e-WOW
Women of the Word Magazine
UNLOCKING THE TREASURE WITHIN · 2 Corinthians 4:7
BE FRUITFUL
Co-Pastor Elena Robertson 10 DECREES OF BLESSINGS FOR YOUR LIFE
8
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR FALL/WINTER WARDROBE
the quintessential
BEAUTIFIER 3 BEAUTY USES FOR COCONUT OIL
e-WOW WOMEN OF THE WORD MAGAZINE
January 2017
Content Manager
Co-Pastor Elena Robertson
Editor-in-Chief Denodra Bennett
Managing Editor Amie Carter
Media Editor
Carla Parham Keith
Editor
Melinda White
Editor
Jessica Bagby
Editor
Kindle Rayfield
Fashion Consultant Kyia Hopkins
Beauty Consultant Karen Wilson
Health Consultant Dr. Asena Madison
Email Manager Chrystal Burroughs
Design Director David Warren
Technical Director Raymar Jones
e-WOW is a Women’s Ministry publication of Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Daniel Robertson, Jr. and Co-Pastor Elena Robertson.The infrastructure of WOW (Women of the Word) consists of a variety of ministries led by women who have overcome and have chosen to use their testimonies and experience to help others walk in the victory! If you would like to learn more about WOW ministries, CLICK HERE.
“The gifts God empowers us with are treasures within that cause us to affirm authentically who we really are, and we must do all we can to be well equipped with them.� Co-Pastor Elena Robertson
the quintessential
Beautifier
by Karen Wilson, eWOW Beauty Consultant
Got coconut oil? Chances are coconut oil is somewhere in your house! Is your bathroom cabinet full of butters, creams and other homemade concoctions, then you likely have no clue where the coconut oil is! Then again, you may know exactly where it is; hidden behind the olive, canola or vegetable oils in your kitchen pantry. Where ever it is, grab it and make space for it on your bathroom counter with your other staple beauty products. Coconut oil is beneficial for almost everything related to your beauty regimen.
Skin We all love fragranced lotions and body scrubs, but you may have noticed not all of them moisturize and lubricate the skin well.
For example, you could lotion up the heels of your feet before leaving the house, but by lunchtime look like you’ve been kicking flour! The reason being, two of the most common ingredients found in a majority of lotions and body creams are mineral oil and petroleum, neither of which can be absorbed into the skin. Ingredients in most lotions do not penetrate the skin, but rather sit on top of it. By just “sitting� on the skin, it can easily evaporate or be wiped away. Unlike mineral oil and petroleum, coconut oil seeps into the skin lubricating it from within. Pair it with other
products and natural oils to give your skin a luminous healthy glow. You can even use it under your fragranced lotions and creams. Worried about the smell? Use refined instead of unrefined/organic coconut oil if you do not want the smell to interfere with other fragrances. With colder weather it can also be used to soften chapped lips and dry, hardened cuticles.
Hair When it comes to healthy hair, there are several natural oils to choose from; and you could quickly get overwhelmed
and even thousands of dollars looking for the best anti-aging formulas. And let’s not forget about our favorite waterproof mascara that we’ve developed a lovehate relationship with! You know the one you only put on for church on Sundays because you don’t want mascara running down your face after a life-changing encounter with God. Just try some coconut oil!
which typically leads to just picking one to “try out.” Well ladies, coconut oil is definitely the first one you want to grab! Coconut oil has a very unique quality that enables it to penetrate the hair shaft. So if you were to put a strand of hair under a microscope that was treated with water and coconut oil, you’ll find water and oil actually INSIDE the hair shaft (under the cuticle layer of the hair strand). This is what you want! Most other ingredients and oils do not have this quality. Use coconut oil by itself or pair with other natural oils to lubricate the hair after
moisturizing. Not only will you give your hair a little extra sheen; but, the oils help to lock in moisture. This will keep your hair from drying out as quickly, leading to healthier, shinier hair. (Refer to January/February 2016 issue of WOW Magazine for more information about moisturizing hair).
