The Wisdom Issue
AUGUST 2020
The Everyday Crown Rocker Better Than Gold
Wisdom in Transition
His Understanding
EDITORS NOTES. One year... One year of the mag. Praise God!
The one year anniversary of the mag caught me off guard. In the busyness and craziness that is life, it felt like it snuck up from behind me and tapped me on the shoulder like, “You-woo. I’m here.” What a joyous moment it was to be like, “Whoa! It’s been a whole year God! All Glory be to God who by His power at work within me has been able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than I could think or ask. More than I could dare to dream or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20)
What a beautiful thing it is to celebrate!
The magazine started as a passion project. At first, The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine was a form of creative release for me. It was born out of a time when I was re-learning how to dream with God again and realigning my will and my way to Him and yearning to live a life that matters in high definition color. In the creating, I desired to create something that benefited more than just me. I wanted to create a platform that allowed the light in God’s children to shine and allowed Kingdom people to support, uplift, motivate, encourage and equip other Kingdom folks in walking this life thing out.
It has been so fulfilling watching the magazine grow from 20 to 50 to 100 to 135 to 200 subscribers. Now, to see almost 300 subscribers, blows my mind! Initially, at the one year mark, I was expecting to have just hit 100! But again… Ephesians 3:20. In addition, a little over 30 contributors have shared and let their light shine on the pages of this bi-monthly publication.
Crown Rocker Media, and by extension, The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine is founded on Isaiah 61: 1-3 - "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."
EDITORS NOTES I get emails all the time from women whose broken hearts are being bound up through the truth in the articles they read. I have folks message me to tell me about the measure of freedom and release they have been able to find through contributors sharing their stories. Those that mourn are finding comfort. Those that thought their crown was lost, stolen or broken are being crowned with beauty from their ashes through the testimonies of victory shared. I have read testimonies of women being anointed with the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. I am personally in that number or women I just described.
I am always in awe of the many ways God has worked through the magazine to reach me and to reach out to His daughters. The work of Isaiah 61:1-3 is far from over and I am excited for new ways to do the work and reach the people!
In April 2020, the audio version of the magazine launched. So now, even if you don’t have the time to read the magazine, you can
listen to the articles instead. A new article comes
out each week, and I am encouraged by the nearly 100 impressions the Audio magazine has to date.
Now I’m about to take it one step further! On this, August 15th 2020, the first anniversary of the Magazine, I am proud to announce the launch of Crown Rocker TV! Yup! You read that right. Crown Rocker TV will give you a visual experience of the magazine. You will meet not only the contributors in the magazine, but men and women in all walks of life rocking their God-given crown. Together with my co-host, (and contributor to the mag) Danika Deva we will have conversations that inspire, encourage, uplift, motivate and equip you to continue the process of co-creating a life that matters in partnership with your Heavenly Father.
EDITORS NOTES I am so excited! Now you can read, see and hear the tools, strategies and insights you need to keep you rocking your Crown! In addition, you have more options for sharing The Everyday Crown Rocker with your friends, families, colleagues, clients and communities to motivate, encourage, inspire and equip them too!
I pray for those the magazine touches and the lives it will touch in the future. It is my deepest desire that all would not only know, but would experience the love of God for themselves. I pray that you will be “called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” I pray that the fruit of the Spirit would blossom from within you and that even in the valley of death you will fear no evil for you know that One that gave you your crown, is the same One who walks beside you through it all.
As I look out on the horizon at the expanse that is the territory God is enlarging, and the harvest He is multiplying, I am excited for what the future holds for the Magazine. I stand in eager anticipation of what God will accomplish and where God will take His message of Crown Rocking.
So I declare, “Yes, God! Where you lead, I will follow. Where you send me, I will go. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. We will be strong and courageous, holding fast to your precepts. Leaning on your wisdom, seeking you first and in all things endeavouring to bring you Glory. For we are a royal priesthood, set apart for you, created and crowned for such a time as this!”
Jasmine Tosseth-Smith Editor-In-Chief
Cover Picture: Hair: @TwistItSistah Makeup: @Jah Woo Beauty Accessories: @Dainty Dazzle Adornments Photography: @WithUNMindPhotography Follow them on Facebook Image to the left by: Cyprian Tosseth
Photo Credit: Cyprian Tosseth (My Boy)
Danika Deva is a Jesus loving, intentionally living, principality fighting, woman of God! She is the director of The H.O.P.E. Network which provides practical solutions to restore H.O.P.E. Since Danika Deva has a God-given PH.D. in “hard knocks” and “God rocks,” she delights in coaching kids and family to find HOPE and RESTORATION in the areas of Home, Outlook, Purpose, and Education.She has been an international educator and administrator (Pre-K--Collegiate) helping students and families connect and flourish realationionally and academically. She has also assisted kids from hard places find healing with helpful tools, a lot of love, and outrageous hope.As you can see, her heartbeat is to “Be Intentional” as a hope dealer who distributes simple, life-changing solutions through her international teaching, speaking, coaching, writing, music and prayer! She resides next to the Blueridge Mountains in Virginia, has four amazing adult kids, and loves sunrises and sunsets! Website: www.TheHopeNetwork Hope@TheHopeNetwork.us FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/beintentional2day/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Danika+Deva&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Autumn Hoover is a first-time Christian author and her book ‘Type A Christian’ is available on Amazon! Autumn has been a Christian since she was ten years old and has mastered her Type A personality for the last 30 years! It was only when when faced with specific trials in her life and was unable to rely on her Type A traits to succeed and persevere, that she realized her behaviors and characteristics did not encompass the fruit of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. In fact, several of her Type A personality traits were actually the complete opposite of the fruit as granted by the Holy Spirit! Once Autumn understood which negative traits to prune, she was finally able to submit to the Holy Spirit who provided room for my fruitful growth. Follow the Author: FB at https://m.facebook.com/TypeAChristian/ Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/type_a_christian/ Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/typeachristian/ To schedule Autumn for a speaking engagement, please email at TypeAChristian@gmail.com
