Self-Care: How a “God Word” Can Assist in Being Healthy

Hello! Have you been watching the Olympics? Crazy to think the athletes have had to endure a longer training period due to the pandemic. And to think the next competition will still be held in 2024.

I love gymnastics and Simone Biles. She is a powerhouse physically and mentally. What a testimony of bravery to stand up for selfcare and protect herself. This will speak volumes for the world!! (If you are unaware of the impact Simone makes outside of gymnastics-I encourage you to do some research.)

What about you? When was the last time you checked on yourself, especially mentally? “I’m fine, everything is good, just doing the best I can”. God wants to be a part of our lives more than surface level and wants us better than “fine”. He wants us exercising healthy self-care and unplugging at various times to listen to His voice and become more in-tune with His will. I cannot think of a better time to mention one way I have found to do this.

For several years I have invested time in receiving a God Word through the help of a little book entitled One Word. I call it my “God Word” because I rely on Him to reveal the word. Yes, there have been times I didn’t want what God had for me, such as the time when the winner was the word discipline! However, I know the Lord always holds my days ahead so I know I can trust Him to lead me and my crazy fleshly ways. (I have tried to live under my own direction–we all know how that turned out!)

The book, One Word, simply describes three stages to receiving a “God Word”; they are look in, look up, look out. After embracing this process for several years, I will be brave enough to state this as an essential process for those wanting to live under the authority of the Lord.

Why? It allows you to take a self-inventory of your life currently, spend some time unplugging from the world, and making the time to listen to the Father for His direction and discernment for your year ahead.

There is one thing I would change about the book if I could. I call the look out stage the “live out” phase because I feel this is where your feet are held to the test. This is really your daily life steps permitting the God Word to guide your steps, connect you to God on a deeper level, and strengthen your reliance and relationship with the Father.

SO…why do this around July/August? Why not do this in January when most of the world makes resolutions? Isn’t this an alternative to doing that? Doesn’t the book even suggest this? True, many people embrace a One Word concept at the beginning of the year. You can go through this process annually at any point you determine. There isn’t a set time. The Refining Ministry has been focusing on this event at the end of summer for many years so that is why we are revisiting it at this time of the year. It shows intentionality apart from the norm of the world.

We will be doing two face-to-face meetings this year for those who want to renew their God Word or join in trying this for a year. One location will be Canyon, TX and the other will be Waco, TX. During these meetings, we will highlight Chapters 1-4 together and provide a short period hanging out with God to individually listen to Him.

Then on August 16th we will host an online event at 6:00 p.m. for those who want to join us for an hour to review Chapters 6-8 and discuss ways to live out the God Word. Incorporating your word into all areas of your life is not always easy. The book highlights six dimensions which we will briefly discuss as well. Also, we will share ways we have found to hold ourselves accountable and keep our focus.

I would encourage you to join us in this journey. The “One Word” concept has helped me rely on the Lord’s perspective, drawn me closer to Him and His ways, and strengthened my relationship with the Lord. I love the simplicity of carrying out His Word in my daily life and learning how to let the Holy Spirit lead. It narrows my “squirrelly” attention to concentrate on living for God and not myself. My God Word aids in being accountable to doing life God’s way, talking to God about my progress, and centering my efforts to glorify the Lord and not myself!

If you would like to plug into God and truly hear the answer from Him to “What do you want to do in me and through me over the next year?”, then we invite you to come along with us through this journey. Maybe you already embrace this process, then come hang out with us on August 16th online and share your experience. We would love your input and knowledge of letting God speak through a One Word process.

Our sweet Father has many “One Words” for us over our lifetime. He is willing and eager to give us a “God Word” for this particular time frame in life. This concept is a tool to embrace sanctification and surrender to the refining God wants to do within us.

Thank you for the opportunity to walk this out with you. I look forward to joining together to allow God to speak into our lives through simplicity, accountability, and simple focus on the “Word” He reveals.

Come join us in an impactful experience through a three step process-One Word. It is simply a time to let God lead. If you want to know more, please email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!