Makeup and Facials How much money have you spent on facial creams and scrubs? Makeup removers? Don’t care to share? It’s okay – we understand! Some of us spend hundreds
When used as a makeup remover, simply massage a small dollop onto the face in a circular motion until your entire face is covered, then wipe away with a soft warm towel or baby wipe. Then, to remove the mascara use your fingers or a Q-tip to gently rub the oil over the eyelashes; (let it set for one minute if yours are particularly stubborn) then simply wipe with a warm towel. That mascara doesn’t stand a chance! Once all makeup is removed mix aloe vera juice, jojoba oil and sugar with coconut oil for an exfoliating facial leaving your skin soft and smooth. Coconut oil is truly the quintessential beautifier that can be utilized in a variety of ways. A quick google search can give you some great ideas for products you already have at home for a fraction of the price of the manufactured stuff! While researching, be sure to check out some other amazing benefits of coconut oil in and around the house such as, furniture polishing, caring for your pets, weight loss and so much more!
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BE
FRUITFUL
by Co-Pastor Elena Robertson
“ God
designed us to be fruitful, H not busy
”
Are there things in your life that have you overwhelmed and burdened down? It’s time to take inventory in your life and to see what needs to go.
ere we are again at the beginning of another year! Having crossed over, it seems like it was just January of last year. “Time is moving fast!” is our mantra. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has passed but yet the clock keeps ticking; there is still much to do. Work schedules, traveling, to-do lists, cooking, cleaning, homework, class projects, sport practices, games…worship services, helps meetings, rehearsals, fellowships, yearly planning…oh, and don’t forget… feeding the dog, and all those last minute items…and while you’re at it … answer the phone, open those emails, and respond to all those text messages! And
there’s so much more that just doesn’t get done in a day’s work. Yet, the cycle never ends! I’m reminded of that old commercial for this relaxing bath product, “Calgon, take me away!” Being busy can be overwhelming, especially if we are not accomplishing much. It can have us feeling like we are on the treadmill of life going nowhere fast. It doesn’t have to be so with the right perspective and approach to life. Psalms 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” God has a plan for everyday of our lives and it is clearly indicated in His Word that we don’t have to be weighed down with the cares of life.
All we have to do is ask for His guidance and be obedient to what He’s leading us to do. His plan for us is to take on His way which requires something of you, but it’s not going to wear you out. This is because His way is ‘easy’ and ‘light’. Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. God designed us to be fruitful not busy. Fruitful means producing good results or being productive. And productive doesn’t mean doing a lot of things. It is done by simply doing what God has placed in your hands to do, and He ensures you have all you need (2 Peter 1:3, 4) to be fruitful, whether it’s a lot or not. The problem is we oftentimes take on our own plans and/or other’s plans of what we are supposed to be doing. This only overloads our plate with more, keeping us on that cycle of busyness. John 15:4 (KJV) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:5 (KJV) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. In order for us to be fruitful, we must allow God to cut away the things in our life that only keep us busy but are not really what He told us to do. This is so we may continue to please our Father by ‘bearing more fruit’. John 15:2 (KJV) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:8 (KJV) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
When we are operating in the will of God we not only are productive but our character also exudes the fruit of the Spirit along with it. I don't think I’ve ever seen a person who is busy doing their own thing full of love, joy, peace, patience, or gentleness (Gal. 5:22). Usually, they are quite cumbered or burdened about doing a lot of things. Remember Martha in Luke 10 who hosted Jesus at her house. She was disturbed that Mary wasn’t helping her. But Jesus reply to her was, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part …” Mary recognized the ‘good part’ was when Jesus shows up nothing else matters. Everything else has to take a backseat; being in the presence of the King was more important. Are there things in your life that have you overwhelmed and burdened down? It’s time to take inventory in your life and to see what needs to go. Take a good look and evaluate areas in your life that you have taken on some task or responsibility that really was not God’s instructions for your life. There may even be things that are “good”, like giving someone a ride to work or babysitting someone’s child. These things are wonderful and good deeds. But if God did not tell you to do it, you are out of His will for your life. And you have stepped out of His covering to sustain and provide for you. Sometimes you have to tell others ‘no’. I know it may disappoint. But there is no greater disappointment than disappointing our heavenly Father. Have you taken on an idea or something you see someone else doing? Be wise, because, it may be what God has told them to do, but it’s not what He told you to do. Living a fruitful life is not about dos and don’ts, but it is simply about doing ‘Whatsoever He tells you to do’ (John 2:5). Get in line with God’s plan for your life by determining that you’re going to live a fruitful life every day in everything God instructs you to do. Speak these decrees over your life taken from the book, ’31 Decrees of Blessing for Your Life’ by Patricia King.. .