Janet Taylor is navigating times and seasons in her own life. She continues to seek wisdom through mentors as well as being a mentor and guide to young women as they seek to find their purpose in this world and fine-tune their message to be a voice for the passions and desires God has placed in them for this season. She is the President/Co-Founder of BECOME, Becoming Truly Liberated and newly launched Stewards and Servants. For such a time as this. www.becomingtrulyliberated.com
Kelly Ramsey is the owner of Developing People, Inc. is an experienced presenter and workshop leader in the areas of early childhood education, parenting, relationship development and adult education. Her work in the field of early education has spanned local, state, regional and national leadership over the past 35 years
Theresa Horne is the owner and lead coach of Sisterhood of Strong. She is a Certified Personal Trainer - National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Fitness Nutrition Specialist (NASM) and certified group fitness instructor with National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA). She coaches people to walk in the fullness of the strength of who they are in Christ Jesus. Strong Body, Strong Mind and Strong Soul.Theresa offers a variety services, including a complete coaching package: Strong Body, Mind and Soul, small group training, group classes, and her online Healthy Lifestyle Bootcamp. She is also available as speaker/teacher for workshops and training on a variety of vision development and health-related topics. Follow: https://www.facebook.com/sisterhoodofstrong/ and https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofstrong/
THE CONTRIBUTORS
Carol Griffiths is a Freedom Guide who uses her gifts of teaching, writing, faith, discernment, administration, and knowledge to guide people to experience healing, wholeness, and freedom in their lives. She is passionate about self-discovery, self-awareness, and living a purposeful life. From her own journey of discovering her Free to Be Me life, she has learned that knowing who she was created to be is a life changer. In her pursuit of purpose, she discovered her current role as a Freedom Guide, which incorporates what she is gifted for and passionate about - teaching, mentoring, counseling, and accountability. Carol enjoys working one-on-one with clients to help them discover their who, what, why, and how. Who they are. What they need and want. Why they need/want it. How to use what they already have to get what they desire. Additionally, through Carol's inspirational talks and interactive workshops, she advocates for persons to discover their purpose and live it unapologetically and passionately. Her dream is that every person on the plant knows that they are Free to Be the Me they were created to be.
I am Mompreneur of 6 (4 boys and 2 girls) in a “Bourg-Bunch” Blending family! With dear husband Fred (also an Entrepreneur/Consultant), I am Nanapreneur to 11 (as of May 2020). I spent the first third of my career pulling teams of medical technologists together to offer Medical professionals and patients the most efficient and complete care they could receive. I loved it! I spent the next third of my career as a Biblical Counselor/Licensed Professional Counselor and family therapist walking alongside and offering wise counsel from the Word to bereaved families and families in crisis, supervising LPC Interns, and speaking/teaching. I loved it! (I still Supervise LPC Interns, and have turned the rest of the Private Practice over to others! Loving life’s “transitions!”). I realized the minute I opened my Private Practice offices that “if you build it, they will come” is a fallacy! And I’m now blessedly devoting the next third of my career to helping other entrepreneurs build and grow to extraordinary levels of success worth CeLeBrAtInG! I love it – I eat, sleep and breathe it as President of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs @ NACWE http://nacwe.org and Karen Bourg Companies http://karenbourg.com
Mike Davis also known as “The Emotional Success Coach”, is an author, speaker, corporate trainer and pastor. He has a doctorate degree in first century Christianity in It’s Jewish Context from the Centre for the Study of Biblical Research, Division of Graduate Studies. He has trained and coached individual clients and teams in Fortune 500 companies in live, face to face training as well as through virtual online events, across the United States, and around the world for the past 25 years.He is the author of 2 e-books “Sanctified Emotions” and “Tapping Into Your Emotional Success Power Now!” and the Amazon.com paperback bestseller “The Power of Emotional Success…Now!” As an Emotional Success Coach Mike’s goal is to help people make their emotions their ally rather than their enemy in the pursuit of their goals so that they can live the life of their dreams. He lives in Southern CA with his wife of 30 years, His 3 daughters, niece and 2 grandsons and a grand-daughter.
Brandon Galici is a Christian financial advisor whose focus is to help others take control of their finances and steward their resources to the best of their ability. Upon completion of his finance degree, Brandon spent six months in a training program designed to enhance his skills to better serve those he works with. He has since been building a practice where faith is an important part of nearly every client conversation. Whether you are living paycheck to paycheck or have mastered your money, his goal for you is to have the knowledge and information to take actionable steps to succeed in your personal finance journey. Through a Biblical lens, Brandon will guide you through simple strategies to give you the skills and confidence to manage your money God’s way. Find him on Facebook @Brandon J Galici
THE CONTRIBUTORS
LISTEN to the
Mag!
On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6sEuG8A1DennxOFFHaWHax
On iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-everyday-crown-rockeraudio-mag/id1509474580 On the Website: https://www.theeverydaycrownrocker.com/the-audio-magazine/theecr-audio-magazine
LET'S CREATE A NEW PATHWAY:Â ENGAGING OUR CHILDREN IN LIFELONG LEARNING BY: KELLY RAMSEY
In this issue we are digging deep and answering questions that most parents are pondering in the wake of the pandemic of 2020 and starting a new school year with lots of concerns on our minds. It is important to think through the scenarios on the television, and weighing down our hearts. This is a time to sit and consider how we want to live and navigate the changes in our lives. We are thinking of those who are in all types of situation, and drawing on the wisdom of the Word of God to guide and direct our decisions. Our concerns for our children’s safety and well-being are top of mind. We want to see our children grow and develop to reach their full potential in life. As parents, this is all new to us and it is difficult to know exactly what to do in our current state. We want to give a framework to use in guiding your child’s development and managing the stress. Let’s first seek the word of God for some direction and wisdom in this parenting journey.
