An Attitude of Scarcity

I've been thinking recently how much of my life has been lived with an attitude of scarcity.  That fear of "not enough".

That I'm not enough.  Not pretty enough, smart enough, talented enough, strong enough, or good enough.

Always thinking, feeling, believing that there's just "not enough".  Believing somehow that if someone else is getting something: time, attention, affection, praise, love, readers, sales, friends, a great job - whatever; somehow there won't be enough left for me.

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=8422&picture=empty

That I am not enough to deserve or to earn the things I want, or need, for myself has led to a lot of self doubt, resentment, anger, and jealousy.

Instead of grabbing the abundant life, I allowed myself to believe was one of scarcity.  Like Eve, surrounded by a life-filled beautiful garden, I found my attention drawn over and over to what I felt I couldn't have.  The cup always half empty.

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=3790&picture=girl-with-empty-cup

It's an ugly truth.  One I didn't - I don't - want to look at.  But there it is.  And the only way it's ever going to change is if I take a long, hard look at it.  Examine it for what it really is. Stop looking for the empty holes, look instead to the promises God made about the abundance He has planned for us:

That He came so that we can have full lives (John 10:10)
That He has plans to prosper us.  To give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)
That if we lean on Him, He can do immeasurably more than we can ask for - or even imagine! (Ephesians 3:20-21)
That our confidence will be richly rewarded (Hebrews 10:35)


If you are like me, and have allowed yourself to buy into the lie of scarcity for too long, it's time to let it go.  Grab the abundance!
. 

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Fear and Insecurity

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9

 Is insecurity, fear, and self-doubt its own form of sin?

When we believe we aren't _____ enough for whatever is placed before us to do - we are doubting God's wisdom and His power.

We are essentially saying to Him:

"You are not enough."

"You have made a mistake"

"You are wrong"

"You might let me down"

It's time to let go of the fear.  Let go of the insecurities.  Let go of the self-doubt.

Turn to God's truth when thoughts full of fear and insecurity come creeping in.

He promises that His grace is enough.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

He promises that He has plans to prosper us.  To give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)

He promises to complete a good work in us (Philippians 1:6)

He promises that He created each of us to do the work He prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10)

He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Take your courage from the Lord.  Trust Him.

 You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Fear and Timidity? (repost)

originally posted at My Really Real Reality on February 28, 2013

God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.

Not fear and timidity. These are tools the enemy uses to make us lose our focus and motivation. To trip us up To keep us from doing God’s work. Leading us away from His will and his plans for us.

Will we let fear and timidity deter us? Or will we stand in God’s power and love to follow through on the plans He has for us?

“…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” ~Jeremiah 29:11

You can find me connecting at these blog hops and link ups

My One Word: FEARLESS

When I first began thinking and praying on my one word for 2014 I never imagined that fearless would be revealed to me. In all honesty, when I began thinking along the lines of "fearless" - I had a moment.

 I mean...Fearless?

Really?

You must have the wrong gal.  If there is one thing I am not - it's fearless.

But it kept coming up:

"Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged" (Joshua 8:1).

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7)

"So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6)

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7)

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news, that will cause great joy for all people'" (Luke 2:10)

Everywhere I turned, the message of fearlessness, courage, and bravery seemed to be in my face. Why, even the women's Bible study at my church for the new year is "I am BOLDER than..."


So apparently there it is... my word for 2014: Fearless.

To live free from the "what ifs".  Free from worry.  Free from anxiety - about what could happen, might happen, or should happen.

It is trusting. Trusting God's plan for my life. Trusting His word.  Having faith that He has plans to prosper me and not to bring me harm (Jeremiah 29:11).Belief that He came so I could live an abundant life. (John 10:10) That he will supply for all my needs (Philippians 4:19).

It means facing situations and circumstances that scare me.  Taking a deep breath and stepping into the fear - in faith.  Knowing that while I might not be strong or courageous enough on my own, I can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13)

Not letting the fear of failure stop me from doing what I feel called to do.  Knowing that if it is meant to be, I can't fail. And if I fall on my face, it wasn't meant to be and the Lord will pick me up and set me back on the right path.

Trusting in God's plan for me.  Walking in obedience.  Using the Lord as my strength and shield. (Psalm 28:7) My refuge and my help (Psalm 91:2).

Living a year of faith, abundance, strength, and obedience.

Fearless.

Reality Rewind: I Could Be Happy If...

Revisiting a favorite post from my past... Enjoy!

I COULD BE HAPPY IF...

We've all heard that old saying about how money can't buy happiness.  And we know that's not entirely true, is it?  After all, money may not buy happiness - but it buys stuff.  And stuff makes us happy, right?

On the surface there is nothing wrong with wanting things.  We've all been there.  I've been there.    I want things.  New things. Pretty things.  Shiny things.

Here's the problem:  Happiness from stuff is temporary. 