I DECREE THAT: (say it aloud) 1. I am truly blessed with a fruitful life.
2. I am like a tree that’s firmly planted by streams of living water with green, healthy leaves producing fruit in due season.
3. I am not anxious when there is lack all around me and when times seem difficult, because I am a fruitful vine, always producing and bearing good fruit.Ď€
4. I flourish like the palm tree.
5. I continue to grow strong and upright in my life and faith.
6. CONNECT I will still yield fruit in WITH old age, and I will be full of abundance, energy, and vitality because the fruit of righteous is a tree of life.
CoPASTOR
7. I abide in Christ, and therefore I manifest the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
8. The fruit I bear in my life is better than gold and the choicest silver.
9. The fruit of Christ’s light in me consists of goodness, righteousness, and truth. I am fully satisfied with good by the fruit of my words, and the deeds of my hands return to me.
10. I am destined to bear good fruit because of God’s faithful love for me.
Decrees based on the following Scriptures: Genesis 1: 28; John 15: 5; Psalm 1: 3; Jeremiah 17: 8; Psalm 92: 12, 14; Proverbs 11: 30; Psalm 23; Proverbs 8: 19; John 15: 16; Colossians 1: 10; Galatians 5: 22– 23; Ephesians 5: 9; Proverbs 12: 14; 13: 2; 18: 20– 21
Resources
The Supernatural Ways of Royalty by Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton
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8
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR FALL/WINTER
WARDROBE
By Kyia Hopkins, e-WOW Fashion Consultant
Fall has arrived and winter is on the way. Yippee! The perfect time of year to snuggle up with your favorite throw blanket on the couch and drink a cup of hot green tea. Crisp air…Sweater weather...Running through a corn-field maze with cowboy boots, overalls, and a straw hat [Did I go too far with that one? Yeah I thought so…That’s literally on my bucket list though!] Bonfires, Christmas movies, family time, and baking your favorite treats – the best time of year! I think my favorite fall/winter sweet treat combo has to be the infamous hot chocolate with extra big marshmallows and a Mt. Everest-heap-of whipped cream. Sooo good!! Well enough of that, I’m not here to talk about my favorite cold-weather treats (even though I could go on and on about it), I’m here to talk to you about prepping your fall and winter wardrobe! I know some of you are already ahead of the game, but I believe these 8 tips will not only help you prep for fall/winter, but it will help you prep for any season. I believe we should be excellent in everything we do, and this will definitely help us.
1 Clean out your closet
There is no better way to make space (for more items) and to take inventory of what you already have, than going through your closet periodically, piece by piece. I know it sounds really tedious, but trust me you can make this fun. Turn on your favorite songs or movie, invite one of your girlfriends over (or children - ha-ha), and start going through your closet. Start making piles of things by the following categories: Haven’t worn in a while, No longer fits, hate it, sow, and totally out of style. Sometimes you’ll find that nothing is wrong with a particular item, you just don’t love it anymore. Give it away. If you don’t love it, you won’t wear it. PURGE. Maybe you can sow a few of your gently-used or brand new “old-favorites” into someone.