Dedicate your children to God and point them in the way that they should go, and the values they've learned from you will be with them for life. Proverbs 22:6 TPT Train up a child in the way he should go[teaching him to seek God's wisdom and will for his abilities and talents] Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 AMP Train means that there is some instruction, and that begins in the home. The home is the command center where we receive instruction, learn how to do things, make mistakes, learn from them, ad try out new things.
As parents, we know our capacity and it is also a space to invite others to help us, guide us, and join with us in the journey. Schools are a part of the support that partners with us in giving our children the lessons needed to navigate the journey of life. All instruction doesn't happen at once, it builds upon each block year after year. We teach, they learn, explore, and add their experiences to the teaching. Learning happens when all of those steps are in place. When school is in session children are gaining valuable insight on how to get along with others (socialemotional development), how to use their brains to learn new concepts using critical thinking skills and problem-solving (cognitive development) how to exercise and play competitive sports (physical development), and how to engage in studying, reading, and writing activities (literacy development). To train our children we must provide access to all types of learning in varying doses and give them experiences to enrich their learning. So how do we decide the next steps for our children's learning? The first step is to clear our minds of all the things cluttering our thinking. Everyone has opinions and ideas about what is best, but no one else knows your children, your family, and the vision that God has for your lives. To start, let's answer the questions that allow us to look at all of the situations we are facing. By asking the right questions, we can move from being overwhelmed to being clear. When we are clear we are able to make decisions that will yield the results we intended. Questions to consider:
What’s on your mind? The health & wellness of my family, school safety, community impacts, isolation, depression, finances, job security, stigmas, racial inequity, despondency.
Are children returning to school? a) If "Yes" - What are the dangers of returning to school? Can I get into the school ? How do I prepare my children? What precautions are in place? Can I trust them? b) If "No" - Are we starting a new homeschooling system? What homeschooling system to use? Am I capable of managing homeschooling? What's online school? What about my children's social connection? Will they be okay? We also have to consider what’s been happening since we last embarked the school doors?
March to May – Homeschooling 101 without a manual
The children's abrupt transition to the school year ending at home was unexpected. For the most part we were all in shock and numb for most of this time. It was not in our control and we were forced to deal with schooling our children from Spring Break to the Summer break. We created a system to get things done and just survive it. WE did it! We made it through and somewhere we reexamined what was most important. We put priority on our health, family, and nurturing our relationship with God. What are the good things that grew in this season? Write those down?
June and July – Summertime Reinvented We moved from the first three months of surviving to recreating our lives as a family. When we would ordinarily be planning for summer getaways, we find ourselves instead enjoying our home spaces, creating walks in the neighborhood, meeting our neighbors for the first time, and reinventing family time. The summer months create space to play board games and talk about our ideas, and dreams. We experienced a simplicity in family life that we had rushed past getting to the next event. As you think about the past two months, what memories do you have? How can you capture them (scrap-booking, photo collage, a story)?
August – Let’s return to school or Create a new space for learning Here we are in August, with a decision to make for our children's learning experience. Let's look at a few things to consider, at each stage of your parenting journey. It all starts with a conversation as adults on what we are holding in mind. Using the questions presented, sit with someone and talk through the choices you have. Make note of what's most important to you and let that guide the decision you make. Wisdom is the principle thing. Here's a guide to deciding what's best for your children at each stage: The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 10 |
PRESCHOOLERS
Creating routines that are consistent and dependable are key for young children. If your childcare program or school is opening, attend the orientation meetings to hear what precautions are being put in place. Consider your child's temperament, need for social connection, and learning needs. The most important thing is children need spaces that are rich in learning opportunities through play. A great resource is defending the early years, dey.org and NAEYC for a guide on quality programs for young children.
SCHOOL-AGERS
School is the hub of both educational experiences and social connections. School-age children are learning how to get along with others, learn from the environments around them, and make connections to learning. There are online opportunities to engage children in all of these areas, as well as schools that are opening their doors to return. Consider your individual child in this decision. Listen to them talk about what they are looking forward to or nervous about. They have ideas and should be considered in your decision. Ask questions of them, and share answers with them. Give them enough information to gain understanding, but avoid giving them too much information that they are not able to process through. Using your questions as a guide, weigh the answers and make the decision that fits both your need as a parent and the child's need as a student. You have a choice, so use it to create the answer that meets your families needs.
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLERS
This group has lots of opinions about the world around them. This is an opportunity to talk together about what's ahead and to set some goals as a family In middle school, children are learning about themselves in the context of two worlds. The home environment nurtures them and provides a lens to see the world. The school environment gives them a present reality of their friends, circles of support, and influencers. They are not yet ready to decide on their own, but they will provide insight on your decision as a parent. The weight of peer connection is one to be considered and thoughtfully examined. They are involved in sports teams, clubs, and have connections that go beyond academic achievement. Remember that all of those things are intertwined and one decision affects the others. It is also a time to draw near to your children, and draw them out of isolation. They are no longer asking to hangout, so create spaces where you connect one on one around a project in the house, cooking dinner together, grabbing a cold drink or just a conversation. Examine all of the options together, and decide what is best for everyone. Get agreement, and then revisit the decision as you move forward. This consensus building will also strengthen your relationship. The key is that we are all in this together and there is support and help available. Here are a few more resources to consider: Homeschool Networks - online networks, local networks Charter Schools offering online education Defending the Early Years - dey.org National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) naeyc.org What questions are on your mind? We would love to provide support. Just reach out to us Developing People, Inc. - https://www.facebook.com/DevelopingPeopleInc/ The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 11Â |
The Women of Wisdom
BY: JANET TAYLOR
The importance of having mentors in your personal and professional life cannot be over emphasized. As I reflect on the different seasons of my life, I know that it is healthy insight and love from other women that helped me through most of those seasons. The seasons that lacked such insight and love were struggles. Although lessons were learned in those trying seasons, how much quicker could I have moved along in my journey had I had healthy and loving mentors to guide me and keep me accountable? God has allowed me to gain great insight into who I am, why I was created, including how I am wired. My natural talents, personality and passions all have meaning and purpose in the bigger picture of the world. This journey started long before my salvation in 1998 but in His faithfulness and goodness, no lessons are without merit. Even before this unprecedented season in our world, God impressed on me to help women find the truth about how and why they were created; to heal our world with their unique talents, personalities, and passions.