July 29, 2021 0

God Word: Relational Dimension

Have you ever been hurt by someone? Is the pain from the past overwhelming? Do you have trust issues? Are there things that hold you back from a full relationship with anyone? Could there be a generational curse haunting you? Have there been times when you feel you can barely get along with yourself let alone anyone else?

God wants to heal your heart and help you experience the fullness of all your relationships, especially with Him. He wants to work through your God Word to impact your relational dimension. The Father asks us to be open to His refining and His way by turning from our selfish desires. Scripture clearly exposes the Lord’s character and shows us that He wants us to express our love for Him and others by being in a full relationship. He created us to be relational with the beginning of creation. His plans were for us to never be in isolation.

Week 4: Relational

What does relational mean? The term refers to the connection and interactions two or more people have with one another. Webster doesn’t define this as a positive or negative but does elude to being related by some type of means. So, lets focus on being healthy relationally.

Most would agree that a loving relationship is a treasure in life. It enhances our daily being and brings happiness far exceeding any material items. The fullness of interacting with others allows us to experience oneness and gives us the opportunity to truly know the meaning of compassion, forgiveness, patience, kindness, forbearance, gentleness, and humility. Can I get an AMEN! Don’t be fooled. Being relationally healthy is hard work and sacrificing on many levels.

Take a good look around: divorce, broken families, riots, fighting, harsh words, manipulating, lies, backstabbing, killing, selfish gain,… This is the world in which we live. A me society where most relationships are shallow at best. When the majority of our relationships are shallow, we find ourselves feeling less than God intended.

Let’s use the Father for an example. He wants us close by His side, interacting with Him, bringing Him glory, and staying in constant contact with Him. But if we choose Him only when we are in a panic or crisis, how deep is our relationship really? Healthy relationships require us to be all in and concerned about others above ourselves. (No, this doesn’t mean to the point of it being detrimental to us. We must take care of ourselves too!)

How would life be if you knew the Lord so intimately that you knew the smell of His breath? Odd question I know but just give this some thought. There’s so much more to that simple question.

Application: How can your God Word impact your relationships? Are there some people who you struggle to maintain health? Are you only seeing the interaction between you from your point of view? Can you extend all the giving attributes of a friendship? Do you need to walk away from unhealthy or abusive people? Can you really forgive? What is the status of most of your relationships: shallow or continually spiraling deeper? Is it better for you to have surface level friends and many of them or meaningful relationships with a handful?

Applying your God Word is being mindful of all your relationships. God wants to walk with you and assist in handling all relationships according to His ways. This may push you out of your comfort zone and require you to stretch beyond your own ability.

Read about what Paul has to say about healthy relationships: https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-21-healthy-relationships-colossians-312-13

Accountability: When I think about managing my relationships, I can only attest to the fact that when my interaction with God is out of kilter, then the rest of my relationships seem to be lacking. There is something to be said about putting the Lord first. However, we have to carry out discipline and hold ourselves accountable daily. Although the Holy Spirit is present and can convict-our actions, thoughts, and habits fall into the free choice category. How do you hold yourself accountable to be relationally healthy? What steps are you willing to take to obtain a full bill of health? How can your God Word keep you focused in achieving and acquiring real relationships with God and others?

Assessment: Reflecting upon our relationships and how we interact with others is not always fun but can generate a vision where we need to improve. This week, let’s allow Scripture to assist us.

Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.

Ephesians 1:11 In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will.

1 Peter 2:23 When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly.

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Father God, help us fully utilize the relational impact of our God Word to bring us in closeness with you!

September 20, 2020 0

God Word: Emotional Dimension

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Thanks for visiting as we continue the series regarding the life dimensions presented in the book One Word. Your God Word has a way of impacting every aspect of your life over time. It is important to allow this word to refine the way you live and bring you closer to the Lord. I hope you have had an opportunity to reflect upon the spiritual and physical impact of your God Word.

Week 3: Emotional

What does emotional mean? The term refers to the feelings we have-usually based our reaction and directed towards a specific object. Webster says that our emotions are “typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body”.