2 Take note of what you have
Create a list of things you need. For me, that is always tights and socks. I always lose them. Well, I know where my socks go – my dog always hides them from me, but the jury is still out on my tights. Find out what investment pieces you need and what basics you need to replace. Think of everything coming up on your calendar, do you need to buy anything specific? These are the types of things you need to know.
3 Do your research
Go online or to your favorite store and check out their fall/winter inventory. See what styles and trends are in for the season. Make sure your personal inventory is up to par. If you can go to a physical store, try on different items to see what they look like on you. Somethings you think you may like do not pan out perfectly, and vice versa. I often find that the things that I think I won’t like, look the best on me. It’s so weird, so now I’m open to anything.
4 Make an inspiration board
Everyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE Pinterest. Oh my goodness, if you do not have a Pinterest, please stop reading this article and go get one right now. Pinterest is like google but for creatives. It’s awesome. It has everything from home décor ideas to inspirational quotes to women’s fashion ideas (plus so much more). You can create virtual boards with your favorite items. It’s the best. Check it out and let me know what you think. Use Pinterest, blogs, or online stores to figure out what is your style this season. Even if you can’t get the items right now, start getting your spirit open to what you want. You should know what you want to dress like. It makes shopping so much easier!
5 Assess your lifestyle
What do you do? Your wardrobe should reflect your personal style and compliment your lifestyle. Do you have young children? Are you always on the go? Do you work a desk job at home or are you in the corporate world? Look at your calendar for the fall/winter and see what your lifestyle requires. For me, I am self-employed, so I am always on the go. I go out of town two times a week and I am often working creatively. I need to be comfortable, that works best for me. I LIVE in harem pants. I love effortless, comfy minimalist style for my everyday look. Each season my style changes depending on what I am working on. The same may be true for you. I remember last year this time, I dressed very glitzy and girly. Heels all the time. Faux Fur vest, booties, and chunky necklaces. Even though I still LOVE that style, for right now I need to be comfy during the day – because I never know what I may be doing. Figure out what works for you!
6 Seasonal updates.
Trends. Trends. Trends. It is STRONGLY suggested that you buy a few trendy pieces to mix in with your staple items EACH season. Every season you should know the latest trends and purchase a few. Have fun. Play around a little. It doesn’t change your style; it just shows that you are present. You don’t want to look invisible and outdated. Of course it is not about the outer man, however you want to make sure your wardrobe is fun AND stylish. It makes you look more approachable and fun. So plain and simple: Have FUN with your clothes. Step outside the box. Try something new. Don’t look boring!
7
Buy only what you love.
Oh goodness this is so important. Stop buying things that you just “put up with.” You should love everything you buy. You should start picturing what you can wear with it. You have to see yourself in it. Don’t just buy something because it is your size; buy it because you love it. I am a love-shopper. If you have gone shopping with me before, you can easily tell when I love something. My voice gets so high and I run over and immediately start feeling the fabric. I go in all of the sections. If I like it, I like it. I wear a [Large] in tops, however I bought a [3x] top one time because I loved it so much. It was super cute on, so I had to get it. I have even shopped in the maternity section before, if I like it – I like it. Starts loving what you buy….but also make sure it looks good. There have been moments I have loved the “idea” of an item so much, but when I tried it on I looked like a crazy elephant! So make sure you can be honest with yourself. If you can’t, bring your most honest friend or hire a stylist. You should get excited taking your new pieces home!
8 Quality | Quantity
I cannot stress this enough, buy QUALITY pieces. Yes, you can definitely mix and match with prices, but make sure your pieces are high-quality. I tell people all the time, if you are trying and testing out a seasonal trend (like fedora hat, mom jeans, fur vest, cape blazer, etc.) you can go on the low-end, because you’re testing the waters. You are trying to see if you like it. But if you are buying staple pieces like (jeans, black ankle pants, leather jacket, black dress, trench coat, etc.), you want to buy high-quality. High quality does not always have to mean high dollar. Feel the material, check out what it is made of, and try it on. How does it wash? Does it feel cheap? Well, it probably is…
9 Create Go-To Looks
Okay you have finished your shopping and now it’s time to put everything away (I hope your closets are either color or pattern coordinated). It’s not? Say it ain’t so. Get it together, and no mix-matched hangers either. NO wire hangers please. Wood hangers are the best, but do your levels best. I think I have had them all wire, plastic, velvet, decorative, and wood, HAHA. Okay back to what we were talking about, it’s time to familiarize yourself with your new items. Spend a little time putting together as many outfits as you can with your pieces. Don’t wear it the same way every time (unless you absolutely love it that way). Try to challenge your creativity to come up with different ways to wear your fav pieces. If you want to further your “officialness,” snap a few pictures of your outfits to reference later on. It will make getting up on those colder mornings a little bit easier.