I have had mentors that I will probably never meet, but because of their obedience to the call to write or speak publicly, I have grown. I have had many women I have known personally and intimately who have loved on me, taught me, and rebuked me when necessary but always with the love and goodness I needed. I have also had mentors that did not give me good advice because they were still blinded by the deception taught in some denominations and in our patriarchal culture. Can you be a born-again, spirit-filled follower of Christ and still be blind? Yes! I was. Until I sought wisdom and truth for myself, I believed as I was taught, and read the Scriptures from the lens that I was given. But God had other plans and as life circumstances shifted, I was without my “spiritual covering”. Or so I thought. So began another journey to wisdom through new mentors and a new understanding of Scripture; actually an entirely new lens to hear God’s voice through the Word and through the Spirit.
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Knowledge of God’s word and promises for yourself is the first step in learning to walk in victory through the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ and coming to a place of wisdom. Wisdom is the application of knowledge through understanding. Comprehending and appreciating the concept of “times and seasons” brings wisdom to a whole new layer of the abundance promised. As Jesus had to “grow in stature and wisdom”, we also have to learn to grow in seasons as well and not assume that we have knowledge or wisdom just because of our age or because of the length of time we have been walking with Christ.
Building your house is a journey. As seasons change, so do the needs of your house. Ecclesiastes teaches us “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven”. Your time to be born was with purpose. Your time to plant, to heal, and build is now - for this period of time in our world. Knowing and understanding that you will grow in wisdom is freeing yourself of shame and condemnation when you make mistakes along the way. Thankfully, God has created the solution through the cross and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to help us learn to be like Them (God, Jesus and Holy Spirit).
James 1:5 tells us “And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace.” The world says, “Success leaves clues.” God leaves you actual step by step templates in the Bible. God, Jesus and Holy Spirit are indeed mysterious in their ways but they are not stealth in how They come to us. Once we know the way, They will guide us to use this template over and over for every circumstance in our life.
So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for his purposes. Ephesians 5:15-16 TPT The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 14|
As we move into this new extraordinary season in our world, women are having to make extraordinary decisions that may be overwhelming and scary. It is more important than ever that woman reach out to other woman in support, encouragement and love. Women helping women is essential to getting through to new levels of wisdom quickly as women of the Word. Transforming ourselves to become all that God created us to be is vital to our world and using our voices to help other women in navigating to the next season of their lives is paramount to heal this world. The needs are endless.
How is God calling you to serve other women from the wisdom learned from your own life lessons?
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"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out to Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: by no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. I'm off and running and I am not looking back." Phillipians 3:12-14 The Message Bible
Photo credit: Cyprian Tosseth (My First-born Son)
Yield to Freedom By: Carol Griffiths
Happy one year anniversary to the Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Family! What a year it's been right? As we embark on year 2 of the magazine, and a new school year for many, wisdom is such a fitting theme. With all the changes that have been happening recently, like new normals and new financial positions, we can all agree that there is... ...a lot to navigate ...heaps of uncertainty ...so much beyond our control Thankfully, even though we may not have all the answers, we have God. Thus, we can rely on God's wisdom to help us adjust and prepare for things we do not fully understand. Friend, please know that God does not want you to be anxious or feel overwhelmed by the things that are happening. Instead, He wants you to yield. The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 17|
Yield Your Plan Whenever you are confused, ask Father specifically how to navigate the situation you are facing. God has a good plan for you. So, do not be afraid or ashamed to ask Him for His plan. God delights in you seeking Him for wisdom. “Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.” Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/pro.3.5-6.TPT
Yield your Time/Schedule Follow Jesus' example of making space to spend in God's presence. If you have a full, hectic, busy schedule and feel compelled to push some things to the side, make sure time with God is not one of those things. Repeatedly, I have proven that being intentional to have daily quality time with God is the wisest thing I can do to achieve maximum productivity and peace. “The next morning, Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer.” Mark 1:35 TPT - https://bible.com/bible/1849/mrk.1.35.TPT The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 18 |
“After the crowds dispersed, Jesus went up into the hills to pray. And as night fell he was there praying alone with God.” Matthew 14:23 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/mat.14.23.TPT
Yield your Methods Be careful not to bypass God's wisdom by choosing your own methods to accomplish the plan He gives you. He knows the best way to achieve His plan. Therefore, it is wise to allow Holy Spirit to guide your steps. “Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.” Proverbs 16:9 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/pro.16.9.TPT No matter what season of life you're in, yielding your plan, time/schedule, and methods to Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit will lead to Freedom. You will experience freedom from worry, fear, and anxiety despite change and chaos. May God's wisdom free you to be who God created you to be.
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NOT
a Type A 2020
Photo Author Submitted
BY: AUTUMN HOOVER
So, the Chinese New Year for 2020 was deemed the Year of the Rat.
Now, I don’t know a lot about the Chinese zodiac calendar other than reading the printed information from a Chinese restaurant’s menu, but I do know that 2020 is NOT the year for Type A Christians! If you are Type A like me and try to plan the year in advance, you know that our task lists were decimated by the Coronavirus. Our plans delayed, vacations cancelled, schools disassembled, and churches streamed online. Many individuals with stable employment unfortunately found themselves without a steady paycheck. And even my job as a low-risk health care provider (meaning I take care of mostly healthy obstetric and gynecology patients) generated increased anxiety as our staff faced this invisible virus. My poor daughter became very worried and prayed nightly for God to keep me safe and healthy while I was still considered an ‘essential’ employee throughout the last five months.
