5 Tips for When You're Overwhelmed

1. Choose one room/task

When you're overwhelmed by your to-do list, choose one thing to do. It may be a single room to clean up, or one task, such as picking up all the clothes from the ground and putting them away. Once that task is complete, move on to the next one. It simplifies the process and you feel as though you are getting things done because you are!

2. Set a timer

Setting a timer for 10-15 minutes can change your mindset about things.  Knowing that you only have fifteen minutes to finish a task will make you do it quicker. Once the fifteen minutes is over, you can take a break for five minutes. Set a timer again, or else your "break" will turn into the whole day.  When I know that I have a set time to finish something, I am more likely to complete it. After 3 fifteen minutes/five minutes increments, an hour has gone by and you've gotten three things done! 

3. Listen to your favorite music

I don't know about you but there is just some music that gets me going! If I need to clean my house, I listen to Owl City. If I need to get other things done, I listen to a soothing Pandora station. Sometimes a little pep in your step is all you need to get things rolling. 

4. Remember you're not alone

When you're feeling overwhelmed, it's easy to feel isolated. Texting a friend, calling a relative, or simply reading a blog post can remind you that you're not the only one.

5. Get to it!

Anytime I feel lost, I hear my mom's voice in my head saying, "There's nothing to it, but to do it!". As long as you procrastinate, you will continue to feel overwhelmed. But if you just jump in, you can get something done! 

What are some helpful tricks you do when you're overwhelmed?

4 Ways to Shake Off Perfectionism

"Can I say something?"

Immediately, my guard went up... great, I just poured my heart out, what are they gonna say?

But what they said was profound.

"Quit trying to be perfect."

........

God must have been working on my heart, because instead of being offended, I was struck by the truth of that statement. I've lived with a self imposed standard hanging over my head, a NEED to be more than I am. Instead of driving me to success, it has driven me to a deep sense of failure. Whether in relationships, motherhood, being a wife, or ministry; there is a constant push to be perfect. And not just perfect, but the greatest perfect. I don't think I'm alone in this. At least, I hope I'm not!

That conversation freed me. I repented of trying to be perfect because God showed me something.

Perfectionism is arrogant.

The very thought that I can be perfect, that I can attain perfection is blasphemous. God is the only One who is, the only One who can be, and the only One who will ever be truly perfect. 

How guilty I feel when I fail and how good I feel when I succeed. It all pales in comparison to the glory of a sinless God.

The lie of hell that has pervaded the church and our homes is this: You must be the best and to be the best, you must be perfect. How ridiculous is that? It's not that we shouldn't try to do our best, it's the idea that identity is wrapped up in performance.

But how often do we live our lives in constant pursuit of the perfect? Whether it be a perfect home, husband, children, or life... We have been ensnared by perfection.

4 Ways to Shake Off Perfectionism: 

• Remember salvation. 

 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Jesus died on the cross to be perfection for us. He took our sin and countless failures and replaced it with holiness. Now when God looks at us, He sees Jesus. Our very salvation is on the basis of our imperfection. 

•  Give yourself grace.

 “But He said to me, `My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Instead of boasting in our works, boast in weaknesses. Know our weakness is what makes us more powerful in Christ. We can do nothing without Him. God, in His perfection, gives us plenty of grace. We don't have to live in chains. We are free!

•  Rest in God. 

 “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 18:30).
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

When the pressures of this life come storming down on us, we can take refuge in Jesus Christ. Most of the perfectionist mindset comes from anxiety about what could go wrong.  God knows the beginning from the end. He is our strength when life isn't going perfectly. When we are overwhelmed with how imperfect we are, it is such a comfort to know we are being changed daily into His likeness. He will complete the good work He is doing in us.

•  Seek Jesus. 

  “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33). 

Seek Jesus and make Him your first priority. If an airplane is crashing, the rule is that every individual must place the oxygen mask over their own faces before helping others. God is our oxygen mask from the crashes of life. He must be our first priority and when He is, we breath easier knowing that He will take care of the rest. If we are focused on the crash, the aftermath, or what others are doing; we will be caught in that snare again. 

Carrying out these things will cause us to be more like Jesus-in effect, make us more perfect.

How about you? Have you been ensnared by perfectionism? If so, do you have any comments? I would love to hear them.

Scriptures For When You Feel Worthless

Here it comes, that overwhelming lie of worthlessness. It doesn't matter that you know it isn't true, the lie remains. An echo, repeating lies such as "You're never good enough", "Why try?", and "Life is meaningless." 