MIY testimonies
MENTOR IN YOU
The Mentor in You, affectionately known as “MIY” is a twelve month life skills training program with coaching and Spiritual Truth Impartations, birthed by our visionary Co-Pastor Elena Robertson in 2012. The program is designed to disciple women ages 18and up who desire to pursue God’s best for their lives. As a disciple the Mentees in this program are reminded that mentorship is a “journey” and not a “sprint”. If you desire to uncover and discover the “hidden treasures within ” through mentorship MIY is for you! Patrice Maye, Overseer MIY
“This program has made me feel good about my present level in my walk with God� The MIY program, from my prospective was essentially designed to provide us with several tools to help identify: 1. How God intended for our relationship with Him to be by making us aware of what God did through Jesus Christ 2. Secondly, the program exposes effective methods for developing a personal relationship with God. 3. It helps us to identify where we are in our walk with God 4. Strengths and weaknesses of where that relationship is now, and areas where work maybe required. A significant benefit for me was that each mentee was assigned a mentor. The mentor was great for me because she provided
-Verely Trent me with the support, encouragement, and spiritual interaction that is so essential when you are attempting to be the best that you can in your walk with God. This program has made me feel good about my present level in my walk with God, strengthen my faith in God through reinforcement of my belief system, expanded my spiritual support system by providing me with other sisters who have a heart after God. It has raised my awareness of the character, discipline, and determination that is so essential to be the best that you can be for God as a vessel for His use. I encourage women to consider applying for the Mentor in You Program. It has certainly been beneficial for me!
“I now find myself imagining and dreaming of the amazing places that God can take me, without limitation. �
The Mentor in You program has been awesome thus far. Each month, during our sessions, something is always discussed that provokes my spirit. Through the coaching of Co-Pastor and the steering team, I’ve been able to see areas that I am great in, as well as areas that need improvement. In one particular session, we talked about developing the imagination and breaking mental limitations. I now find myself imagining and dreaming of the amazing places that God can take me, without limitation. And guess what? He can do even more than that!
-Imani Jefferson
“Co-Pastor is much attuned to the Spirit of God and yet very practical.”
-Beverly Carter
I
had never considered establishing a formal mentor or mentee relationship, however; my observation is that there’s still such an abundant need for women in leadership. I can honestly say that I see such godliness in my Co-Pastor that I was attracted to this program just to be able to sit at her feet. She is a tremendous example for anyone to glean from, both from afar as well as up close and personal. Co-Pastor is much attuned to the Spirit of God and yet very practical. In all of our sessions I found that we could take what she shared and put it in place immediately. There’s so much to be caught from Co-Pastor. Since becoming a part of MIY,
I’ve begun to participate in two other ministries in leadership capacities, as a result of things my Co-Pastor saw and shared with me that I didn’t even see in myself. So in essence, this has unknowingly been preparation for me stepping into mentoring capacities. There is SO MUCH to be “caught” when you choose to sit, submit and glean from such an awesome woman of God and those that she has placed around her to assist in this ministry. I would encourage anyone to take advantage of such an AWESOME opportunity to participate in the Mentor in You Program.