I can most definitely say without a doubt that life in the last five months has not gone according to my plans; however, I do know that these events were in God’s sovereign plans. And, I am thankful that even though I have worried about bringing home a deadly virus to those I love the most, I know that God will never leave His children even if we come face-to-face with this deadly virus—a lesson learned from the book of Daniel when his friends were facing the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:15-18). Before the start of my work day as a nurse practitioner, I have always been a firm believer in asking God for wisdom because I understand that I am weak without Him. I have always asked for wisdom in my job as I understand my patients’ lives and the lives of their unborn babies depend on my decision-making. Yet I have asked for wisdom in so many areas of my life that I unfortunately have not pursued Him in years past. I guess you could say that I took many of my blessings for granted. For example, I have never worried about my job as a health care provider because our office is very busy. My husband has a great job as a teacher with great insurance coverage and retirement benefits. My health has never been in question other than stress-induced migraines. And, we have a very healthy daughter who enjoys attending school and playing extracurricular sports. But as I previously mentioned, the unanticipated trials of 2020 have proven to test both our faith and dependence on our Creator. Many of us learned that we are not in charge. My family was now asking prayers for our health, our jobs, our schools, and even day-to-day activities. For example, although I was considered an ‘essential’ health care worker, my hours were cut as well as a deduction in my paycheck. Granted, I always make a yearly budget, but I never imagined taking a cut, not to mention my husband was a teacher and not allowed to return to school prior to spring break. The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 21 |
I started to worry that his paychecks would cease altogether.
In addition, my husband had planned to resign from his ‘steady’ employment as a tenured, high school teacher and transition into the senior pastor role at our church where our founding pastor recently announced his retirement. If you have read any of my previous articles, this was ‘in the plans’ for the last year or two after he completed his seminary degree at Liberty University, and I had mentally prepared myself for the change; however, the devil found so many ways to distract us both from keeping our eyes on God’s plan. My husband was worried if this was the right timing due to our church facing the unknown and streaming online unbeknownst if any viewers were actually watching. There were questions about retirement, insurance, salary, and even questioning from friends who doubted his decision to retire from his teaching position. Later, we were forced to discuss plans for our daughter to either continue online schooling or risk returning in-person wearing a daily mask. Doubt, anxiety, and fear quickly consumed us, but I knew we could not continue in our conflicts and let the devil win.
Because of my Type A tendencies, I have felt completely out of control this year, and although I would love to go back to a fully stocked TJ Maxx, I have learned to sit back and enjoy the actual blessings in living a life unplanned. Because we cancelled our vacation, we were able to pay off our car loan. My decreased salary only lasted a few weeks. We have been able to see the impact of those who have watched our church’s streaming services. We have learned to enjoy the great outdoors—well, ok, maybe just sitting on our back deck with new patio lights singing karaoke together. My husband made the long drive to his school’s central office to sign his retirement papers; he was a little melancholy because he loved his job as a teacher and a coach. However, when he pulled into the parking lot, his favorite contemporary Christian song began playing on his car radio, which is “The Great I Am.” He instantly knew that God was walking with him and affirming
Photo Author Submitted
the decision to carry out his calling. We have prayed over many difficult decisions during this time in our lives and are trusting God to lead our family as we continue to follow Him. I am thankful for all of our blessings, and I am even more thankful that our daughter has learned the value of prayer. I am also thankful that she has witnessed these difficult times and is learning that we must trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and lean not on our own understanding as written in the book of Proverbs. Type A or not, we must understand that we have no more control than God allows—for we read that our confidence is in the Lord (Proverbs 3:26). His wisdom and power is infinite, and I can’t wait to see how His plan comes together. I pray that all of us will recognize that 2020 is and has always been the Year of Our Lord.
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Photo credit: Kenneth Tosseth (My Baby Boy) Move, keep walkin' soldier keep moving on Move, keep walkin' until the mornin' comes Move, keep walkin' soldier keep moving on And lift your head, it ain't over yet, ain't over yet -- MOVE by Toby Mack -
Which IRA is Right for Me, Traditional or Roth? BY: BRANDON GALICI
As a financial advisor, one of the most common questions I get asked is to explain the differences between Traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs). I want to help you understand the main differences and also have a process for determining which may make the most sense for your personal situation.
TRADITIONAL Pre tax contributions Tax deferred growth Withdrawals taxed at ordinary income rate 10% early withdrawal penalty (prior to age 59.5) $6,000 annual contribution limit plus $1,000 catch up contribution if over 50 (as of 2020) Income limits may apply
ROTH After tax contributions Tax free growth Tax free withdrawals 10% early withdrawal penalty (prior to age 59.5) - Penalty applies to earnings, not original contributions $6,000 annual contribution limit plus $1,000 catch up contribution if over 50 (as of 2020) Income limits may apply
Below are some questions to ask yourself or your financial and tax professionals to help you determine which IRA may be best for your situation.
What is my current tax rate?
Your tax rate is determined by your income. If you are in a higher tax bracket, contributing to a Traditional IRA may help reduce your tax bill since you are putting money in on a pre tax basis. On the flip side, if you are early in your career or expect lower than usual earnings, paying tax today and contributing to a Roth may be your best option.
What will my tax rate be in the future?
This is a tough one because the government is able to update the tax code and increase or decrease tax rates. If you believe that you will be in a lower tax bracket in retirement than you are today, it would make sense to put your money in a Traditional IRA. However, if you believe your tax rate will be higher in the future, a Roth IRA would make more sense. Also, if you plan to make a large purchase in retirement and want to pay for it out of an IRA, a Roth would be more suited for this. If you spent $300,000 on a beach house from your Roth account, you would simply withdraw $300,000. Since you pay ordinary income tax on Traditional IRA withdrawals, pulling this large sum of money in one year would push you into one of the top tax brackets. The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 25|
Do I need access to any of my IRA money before age 59.5? If you specifically plan to take money out of your IRA before age 59.5, then neither a Traditional or Roth IRA would make sense due to the 10% penalty in addition to the ordinary income tax you would pay. However, I understand that life happens. A Roth IRA provides more flexibility because it allows access to your principal. For example, if you have contributed $10,000 over the course of several years and your account has grown to $15,000, you would be able to withdraw up to $10,000 tax free. The IRS allows this because you have already paid tax on this amount. If you were to take the entire $15,000 balance out, you would pay a 10% penalty plus ordinary income tax on the $5,000 portion which is earnings.