Whether we admit it or not, we have all experienced this as some point or another, with some intensity or another. It could be a simple whisper or a roaring scream- the source is the same either way. The devil. The one cast out of heaven for manipulating and proudly trying to be more that God. And his tool of deception is the only one in his arsenal. 

So here are some scriptures to encourage you when these lies come, to lift you out of that darkness.

1. "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Although you may look at this as more that you have to put on your to do list, I choose to see it in a different light. When you feel as if you have no meaning and what you do is worthless, it is so wonderful to know that God has written ahead of time good works for us to accomplish! He has a plan for each of us and as we fulfill those good works, we are fulfilling our destinies. We are His workmanship, He designed us, individually with gifts and talents for specific things! We are unique in His plan.

2. "The Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation." Psalm 149:4

Beauty is only skin deep indeed. But how incredible is it that God takes pleasure in us? He delights in us! Just as He designed us for a purpose on earth, He also designed us to give Himself joy. The next time the devil comes whispering into your ear that you aren't important, remember: God not only sent His son to die for you, but He also made you simply for His pleasure. He will bring the best out in you! 

3. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." 

Proverbs 3:5-6

At first glance, this may not seem the scripture to apply but with a deeper look you see the connection. Trust God about your worth. It is easy and most often the temptation to dwell on the emotions we feel...ignore the truth for a pity party. But when it comes down to it, we have to rely on God. We can be deceived and most of the time, we are! He is the Way, Truth, and Light. He will lead us away from hating ourselves and towards loving Him. 

And although this last thing is not a scripture, it is imperative! 

4. Praise God!

Somehow, every attack from the enemy turns our eyes off of God and onto ourselves. The best way to turn that around is the give God praise. Whether that means turning on worship music or just singing a song from church, or just speaking aloud the great things about God- do it! 

We cannot walk a straight line if we don't look at the compass. He is our guide! Don't look at your feet, look at the Guide:).

 

A Heart Change

Why do we love fall so much? Is it truly the leaves, sweaters and (of course) the Pumpkin Spice Lattes? Or is it a much deeper meaning? Even though it is still blazing hot here in Las Vegas and many other places as well, I believe our hearts yearn for fall because it is a change.

I know, I know. Change? Seriously? Changing leaves, changing from shorts to pants and tank tops to sweaters...But also a change of heart. We prepare for time with family and a time of retrospection as the year comes to a close. We bring out fall decor, our favorite coffee mugs and apple cider recipes.

Maybe it all comes down to that small change: the weather. Now, like I said, it is still in the high 90's over here. But the air feels different and the blue of the sky is changing. And so, this is an opportunity for our hearts to as well.

I know I just wrote about the changing seasons, and how our lives will not always be stuck in a rut. But fall just brings it out of us, you know? It's an innate calling to enjoy the shift. A sense of wonder and excitement as things move along.

As things cool down, although it is not New Year's Eve and we aren't writing our resolutions... Let's think about what we want to change in our lives and hearts. Let fall be the perfect reminder and opportunity to change.

Holding on to Hope When Seasons Change

 Don't you just love fall? The change in the air and sky ... The cool breezes blowing away the heat and stuffiness of summer. Even if the days are warm, they cool down towards evening and it just makes you want to break out the hot cocoa!

My mother-in-law made the comment as we opened the windows this morning, "It's like spring cleaning!" As the seasons change it is out with the old and in with the new. Sometimes our souls are like that. Phases of life and seasons of heartbreak come and go. When we are in a season of growth, the idea of change is distasteful- we enjoy life! But when our lives don't go the way we wish, finances are tight, and our souls are weary: change sounds wondrous.

Whether you are in winter or summer, spring or fall, our state of being will change. maybe you will get a raise, or that answer to prayer will finally come. Maybe the next season for you is one of learning and testing. Either way, it all comes down to hope. Hope in God, hope for a future. We hope for a difference; but what about our endurance? Will we hold on to that hope in the dry and thirsty land? 

Even if we feel our grip slipping, we can rest assured that God won't let go of us. He never let's us go. The song by David Crowder rings in my head... 

As the seasons change from warm to cool and then from cool to cold, remember that spring comes for all. After every dark night comes day. "Weeping may last through the night, but JOY comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5

 

Five Lies We Believe When We're Struggling

You know the drill. It seems like every time you get up on your feet, you are knocked right back down again. It is a tale as old as time and not in the happily-ever-after way. But in the midst of that fight, that struggle, here are five lies to reconsider.