Mentor in You is not a program but a journey. This journey can be likened to a circle, it is never ending. I was a 33/34 year old “Ruth” oblivious to the necessity and strength of the divine connection with “Naomi “until I was in her presence. Ruth 1:16 NLT states don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go I will go; …….Your people will be my people…Your God will be my God. My pursuit to glean from Naomi placed a demand on her anointing thus activating an outpouring of wisdom. Ruth states in Chapter 3, verse 5 she will do everything Naomi says. This is my stance as the assignment on my life is far too great for unnecessary disobedience. Flowing in obedience has yielded an accelerated growth spurt in my life thus making many areas within and around me unrecognizable. Glory to God, My status has changed! The “suddenly” that I heard my “Naomi” minister about and have seen and am seeing manifest in her life is now overtaking my own! This journey is greater than me as someone else’s life depends on it. I am in position…What's Next God!
“Mentor in You is not a program but a journey. -Angela Hall
“This program was what I needed to focus in on what God was saying to me ...” -Natasha Taylor
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “Journey” as: an act of traveling from one place to another. I would describe the 2016 MIY Program just as that, a journey. What has made this experience most rewarding is the fact that with every journey, we sometimes believe we knew where we're going and then realize we really had no clue. Well, the MIY program has taken me “in the Spirit” to places I had no idea that were attainable to me. This program was what I needed to focus in on what God was saying to me and has been saying to get me to His desired place in Him! God used Co-Pastor and the steering team to give each and every one of us the tools needed to have our Peter experience on the water. I now believe that yes, God bid me, I will come, I will go, I will say all for His Glory!
MENTAL H E A L T H By Rev. Juanita Adams
Oftentimes, Christians and non-Christians alike think of good health only as it pertains to their physical body—separate and apart from their mind. But it is important to understand that good health includes mental health, and that the mind that is not functioning well adversely affects the body and the quality of life.
In 3 John 2, Apostle John writes to his friend Gaius whom he dearly loves and expresses concern for his physical and spiritual wellbeing. Gaius had shown much hospitality to John in his travels, a kindness that travelling preachers depended upon to survive. So deeply did John appreciate these expressions of love that his heart overflowed with an extraordinary prayer for his friend—that he would flourish in his daily affairs and in his health, even as his soul flourishes. To desire something good for another person’s life, to express this to them in a way they understand and to pray that they might have it is a very meaningful way to bless them. This is especially significant in the area of health because good health determines the extent to which one may enjoy all the other blessings of life. Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders, according to the World Health Organization Constitution. “It is a state of well- being in which an
"Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders, it's a state of well being" individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” Mental wellness involves exercising our power over our thought life, and not allowing our thoughts to become runaway trains carrying toxic cargo. Choosing what we think about, the way we think about it and how much we think about it are all choices we must make each day. Consider these three important things we must do to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ:
Depressive Episode Criteria (may be part of Major Depressive Disorder OR an isolated episode)
A
B
Depressed Mood Loss of Interest and enjoyment in usual activities Reduced energy and decreased activity
Reduced self esteem and confidence Ideas of guilt and unworthiness Pessimistic thoughts Disturbed sleep Diminished appetite Ideas of self harm
Severity of Depressive Episode: Mild:
> 1 from column A plus 1-2 from column B. Or 5-6 sx but mild in severity and functional impairment. Moderate: > 1 from column A plus 2-3 from column B. Or 7 – 8 sx but moderate functional impairment. Severe:
All 3 from column A plus > 3 from column B. Or fewer sx but any of these: severe functional impairment, psychotic sx, recent suicide attempt, or has specific suicide plan or clear intent.