We are all very aware of emotions such as fear, anger, excitement, sadness, disgust. . .and the effects of each. Our feelings are a basic part of our makeup and we need to recognize all the factors involved. For example, if I am feeling extremely happy, I am more apt to be smiling or if I am feeling extremely angry, I am more quickly to grumble and/or complain.

There are times when emotions can get the best of us and run wild. No doubt, they can sometimes be complex, problematic, and difficult to navigate. It is helpful if we can call them by name and know how to rationally deal with all-good, bad, & the ugly. However, in the heat of the moment-well you know! Rationality takes a backseat for me many times when I have raging emotions.

God wants us to have an emotionally healthy life. He trusts us to manage our feelings and strive to achieve emotional maturity. The Lord gave us a spectrum of emotions to experience, but I am sure He never intended for them to completely overrun our ability to be steadfast with our behavior. Those crazy things can cause us to sin faster than a speeding bullet if we allow them to do so.

You have heard the phrase “a-work-in-progress”-well that can easily be applied to the emotional dimension of life. It takes progressive steps to acquire the skills needed to attain emotional development. We have to take responsibility for our behavior and assess our actions and reactions when caught off-guard by our emotions. As we mature, we learn how to cope with emotions and how to handle the destructive ones.

Here is a Healthline article to continue reading about emotional health: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/emotional-maturity

Application: How can your God Word impact your emotional health? Is there an area where you struggle with your feelings? Are you quick to bite back? Is your fuse a little too short? Do you only want to live in a world of “happiness” to the point you shy away from reality? Can you give yourself a break? Are you able to recognize your emotional overload?

Applying your God Word is being mindful of one’s feelings, emotional triggers, and coping mechanisms. It is basically learning to be a good manager of the spectrum of your feelings and knowing the consequences involved.

Accountability: Although I know the WWJD saying is a little less popular in society, it is still my go-to when I think about managing my actions and reactions associated with my emotions. We have to contemplate how to hold ourselves accountable. Many times, the Holy Spirit convicts me of my wrong doings and I have to reevaluate how I handled a situation. (Usually it is my improper control over my feelings).

Think about today’s world. If we all had the WWJD stance, maybe the riots, damaging demonstrations, and destructive behavior might not be as big of an issue. Just maybe we would be less concerned about ourselves and what is in it for us. Mull it over.

Do you need accountability in becoming emotionally healthy? What steps are you willing to take? How can your God Word keep you focused in growing in emotional maturity?

Assessment: I think the biggest part of assessment is owning up to failure. Yeah, the word we don’t like to address. Taking ownership of our actions and eating crow when we mess up. Being self-aware of our varied emotional states and being proactive in finding wholesome ways to respond can assist in measuring our own performance. Even seeing our associated actions/reactions from a different point of view can help. Overall, I find my best assessment is through the reading of Scripture and being open to what the Holy Spirit reveals.

Father God, help us fully utilize the emotional impact of our God Word to bring you praise!

September 14, 2020 2

God Word: Physical Dimension

Welcome back to the six weeks series regarding the dimensions of life presented in the book One Word. These posts are designed to assist you in living out your God Word. I hope you enjoyed the spiritual dimension writing in week one.

Week 2: Physical

What does physical mean? The term is referring to those things of the body and not of the mind. In Greek, the word is soma (body). Our physical beings need nourishment to thrive and require work on our part to maintain.

In order to examine the physical impact of our God Word, the focus is two-fold: 1) taking care of our bodies and 2) developing reliance on the Lord for physical strength and healing beyond our control.

The physical dimension is an area where we have to: 1) exercise our obedience to the Lord by physically taking the steps necessary to take care of our body’s wellbeing and 2) increase our faith and belief in God when things are beyond our physical abilities and limitations.

Paul spoke about the physical body in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you?…Therefore honor God with your body.” The Lord wants us to utilize our bodies for the furtherance of His kingdom. He never designed us physically to indulge in selfish pleasures which abuse His creation. (Yes, that means my overeating dark chocolate too!)

God wants us energized and fully capable of doing His work with a pure, clean heart. This can never happen when we use our bodies in unhealthy ways and/or fill our bodies with non-nourishing elements. So, exercise and a proper diet aligns with the Father’s plans. However, because we were loving given a freewill, the choice is up to us. Remember, if we ignore exercise and dieting or even take it to the extreme opposite spectrum, either way it becomes a “me” idol.