Final Thoughts This was simply a high level summary of Traditional and Roth IRAs and where each may fit into a given situation. Since every person’s situation is unique, I would strongly suggest consulting your financial and tax professional before making a decision.
The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 26 |
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BY:Â MIKE DAVIS
WISDOM: A VITAL MISSING PIECE TO GREAT RELATIONSHIPS!
Once I was on my way to an important training on how to be a better speaker and communicator. This was a training I was taking rather than conducting and I was excited to be a part of it. The place where the training was held was one hour from where I lived at the time. I called the hotel where the training was held and asked for directions, and the person on the other end was happy to provide me with them. I awoke the next morning excited and eager to go. I left early enough to ensure I would get to the hotel an hour before the training began. I dutifully followed the instruction… and couldn’t find the hotel! I drove for many hours… and couldn’t find it. I checked and rechecked my instructions - and still couldn't find it! These were the days before affordable cell-phones …we were still using telephone booths and landlines. After driving around for 2 hours I drove all the way back home, called the hotel and told them I could not find them using the directions I was given. I read the instruction to the person on the other end of the line and they said “Oh, sir I see the problem… they left out a very important exit you need to take - that is why you couldn’t find us!” Sure enough as I got back on the road and followed the directions with the added piece of information I found myself one hour later at the hotel - I was just four hours late for my first day of training! Everything worked out and being late even worked for my good (but that is a story for another time). However, I learned an important lesson: One piece of instruction, one vital missing piece of direction kept me from achieving my desired outcome. In working with people over the years as a pastor, coach and consultant I have seen there is often one especially important piece missing in their personal or professional relationships. This missing piece is what often keeps them from realizing their desired outcomes for their relationships. Is it commitment, desire or passion, knowledge or information? No. It’s wisdom.
WISDOM DEFINED: What is wisdom? It is more than just information or a lot of facts. It is more than knowing or being able to quote a lot of Scriptures or expound profound theological doctrines. And it is not having a high IQ. I know and have known many who could do all these things - and yet they lacked wisdom. It was evident in how they conducted their relationships. Wisdom, according to Dr. Marvin Wilson in his book Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, is “…the practical ability to function successfully, to the best possible advantage”, He also states that wisdom is “…the ability to evaluate life from God’s point of view” (ibid. pp.282-283). The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 29|
Dr. Tremper Longman in his book “How to Read Proverbs” states that wisdom is the ability to ”… navigate life well” (pp.15-16). With wisdom one knows when to act or not act , what to say or not say -and knowing how to say it and when to say it. Again, wisdom is “knowing how” to navigate life and its relationships well. This is what I see missing in most relationships I am called to help and coach. The people in the relationship do not “know how” to navigate the relationship well. They do not know how to act or speak to one another in ways that are advantageous and beneficial to the relationship. In other words, they lack wisdom. Said another way, they themselves are not wise -at least in the context of the relationship.
THE STEPFATHER WHO NEEDED WISDOM. I was once called by a member of our fellowship to help him with an ongoing problem with his 19 year old stepson. They just did not get along. And as you can imagine it was causing strife in the home and between, he and his wife. He asked me what to do as he was at a loss. So I told him “You need wisdom - you need to proceed wisely”. So he and I prayed together and asked the Lord to provide wisdom, His mind, for his situation. And the Lord did! He began to impress this gentleman with small but gentle thoughts like “Ask your son if he’s hungry and make him a sandwich” “Ask him if he needs any money -and give him some” and other such thoughts that prompted him to do unexpected, little deeds of love and kindness for his stepson. He called me several weeks later excited “Pastor Mike! I really didn’t think it would work; I didn’t think anything would change -but it has! I have seen such a turnaround in our relationship! We are getting along so well now. I am glad we prayed and I am glad I listened for and followed the wisdom from the Lord.” Wisdom was the missing ingredient , the missing piece of instruction he needed to attain his desired end result.
ATTAINING WISDOM: THE FIVE “P”S. PRAY FOR WISDOM.
In James 1:5 we are told “If any man lacks wisdom let him ask for it only let him ask in faith…” This passage tells us that God desires for us to have His wisdom, to possess His mind and perspective, His know how for handling a situation. We need to ask with faith and confidence that the Father wants to provide it.
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When we ask for wisdom we must not be passive about it. We need to purposefully and intentionally go after it. Proverbs 2: 1-6 “My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,
PURSUE IT.
So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasure Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding” Notice we are exhorted to pursue wisdom in the same way we would pursue hidden treasure -intentionally and with passion! Wisdom won’t just come to us - we must pursue it in order to possess it! Proverbs 13:20 tells us “Who so walks with wise men shall be wise.” Another way wisdom is acquired is by seeking out and learning from those who are wise in the areas you want to be wise in. Other (wise) people are a source of wisdom, a means by which God
PEOPLE.
communicates to you His mind and perspective of life. Now the key word here is “wise people”. These are people who show the fruit of wisdom in their lives. You see it in their relationships, in how they treat others (see James 3:17-18). Make sure that those from whom you seek to learn truly bear “wise fruit” or results in their own lives.
PERSONAL OBSERVATION AND STUDY.
Proverbs 6: 6 “Go to the ant…consider her ways and be wise” Make wisdom an object of study. Seek wisdom in books, courses, seminars and trainings. Learn from the world around you - it is filled with the wisdom of God. Psalms 104:24 in speaking of creation says that
God made them with His wisdom - creation reflects the wisdom of God! It is all around you -you but have to search and observe.
PONDER YOUR WAYS.