Functional Domain
Moderately Impaired
Severely Impaired
Family Relationships
Quiet, negative and oppositional
Withdrawn, won’t talk, brusque, angry, aggressive
School & Academics / Work
Grades/work performance deteriorating, missing/cutting class or work, decreased effort, moderate academic or work stress
Failing performance, missing school or work, doesn’t care about work, oppositional, argumentative, high academic or work stress
Peer Relationships
Decreased socializing or extracurricular activities , more time on computer
Isolated, discontinued extracurricular activities, excessive computer time
Stress Level, Anxiety
Minimizes or denies issues, projects onto others or blames others
Frequently considered, has a plan, or prior attempt
Suicidal Ideation
Vague/occasional
Other Self Harm
Occasional thoughts but no attempts
Family Relationships Cutting, other self injury
1. We must own our thoughts. We are admonished to “take our thoughts captive” in 2 Corinthians 10:5, but before this can happen we must first take ownership of those thoughts. Our thoughts are connected to some things--like feelings, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. John Townsend and Henry Cloud in their book, Boundaries, give guidance on how to own our thoughts: “To own our thoughts is to truthfully acknowledge them to ourselves, to see them as OUR responsibility and not another’s, and to begin to find an answer to whatever issues those thoughts are pointing to.” Consider Sally, a longtime Christian who harbors a strong resentment against a coworker. Sally cannot take these strong feelings captive and bring them to God for healing if she denies that she has them. Likewise, she will stumble at taking captivity if she justifies these deadly feelings by placing all the blame on her coworker and expecting her coworker to fix her feelings.
We should not repeat the thoughts and opinions of others without examining them. We examine them by filtering (measuring) them through God’s Word and the Cross of Jesus Christ. It is needful that we bring our thought life which opposes God’s Word into captivity before it destroys us. In the above passage, Paul reminds us in his use of military language that we’re in a spiritual battle and that our mind is the battlefield. If we choose to be passive about our thought life or expect others to do our work in this area, we will not do well in the battlefield of our mind. We will not experience the peace, joy and daily victories God intends that we would have. Let us continually examine and submit our thought life to His control as we live for Him.
2. We must continually grow in the knowledge of God and His Word and expand our minds.
What doesn’t GROW runs the risk of becoming stagnant, polluted and lifeless. Our life is to be a life of continual growth in the knowledge and understanding of God and His Word. Romans 12:2 reminds us to not allow the world to squeeze us into its mold with its superficial customs, but to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Along with spending time in His Word, the willingness to be still and quiet in His presence to allow Him to talk to us is crucial. Find what works for you in your endeavor to grow in God’s Word and WORK IT—whether it’s audio books, sticky notes, index cards, speaking God’s word out loud, journaling, etc.
3. We must clarify distorted thinking (thinking that is twisted and false). We all have a tendency to sometimes not see things clearly. “It’s because of the plank (beam) in our eyes (Matt. 7:3-5). Taking ownership of our thinking in relationships
requires that we take an active role in determining how we may be wrong. Again, refer to the previous section on “Owning Our Thoughts”. As an example, distorted thinking may be seen where one operates under the influence of the spirit of offense. Such a person is easily offended by the words or actions of others and has difficulty correctly processing the words or actions of others. Alone time with God, along with a heart that’s open to Him, will allow the Holy Spirit to bring such distortions into the light. There are also instances where it is needful that we confront the individual we feel has brought the offense in love to gain better understanding of the situation and inspire resolution. As I close, may all be well with you my friends, and may you flourish mentally and physically, even as your soul flourishes. For more insight and growth, read Boundaries, by Henry Cloud & John Townsend. Blessings on your journey!
Complete the “Ownership Column” and the “Corresponding truth” column in the following chart which deals with owning your feelings and clarifying distorted thinking. THOUGHTS /feelings/ beliefs/ attitudes/ behaviors Anger
Fear
Bitterness
Self -Hatred
Comparisons
Unforgiveness
Same Sex Attraction
Controlling
Jealousy
TAKE OWNERSHIP (acknowledge your thoughts)
THE CORRESPONDINGTRUTH IN GOD’S WORD
ABOUT REV. JUANITA ADAMS Has served more than 37 years preaching and teaching the Gospel message both nationally & internationally. She is also the author of the book Yes You Can Begin Again—a book birthed out of crisis which carries a special message for the broken, those working through crisis, and those who lead. Rev. Juanita Adams may be contacted at juanitaadams1979@gmail.com
A YEAR IN REVIEW:2016 SEE IT HERE