Now let’s chat about the fact that the body needs rest. If you actually sleep eight hours every night of the week, then 33% of your life would be spent on snoozing. No wonder we become lifeless and weary. How many of us truly receive the slumbering hours we need on a regular basis? “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 ESV.

Next is the physical strength and healing beyond our control. Our bodies are susceptible to illness, injury, and failure. Although it is our responsibility to be proactive, many times there are things we experience physically-cancer, accidents, diseases, hereditary failures, pandemics, etc. It makes us stop and ask, “How much faith do I have in God’s miraculous power?” Boy does this put us to the test when we are in a physical battle or one of our family members experiences severe health issues. Our faith is definitely examined.

Application: Take a close look at your God Word and decipher how it applies to your physical health. Is there something physically the Lord wants you to focus upon over the twelve-month timeframe?

How does your God Word help you physically? Does it keep you mindful of being energized for God? Can your God Word heighten your awareness of taking care of God’s temple? How can you apply it to your daily living and deepen your spiritual walk?

For example, my God Word is posture. Physically for me that means: Improving upon my physical posture (yes, it is poor at best). Keeping an open posture to exercising and healthy eating. Relying on God’s timing for a knee surgery I need, positioning myself in healthy environments, and disciplining myself more consistently. I have some serious work to do!

Accountability: Accountability is putting your feet to the fire. How will you stay healthy, get enough rest, maintain consistency with exercise, and keep physically strong? You may need to reach out to an “iron sharpens iron” friend and let them hold you accountable. Some find keeping a journal keeps them accountable. Exam your priorities and find time for your physical health.

Assessment: Periodically revisit those hard questions in your quiet time with the Lord. How am I measuring up physically according to your will? Where do I need to apply my God Word more to increase my faith? Be open to the Holy Spirit’s promptings about your physical body.

Take an honest look inwardly. Allow your downfalls to inspire you to get back up and keep moving forward. God gave you a special God Word for this season of life. Dig deep and focus on the physical impact associated with your God Word. Embrace your physical dimension and let Him guide you.

Let us draw closer to our Heavenly Father through utilizing our God Word.

September 10, 2020 0

3 Reasons for Embracing a God Word

Within the Refining study, several weeks are dedicated to working through a book entitled One Word. The primarily reason for using this resource is to jump start a closer relationship with the Lord and improve upon listening to God’s directives.

Refining refers to One Word as a God Word because we rely on the Father for the word and are open to the Holy Spirit to reveal it. The belief is God has uniquely set aside a word just for us for the upcoming 365 days. We know the Lord holds our future and He is fully able to direct our pathway if we place our trust in Him.

I have been embracing this process for several years. There have been times when I received my word with confusion or even disbelief. However, after several months into the journey, it begins to make perfect sense. It has always proven His ways and perspective are so much wiser than my own. The journey has drawn me closer to Him and strengthened my relationship with the Lord.

Let me share three reasons to live out life through a God Word:

Simplicity-God delivers one simple word. A word for you to press into Him for daily living. A word to apply to the six dimensions of life which the book categorizes into: spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, financial, and relational. For example, if your word is strengthen-then your effort is to work on strengthening things in these main areas through your daily application. It permits you to rely on God and the helpmates He has provided: Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

Accountability-It gives you an easy way to assess your progress. In your prayer time with God you are able to talk with Him about areas of concerns. It becomes very obvious the life categories God needs you to focus upon. It spotlights where you can grow and increase your reliance on the Lord. Also, it allows you to share your God Word with others who are doing the same thing. During the year, you can come together and talk about what God is showing you through your word and the progress you are making. This gives you another level of accountability.

Focus-A God Word cuts out the long “To Do/Should Do” list we normally create. It narrows your attention to One Word you can apply to every action, decision, thought, etc. You begin asking yourself, “How would this align with my God word? Does this decision/action increase my relationship with the Lord? What is God’s perspective on this situation?” When you make your word visible and stay surrendered to the Lord’s authority, you bring attention, concentration, and emphasis on doing life God’s way and not your own. It centers your life around the one and only reliable source-GOD!