In Haggai 1: 5-7 God through the prophet Haggai tells Israel to consider her ways, to think about and ponder why life was not working for them -why were things going wrong? One of the keys to wisdom is learning
from our mistakes and failures. This means stopping to seriously contemplate how and why we are where we are…and learning from it, making the proper adjustments in attitude and behavior so we can get to where we want to go. Someone once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result” Wisdom stops and asks the question: “What isn’t working…and why? And what can I do differently so I can get to where I want to go?” If in your relationships you find yourself repeatedly not arriving at your desired destination, maybe you are missing a vital piece of information, of direction like I was when trying to get to my training. Maybe you lack wisdom… and maybe it is time to seek it. As Solomon said, “Wisdom is the principle thing therefore get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7). May your search be successful! The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 31 |
Photo Credit: Cyprian Tosseth (My Miracle Baby)
The Wisdom of a Rhythm BY: THERESA HORNE
Back to school is always one of my favorite times of year. It is a time when we reset our agendas. We lose summer schedules with late nights and sleeping-in-late mornings and replace them with bedtimes and book-bags.
Although this back to school season of 2020 will be different, we have faith, wisdom, discernment and the capacity to seek God on solutions to any problems we encounter. One way to prepare for the new school year is to transition gradually into your new rhythm. Whether your children are returning to school part-time, full time, or not at all it is helpful to have a rhythm to your days. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven." When we recognize the seasons, we can flow in God’s purpose for that time. This doesn’t have to be rigid and unforgiving rather a rhythm to your days can bring freedom and creativity. Here are three ways to bring rhythm to your back to school season. Create a bedtime ritual. Set a mealtime, share it, and stick with it. Develop clear expectations. Creating a bedtime ritual can help set you and your children up for a good night’s sleep. Ending electronic use 1 hour before bed is so helpful in getting your brain ready for sleep. Instead, use that time to read a book, listen to relaxing music, journal scripture, or take a hot shower or bath.
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Setting a mealtime that is shared with the family and then followed up on is a real stress reliever. Having a set mealtime not only eliminates questions about when dinner will be served, but it gives an expectation with a set time to deliver. People have more patience if they know they can count an outcome at a certain time. The obvious next step is to plan the meals. Meal planning is another way to simplify. The last step is to develop clear expectations for the school year. Children and many adults are more productive when they have a simple knowledge of their performance expectations. This step will take prayer and agreement from the leaders of the household. Expectations for chores, school work and any other tasks that did not exist or have significantly changed over the summer need to be reestablished.
Back to school, this year may look different but implementing wisdom when creating the rhythm for your days will help you start your best year ever.
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AMBIGUITY AMBISCHOOLITY! BY: Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg
What in the world is happening as we go back to school? We have four sons and two daughters; two sons and two daughters with children. Two families are 100% public schoolers; well, at least until now! One family is a mix of private school and homeschooling. One family is 100%
homeschooled.
Our
oldest
daughter
is
a
middle/high
school
teacher! The only family that hasn’t ridden the roller coaster ride of “we’re going to school, we’re staying home, we’re doing a combination of both, we’re not sure what we’re doing…” is the 100% homeschooling family! And even they have had to deal with canceled church and Awana clubs, and co-op classes, and unavailable babysitters!
Dealing With the Ambiguities of Back to School Dealing with the ambiguities and uncertainties of back to school is about to drive everyone crazy! On top of that there is the threat of exposure and illness and even death, and the confusion of whom to believe about what, related to COVID-19! How do you make a wise decision (if indeed you are allowed to choose), based on what you do NOT know? A wise decision? I don’t know! What I do not know sometimes seems to outweigh what I do know.
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What I don’t know: I don’t know a lot more details about this virus than what I do know. I don’t know whom to turn to for information I can count on about this virus. I don’t know whom to turn to to make a wise decision because my city and county and state officials seem to be contradicting one another. I don’t know who has it and who doesn’t. I don’t know how at risk I might be or members of my family might be. I don’t know how long this will drag on. I don’t know much about the future at all.
What do YOU not know? Things seem a little bleak! I’m starting to lose hope… Then I realize that I probably know a lot more than I think I do!
What I do know: I know the serenity prayer! God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. I know I don’t have much choice but to accept the things I cannot change. Might as well wrap my mind and heart around it! Shock of all shocks! I was never meant to be in control of my world.
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Give me the courage to change the things I can. I know that I am courageous, not because of who I am, but because of who God is; and I know that I can bravely march forward and change some things. Might as well wrap my mind and heart around it! There actually are choices I can make to keep myself and my family safe, even
with
the
limited
amount
of
wisdom,
understanding,
and
knowledge I have about this virus. I know that I can weigh my options and choose the best course of action at this time. I know that I can make adjustments to that choice as time moves forward and as I understand more. I know that I want to lean in the direction of being more cautious than that of being less cautious. And the wisdom to know the difference! I know where wisdom comes from! True Wisdom comes only from God Who is Sovereign - all present, all knowing, and all powerful! I know that He is in control! I know that if He counts the hairs on my head and numbers my days, I can trust Him to lead me and my family to make wise decisions. I can trust Him with everything! I know that I can ask Him for help. I know that I can ask His people for help. I have asked for help; and I have offered help during these uncertain times. And I have been blessed!
What do you know? In which of these areas can you make the best decision with what you DO know today? I believe God will bless your efforts.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:6 The Everyday Crown Rocker Magazine Page 39 |
Photo Credit: Kenneth Tosseth (My Last-born)
HERE IS A BONUS ARTICLE FOR YOU! PART 2 OF DANIKA DEVA'S AMAZING STORY FROM THE JOY ISSUE. READ ON FOR...
