge. Writing down all the things I think are causing me stress and then surrendering each of them to God.
Julie S.
Walnut Creek, OH
For me it's not just one day. It's that constant reminder and reflection each morning. I begin my day reading and reflecting on the "detox" of the day and use it to be more deliberate in driving out the stress thoughts that try and attack through the course of the day.
Shalyn
Rohnert Park, CA
I think that "REARRANGE" on day number five was really good for me to read. Well, I need to read all of it but I tend to be a very busy person & I so related to the perfect home & stressing out before guests come over b/c I always stress when I know people are coming~I always think the house, food & family need to be just right. One of the quotes that really stood out to me was this "busy is always better." I need to be careful that although life is busy, I need to carve out time for Jesus no matter the schedule & realize that busy is NOT always better. Thanks for this stress detox ]
~Blessings~
I think the day that spoke to me the most which it always does when I read this scripture is Martha because I am so much like her. I even find myself defending her and myself trying to justify doing good things but not picking the best thing - Jesus time
For me, the Martha day spoke volumes to me. Although my name is Mary--I am a Martha. So I have always listened to messages about Martha vs. Mary. I read the book (Being a Mary in a Martha World)...never-the-less, I still feel like a Mary-wanna-be but acting like a Martha....keeping busy without taking time to listen to my Savior (and frankly, griping abut having to do the work all by myself at times).
But your spin on Martha helped me realize that Martha was doing what most women would have done with so many guests coming--she was filling a need---but she also wasn't filling her DEEPEST need---the need to be quiet before Him and hear Him.
Thanks Tracie.
Each day has spoken to me in a significant way. Today's seems to be the most powerful. This detox session has hit me during a point of my life when it is desperately needed.I am learning and growing and de-stressing more and more with each day of detox. Thank you!!
Lucretia, shepherd mt
Days 1, 3 and 4 have spoken loudly to me. I have had a tough year and a half recently, with major fallouts in friends, 2 really good friendships. I still occasionally feel that IF my friends had not done what they did, we would not be in this mess, I would not be miserable. While that could be true, I know that I have to snap back to reality and realize that there is no turning back the clock. What's happened has happened and as painful as it was, I have to learn to let it go and look to God, who is my Faithful Friend. And that my worth is found in Him and Him alone.
I have struggled with finding peace among the busyness of life, but realize that I have often just misplaced my peace finder in other areas of life. I know it is only through Christ that we can find true peace. Although I am not yet there, I am certainly on the path to a "peace that passes all understanding".
Day 6 is my favorite because I have used things such as mani /Pedi's, shopping, etc to try and find that relief. I am finding that the more I focus on God, the less I focus on those things. He is still working on me though and I have a ways to go.
Day 5 has definitely spoken to me the most clearly. Case in point: I have been so stressed and busy at work that I wasn't able to get to it until Day 6 at lunchtime! And what a profound statement-- "Productivity becomes the indicator of our worth, and accomplishments drive our sense of purpose." That one hit me square between the eyes. The enemy stealthily uses busy-ness and "productivity" to chip away at our time, so that we think we just don't have time to build a relationship with God, and with Him is the one true place we kind find our sense of worth and value and significance. And we DON'T have to do ANYTHING to receive it! That has always been a difficult thing for me to embrace, to believe down to the core of my being...but no matter how many times I come back to Him, God is always there, waiting with His arms open wide.
Day 6: http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=3bf3f2f6e9f0f02c00cb0539f&id=e8955dc3c4&e=e58ab603cb
"...[W]hen we get desperate for change to occur in our circumstances or our life overall, our hopelessness can sometimes turn into fear.
Fear that drives us to take careless or risky measures, maybe even turning to coping methods of stress that are harmful – such as drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, lust, or food addictions.
That type of fear causes guilt, more problems, and eventually more stress. But the fear of the Lord motivates us to seek His guidance and make the changes that are needed, in His ways, instead of our own.
Love, respect and trust in Jesus has a healing effect on our minds. When we turn to Him for wisdom instead of depending on the world’s suggestions for stress relief, then real peace will come – even if our circumstances remain the same."
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I wish I had understood this truth 30 years ago. I was raised in an environment of fear...not the Spirit-led fear that comes with loving our perfect, omniscient Heavenly Father, but the kind that goes hand in hand with abuse, neglect, and deception. When we rely on our own methods learned from flawed human beings in a world of sin, we turn away from God's perfect plan for our lives. And the more we turn away, the more of His peace we concede to a life of fear, doubt, and self-loathing, which perpetuate until we find ourselves in a vast wasteland of pain and suffering.
I allowed the opinions of addicts to control my life until I could not find my life.
Like you, Tracie, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour when I was in my youth. I never lost my faith...but I never LIVED my faith. I talked about loving God, believing in Jesus, and understanding He would never leave me...but I did not OBEY God; I did not LIVE my belief in Jesus; and I did not TRUST that He would never leave me.
Talking about our faith is not the same as living our faith. We must walk our talk.
Jesus is our Shepherd. He has never left me. As I think on my past, I see that God allowed me to experience great suffering so I could understand the sinful consequences of relying on this world and the flawed people in it.
When I took small steps to overcome, God responded. Then one day it happened. I looked up from the depths of my despair and discovered that Jesus is the only man who will never leave me. When I came to that realization, I burst into tears, and it was as if the gates of Heaven burst open to welcome my weary soul back into the fold.
I will never look back. Now I understand. God is sanctifying me. Life is never going to be easy. But this world is not my home, and He will never abandon me.
Melanye Fletcher
Seattle, Washington USA
My favorite is Day 1. Through your post, God reminded me that different circumstances are not going to relieve my stress. In reality, they will only bring a new set of stressors. He convicted me that I need to be content where He has planted me, even if that means blossoming among the weeds (daily stresses)that are growing in the same garden(my life circumstances).
Today's, Day 6, is my favorite! I am constantly looking for ways to de-stress. I go to everything but to God's word. I want to put forth much more effort to start my days with Him and continue His message throughout the day.
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