The basic premise is to plug into God and ask “What do you want to do in me and through me over the next year?”

He has a word meant for each of us for a particular time frame. God wants us to draw closer to His side and embrace our sanctification by allowing Him to shape and refine us. The Father longs for us to daily rely and ask for His help in exhibiting our God Word and growing in our relationship with Him.

I would encourage you to give it a try and let God speak into your life through simplicity, accountability, and focus of a God Word. One Word can be more powerful than you ever imagined.

August 25, 2020 3

Spiritual Muscle

You’re killing me Smalls! How did I get roped into your “God Word”?
Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity… Ephesians 5:15-16

Anyone have spring fever? March is the month when spring break is the buzz word on the street and students are geared up for some fun away from school. Plans are being made and parents are requesting time off. During this time of the year, people begin to be out and about doing yardwork, washing cars, walking the track, spending time outdoors, etc. Seems like everyone is getting a little more exercise outside of the house.

Exercising and discipline use to be my middle name. I would follow through with my goals, plans, schedules, workouts, house cleaning, healthy cooking, you name it. Oftentimes, to a fault! The “pit” truly pulled me off track and Tamoxifen left me tired, unmotivated, and battling a thyroid issue. My pickup and go had packed up and left. Unfortunately, there was little discipline and I barely recognized nor felt like myself. What an experience to say the least!

Hang in there. I do have a point to make…

So, why did I reference spring? Last spring marked one full year of God allowing me to live out His directed pathway. He lifted me out of the valley and showed me the refining of my life amidst the storm. I cannot express the inner peace and joy I found after I humbly surrendered it all to Him. At this year mark, the Lord gave me the words for the Refining study, set my feet on His pathway, and then said “I gave you a year to recover now GO!” Here I am a year later in disbelief. God is truly a miracle worker. By His almighty hand, he has me writing. (an area that was never my strength nor my favorite) Never in my wildest dreams!!!

Last summer, when taking the pilot group through the Refining study, I received a new God Word. When we walked through the steps of “One Word”, the Lord gave me DISCIPLINE! I didn’t want the word nor did I want to be held accountable. Seriously! I did ask over and over, “God, why this word?” He answered when I read “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” in Luke 11:28.

Well, here I am nine months later eating better, walking when I can, reading through the entire bible, and applying “discipline” to my life. Let me tell you, I have a long way to go and I might have this God Word for several years. Why? Because I have allowed my muscles to be lazy in so many ways for waaaaaaay tooooo long. I allowed the spiritual battle to overwhelm physically and mentally. Somehow the enemy found a way to take away my value, self-control, and proper priorities.

The gig is up Satan!

Through God’s authority and power, I am retraining and strengthening muscles. Each day, I intentionally plan to make healthier choices because I am not my own. I was meant to fulfill God’s will and my entire body belongs to Him. The Lord wants me stronger and has fabulous plans for the days ahead. My Heavenly Father is giving me a workout and building my spiritual muscle beyond my imagination.

How’s your spiritual muscle?

I truly care about you my friend and your growth plan. I never want you to feel devalued and lifeless like I did several years ago. My prayer for you is to live a life empowered by His goodness and grace where you experience a secure connection with the one and only Lord. He delivers freedom and protection, but you must choose to engage in the workout.

Give God praise as Psalm 30:4-5 declares. Place your trust in Him alone because He is faithful as we read in Psalm 37:2-3. Stay in His word (Psalm 119:1) and talk to Him (Psalm 116:1-2). Be intentional with your time (Ephesians 5:15-16) and know that your creator will help strengthen every part of your body, mind, and soul because you are part of His magnificent design (Psalm 139:14). Set your goals according to His authority and commit to Him.

I am praying for you and your days ahead. You can do it! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone! Tap into your assets (Romans 8:37) and know you are created to bring glory to the King (Ephesians 2:10). You are a royal family member who God loves dearly.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3.

P.S. Poor Jace. I made him walk five miles one evening this week. He hasn’t done that in several years.

March 6, 2020 1