EXTRA CREDIT
#TRUSTINGINTHELORDANDZAPPEDBYGOD BY:DANIKA DEVA
(ON AUGUST 5, 2018, A DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET, GOD CHOSE TO ROCK A MIRACLE IN MY LIFE. ONE OF THE BIGGEST EVER WHEN HE RESET MY BODY IN CHURCH.) On the way to church I kept thinking about Proverbs 3:5-6. It says to "Trust in the Lord and lean not on your understanding…" Notice, it doesn’t say to "understand in the Lord," even though we are human and want to understand the 'why' of everything. Instead, we are to trust! One line from a song we sang in church that day goes so well with this. It is from the song "New Wine" by Hillsong and it says, "When I trust you, I don't need to understand!" Back to the ride to church--I told God I would trust him with everything. I'd trust him if I wear a mask or not, if I am healed or not, if I am rich or poor. ANYTHING!!!! At church, I put on my soft mask and sat in the back while steering clear of all the perfume and deodorant scents that my super-smeller nose was picking up (part of MCAS). I had been going to a new church because I was allergic to my church as I reacted to most buildings. (Yeah! Try telling your pastor you are allergic to his church but not his sermons!!) Even though this new church was an hour away, I still drove there on Sundays and Wednesdays. After missing church for 10 months, it is a joy to worship with others once again, and the church is a place of faith! On that day, the church started 21 days of prayer and the pastor asked us to write our requests. I wrote "Heal my Body " and then wrote on my card to reset my body from my reactions to the sun, dogs, cats, food, dust, and mold. I then put it in the offering plate so they would pray for it. During the sermon, God gave me a song. As I wrote it down, God nudged me and said the title was "Healed," which was past tense! I then started to pass out and left the service and went outside to breathe. After five minutes, I returned to the service. Fast forward to the end of the church service and the guest pastor asks if anyone one wanted to be sold out for Jesus so I raise my hand. He asks if anyone wanted to go forward, and I was the first one to the front--even from the back row! I would have run, but that is not safe in church LOL.
ATTIC
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I prayed and sang as others came forward too. I don't know how long it was, but the pastor's wife got up and said that someone has pressure behind their eye and is going to be healed in Jesus' name. I had the usual headache from the building, but didn't think there was pressure behind my eye until it started twitching like crazy and my headache suddenly disappeared. She then said that someone will be healed of a shoulder issue. I didn't think about this until later, but my shoulder had no pain and complete range of motion for the first time in years after a rotator cuff injury. The pastor then came and prayed over me. Between the music and the people praying, I couldn't hear anything he said but "In Jesus' Name!" several times. What I do know, is when he put his hand on my shoulder, I felt a warm, buzzing through my arm that continued to the center of my body. I didn't know if I was healed or what happened, but I kept praising God and asking Him for healing while surrendering to him as I offered my trust up with the crazy illness I had been stuck in. I took my mask off in faith and kept praising and praying. I wanted to trust that I was healed, but needed a sign so I asked God to have my cheeks not be red when I went to the bathroom. They are always red in buildings when I react, no matter if I wear a mask for not. I had never had them not be red, so it had to be an act of God if they weren't. When the service ended, I went to the bathroom and my cheeks were normal color and so was my neck. I started taking pictures.
I WAS HEALED!!! I drove home praising God, called my kids and shared the news. I wanted to test my reactions, so I recorded the "Healed" song on the keyboard I had been reacting to for the past seven months. I had even sold it on Thursday, and it’s a good thing the man didn't pick it up because I stopped reacting to it. PRAISE GOD!!! I played for a long time and had a slight headache. In the past, I felt like I was going to vomit and pass out and then my joints would start to ache and my body would swell, but NOT ANYMORE.
I didn't know where to start so I tested another trigger…I swept the kitchen which is something that I hadn’t done without an instant headache and "sleep like" reaction for 10 hours. I was so excited that I texted the teen who cleaned for me to tell her she was fired and then scream texted "BECAUSE I'M HEALED!" After that, I drank tea that usually made me react and I didn't. I also took a walk of about 1.5 miles. I usually walk 1 mile a day because I was reactive to the sun—which was very difficult to deal with. In fact, the day before my healing, I walked two miles (not in the sun and the extra exercise sent me into a reaction where I suddenly went to sleep for 7 hours right in the middle of the day. The day of my healing, I took a 1.5 mile walk with absolutely NO REACTON!!!! Can you tell I was excited???????? I often tear up thinking about my health crisis. Even though I still have to stay away from mold and mildew and I still eat clean food, breathe clean air, and drink clean water, my life is amazing!
I tear up because it was not even possible to be doing what I do now. I could not travel, visit the homes of others, sleep in hotels, eat food from a restaurant, or even hug my family without their perfume or laundry soap starting a cascade of reactions. I remember being so devastated that I would never be able to speak at a church or attend a conference because the trip would be too much on my body and it would react and shut down. I remember crying at the loss of so many dreams because I had to stay in isolation just to survive. At that time, I thought it was permanent. But God did the impossible! Actually, I think I knew it was possible for Him to heal me, but I didn’t expect it, so maybe I would say it was improbable. Yes, here I am because GOD did the impossible and improbable!!!!
ATTIC
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Most people don't understand this experience, but after going through this Corona virus pandemic, they have a bit more understanding because the unknown grip you with fear. Wearing a mask, sanitizing everything around us, and seeing those sick around us has been hard, but it will wind down. No, it will never be the same, but that is ok as we have learned a lot through this. For me it was like after a cold or the flu and you are done with the vomiting and can breathe once again, you say, “Wow, I’m so glad I am better. That was awful. I feel so good now!” Yep, that is how I feel but 100 times over. That’s how it will be with this pandemic. We will breathe and say, “Wow, that was awful, that was a learning curve, but I feel better now.” The question is, are you going to choose joy in the struggle (any struggle really) or whine and complain? Do you have impossible things you are challenged with? Is the isolation of the pandemic driving you crazy? How are you dealing wearing a mask all the time? The job loss? The scary unknowns ahead? Are there tears in your heart over a need, loss, or struggle? Dear friend (Can I call you that as we have traveled a similar journey?),the answer is simple: Choose joy Ask God to show up! Read and believe His word! Ask Him what He wants you to learn through this. #HisWisdom Watch Him change your tears of pain into tears of joy over the impossible.
Proverbs. 3:5-6 ” Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
ATTIC
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Photo Credit: Cyprian Tosseth (My Middle Baby)
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Crown Rocker Photo credit: Kenneth Tosseth