1. This is forever.                                                                                                                                                     Ecclesiastes 3 is a well known set of verses. It is plastered everywhere you look: "A time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven." (verse 1)  It is tempting to believe the lie that this pain or frustration will last forever, and that we will never get out from under the thumb of the devil. But it simply isn't true! 
2. God doesn't care.                                                                                                                The scripture "Jesus wept" is not only the shortest verse in the Bible, it is also one that shows a depth of emotion. Lazurus had just died, Mary and Martha were suffering and Jesus came onto the scene of many Jews wailing and mourning. Jesus felt deep sorrow; he cried. He cried with those who suffered pain. The Psalmist tells us that God puts our tears in His bottle, and records the reason for those tears. (Psalm 56:8) The Lord cares so much for our plight that He records it. He knows. He cares. 
3.   You can't handle it.                                                                                                          You are stronger than you think. Every time that devil comes back to hit you, his wish is to see you give up. Give up, and give in. If the devil can make us let go of what we are fighting for, he wins. But you CAN handle it, God has promised us this: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) We have to remember that for centuries, people have survived struggles. We can too.
4. This is pointless.                                                                                                                  As much as it seems to be so, it isn't. Not to say that the cliche-"This is teaching you something!" mantra is true. Most of the time, it is an assault from hell; it is the way life works. But sometimes, it is God allowing things to happen to us for our benefit. This can be taken to the extreme, of course. I don't believe that He causes bad things to happen to His children. But He does let them. I don't know why, but I trust His plans for my life. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4) God's ultimate plan is for me to be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. That doesn't sound pointless to me!
5. There's no hope for me.                                                                                                 This, I think, is the largest of the lies. All the other lies wrap up into this one. If we have no hope, we give up; the vice versa is also true...We give up because we think we can't handle it, it's pointless, God doesn't care and it will last forever! And then, we have no hope. The Psalmist so eloquently put it this way:                                                                                                                                        "Those who sow in tears
   Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping,
   Bearing seed for sowing,
   Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
                                                     Bringing his sheaves with him."                                           Psalm 126: 5-6  

         and: 

 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;
All Your waves and billows have gone over me. 

 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song shall be with me—
A prayer to the God of my life.

 I will say to God my Rock,
“Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” 

As with a breaking of my bones,
My enemies reproach me,
While they say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”

 Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

Psalm 42:7-11

I dare not cheapen your pain. I have struggles as well. But it is good to remember that God will come through for us. He commands His lovingkindness. Don't lose hope in the victory, it is coming! We are more than conquerors through Christ. Keep on fighting.

      

                       

A Well Watered Garden: God's Promise

I will never forget that afternoon. A group of teenagers gathered around listening to a man talk about Jesus. Not just Jesus- but Jesus in us. He filled a cup up with dirty water, leaves and mud swirled in the glass. He spoke, "As long as we have dirt inside our hearts we won't be able to bless others. We can not minister what we don't have." Putting a hose with sparkling, fresh water into the glass of dirty water, he explained that we must be filled with righteousness in order to properly minister. We cannot quench someone's thirst for Jesus with filthy hearts. The cup overflowed until all the mud and leaves were gone- all that was left was the clean water. He finished, "we must be filled with Jesus in order to fill others up with good things."

That illustration has stuck with me for many years. We minister what we are and we cannot minister what we do not have. We may try to fill others up: be a blessing, be a help... But if we have nothing filling us up, or if what we have is dirt, we won't be able to properly bless. 

Sometimes, we are empty; we try to give but there is nothing left inside of us. That is why it is imperative that we fill up on Jesus. I am in the process of learning this right now. It is easy to hear something as a teenager and much harder to put it into practice as an adult. 

How can I quench someone elses thirst when I, myself am thirsty? If I am dry as a desert, what will they be after I talk to them? 

The Bible says, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." John 7:37

The Living Water in me is dependent on my belief in God. My faith. Just as it would be impossible to share water I don't have, it would be difficult to convince someone of a faith I do not practice. 

And so this is the devil's first attack. If he can get me to quit believing, then the river of life will dry up in me. 

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
    Nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season,
    Whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3

I will be fruitful!! I will not wither. I will be able to bear fruit and bless others as long as I abide in Jesus.

"And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a well watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." Isaiah 58:11

Even in the times our faith is depleted and the devil wants to make us weak and dry, it is God's promise to us that He will make our souls a well watered garden! 

Have faith, dear one, it is not the end.