You're happy for a short time with your shiny new thing.  And then you start craving and aching for that next, newer, better thing. It's a never ending chase.  A constant cycle of ups and downs.  Always seeking what you believe will bring happiness, only to soon feel empty and need something else to fill the void.

For some people it's not only things.  It's a belief that if circumstances were different, they could finally be happy.  A better job.  Moving to a different home/city/state.  Having a boy/girlfriend, finding a spouse, or getting a divorce.  Having a child.  Losing weight. 

And what happens if we don't get that item or circumstances we believe will bring us joy? We find ourselves feeling angry, resentful, frustrated, and lost.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." ~ Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)

Paul had  "learned the secret".  True happiness isn't found in stuff.  Or based on the circumstances we are in.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Real, lasting happiness comes in knowing the grace and glory of God and accepting all the treasures and gifts He has in store for those willing to accept it. 

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18

Not to say that as Christ followers we don't know sadness, difficulties, or times of trouble.  But during those times there is a faithful, eternal, loving God watching over us, comforting us, and ready to bring us back to a place of joy and happiness.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)

God wants good things for us.  He wants us to know joy.  He wants our happiness.  We just have to place our trust in him.  And look to Him for our joy.  Once we manage to start doing that, we will find an even deeper happiness in the things, people and circumstances in our life.


Originally posted on October 17, 2012: http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com/2012/10/i-could-be-happy-if.html

Fear and Timidity?

God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.

Not fear and timidity. These are tools the enemy uses to make us lose our focus and motivation. To trip us up To keep us from doing God’s work. Leading us away from His will and his plans for us.

Will we let fear and timidity deter us? Or will we stand in God’s power and love to follow through on the plans He has for us?

“…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” ~Jeremiah 29:11

Sunday Spotlight: Jeremiah 29:11

Each Sunday in November I will be spotlighting guest posts written by women who have blogs which inspire and encourage me. This week's Guest Blogger is:




"Bee" Alert

There used to be signs along the Interstate that said "Bee" Alert, with a big bumblebee to let drivers know they needed to stay alert to avoid an accident. Our sweet daughter, who was just a little girl at the time, thought there were actual bees we were being warned to watch out for. Yes, we laughed at her and explained what the signs meant. I read scripture recently that brought the signs back to mind....

I Peter 5:8 -

Stay alert!

Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.

He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Many years ago, as a Sunday school teacher, I gave an illustration of how sneaky the devil can be. The door to our life might be partly open....just a little crack, but enough for Satan to get a toehold. Once we allow him to get that far, then he proceeds to swing the door open a little wider if we aren't careful to see that our life might be headed in the wrong direction, until finally the door is wide open and we're in over our heads. The best thing to do is to grasp the thought, or the action as soon as it happens and to slam that door shut. Just as Joseph ran from Potiphar's wife, we need to run in the opposite direction that Satan is leading. In my own life, I have to stay alert by keeping in His word on a daily basis....praying....listening to Christian music....whatever it takes to keep me as close to HIM as possible!!!

Another thing is to make scripture personal to us.....

Hebrews 4:15

Jesus understands my weaknesses because He faced all of the same testings I do.

Yet He did not sin!!!

All of these things help me to "Bee" Alert!!!

I Could Be Happy If ...

We've all heard that old saying about how money can't buy happiness.  And we know that's not entirely true, is it?  After all, money may not buy happiness - but it buys stuff.  And stuff makes us happy, right?

On the surface there is nothing wrong with wanting things.  We've all been there.  I've been there.    I want things.  New things. Pretty things.  Shiny things.

Here's the problem:  Happiness from stuff is temporary. 

You're happy for a short time with your shiny new thing.  And then you start craving and aching for that next, newer, better thing. It's a never ending chase.  A constant cycle of ups and downs.  Always seeking what you believe will bring happiness, only to soon feel empty and need something else to fill the void.

For some people it's not only things.  It's a belief that if circumstances were different, they could finally be happy.  A better job.  Moving to a different home/city/state.  Having a boy/girlfriend, finding a spouse, or getting a divorce.  Having a child.  Losing weight. 

And what happens if we don't get that item or circumstances we believe will bring us joy? We find ourselves feeling angry, resentful, frustrated, and lost.


I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." ~ Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)

Paul had  "learned the secret".  True happiness isn't found in stuff.  Or based on the circumstances we are in.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Real, lasting happiness comes in knowing the grace and glory of God and accepting all the treasures and gifts He has in store for those willing to accept it. 

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18

Not to say that as Christ followers we don't know sadness, difficulties, or times of trouble.  But during those times there is a faithful, eternal, loving God watching over us, comforting us, and ready to bring us back to a place of joy and happiness.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)


God wants good things for us.  He wants us to know joy.  He wants our happiness.  We just have to place our trust in him.  And look to Him for our joy.  Once we manage to start doing that, we will find an even deeper happiness in the things, people and circumstances in our life.