Moving from Head to Heart

It’s easy to learn God's word and to know His promises but does that mean we really understand them, or that we feel the security that comes with them? Often not. The distance between my head and my heart is probably not even a couple of foot but actually this can sometimes be the longest journey.

But ‘why?’ you might ask and what I’ve been learning is that we put conditions on God’s love for us. Conditions that God has never imposed. His word says that we are enough, that we can’t do anything to increase His love for us, that He approves of us and that He delights in who we are. Notice that not once there does it mention what we do or the characteristics that we display. There is no small print in the Bible, it is all above-board and clearly spelled out. There is no catch that says God loves evangelists more or that God loves those who can recite the bible from memory. It just simply says that He loves us and wants to be in a close and personal relationship with each one if us.

We have to be willing to accept the forgiveness that God extends us. We must believe it when He says that once forgiven He forgets our sins; that there is no list being kept of our indiscretions. We then have to go a step further and we have to forgive ourselves. We can be so hard on ourselves, expecting far more than is necessary. We do not have to be the best, have the greatest earnings or live the most exciting life. Who needs to be the envy of their friends? Not me but who needs to feel (really feel, like with your whole being feel) or experience the love of God? Probably all of us and I know for sure me.

I want to move to a position of experiential love. After having been a committed Christian for fourteen years I probably should already be fully in this place. I should feel that God absolutely loves me but right now my reality is that I know God loves me and that is head knowledge. It is part of my beliefs, it is because of my faith but I’m just working on the acceptance that there are no conditions and being able to just feel in my heart that I am good enough. I am accepted. He loves me. I don’t have to fulfil any particular mandate.

I need to feel free to lie on a bed for a whole day and do nothing but wallow in His love for me. To feel absolutely sure that even lying there in my nothingness I am enough. A couple of weekends ago I attended an Angela Kemm conference, where there was a fire tunnel and within it I was told that I am a cherished daughter of God, He sees my beauty, He knows my loving heart and that all labels have fallen off me. I just have to walk into my rightful place as a beloved daughter of the most high.

And I’m doing it. I’ve not been involved in negative speak this week, I’m busy building myself up and I’ve vowed to myself that when I do not like something in my life I either need to accept it and move on or I need to change it. I can not be negative about it as that will just pull me down. I’m so grateful for the fresh revelation that came last week that I still have a long way to go before I can say I am fully positive about my life and most importantly about my behaviour and attitude toward myself.

So here is to practise and perseverance. I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other and being positive about all of it. Praying for those who test and infuriate me and taking actions to bless those who need me.

I am walking today as a beloved daughter of the king of all kings and I’m so grateful He loves me.

Thank you Daddy. From your daughter, Mich xx

(This post originally appeared on my faith blog back in 2016, but I have now retired that blog)

Letter to all Mums from God

Image Credit: Liane Metzler

Hey Mumma,

I was chatting to God earlier this week and He told me some things I have to share with you. Well, not just only you but all Mums, Moms, Mams, Mamas, Mummas and Mummys.

There are a few things that He wants you to know and He’d really appreciate it if you listen up good, if we all listen up good.  He finds Himself repeating these messages time and time again but thankfully He is a patient father and loves to teach us. He knows it takes us a while to let the deep lessons sink in and that sometimes we need to hear the same thing ten times before it really takes a seat, so do keep coming back to this letter and ultimately to Him.

First up, He wants you to remember that being a parent is hard, this isn’t an easy ride that you are supposed to sail through. There will be challenges for you and for your kids but that’s good as it will result in growth for you both. Lean on God, He is your strength in these times.

Following on from that it is worth remembering that ‘easy and convenient’ probably aren’t the answer to being a good parent. Children need boundaries, responsibilities and consequences that they can count on. Those children who push back and challenge us as they grow are probably tomorrow’s leaders and innovators, so celebrate them.

But don’t feel overwhelmed as everything that God wants your child to be is already in them. It is not our job to make them but just to point and guide them, we need to be there to help them discern good decisions and learn from the bad ones.

Remember though that you are not doing this parenting lark in your own strength. You are raising mini warriors for Christ and He has your back. You don’t have to earn God’s favour by striving, you already have it because it is who you are in Christ that matters most. I love this quote –

It’s not what we do that determines who we are,
it is who we are that determines what we do.

Parenting, it’s a massive responsibility, right? And we want to keep our children innocent and allow them to mature at an appropriate rate, so sometimes we shelter them and don’t let them know about the awful things going on in the world as that would make them sad but guess what? God says that we need to allow our children to see and hear some of the sad things so they grow and develop into compassionate and loving adults. Of course, we must keep things age appropriate and we have to remain available as their back-up and support but sheltered kids with a great life can grow up to be selfish adults and no-one wants that.

He knows you sometimes feel invisible as a mum but be reassured that being there for your kids builds their security. Service to our family is so important, He sees it and He is so pleased, so next time you feel your kids or husband are taking you for granted let it go as God appreciates you. Don’t be tempted to run back to whatever it is that makes you feel visible or gives you a sense of worth, just nestle into the crook of God’s arm and know you are in the right place doing the right thing. Your worth and your security is rooted in God so stop searching beautiful mama.

Read these promises and just know that everything will be all right. You might be feeling truly shattered right now, or unloved, or ugly, or broken or beyond redemption but you’re not. You are a precious daughter of the most high and He wants to speak to you in the way you need to hear and say –

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

• No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39
• 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
• Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22
• Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
• But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm. Proverbs 1:33

And lastly, He wants to spend time with you and you’re not to feel bad if you can’t find dedicated bible study time or time to attend church. Just snatch those five minutes in the bathroom or as your child is in gym club and He will cherish every one of those short stolen moments and will rejoice in refilling and renewing you.

Thank you for reading friend and bless you for your loving heart and faithful service.

From one Mum to another, be blessed. Mich x

How to Make the Most of Every Day and Stay Positive

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

{This is a collaborative post}

Looking after your mental health and staying positive are important if you want to keep from feeling the blues. Staying positive is easier said than done though. Some days it is just too hard to always have a smile on your face. With just a few simple techniques, you too can have a positive outlook on life and make the most of every day. 

Did you know that just by thinking good and happy thoughts, you can change your mood and perspective on certain situations? With a better view of life and your surroundings, you can increase your quality of life, gain more energy and recover quicker from illness. 

Look for the Good in Your Life 

This is something that takes practice. It has been shown that by identifying the good things you have in life, you start to become more grateful. Sure, you might be having a tough time lately, but there has to be at least one thing that you have gratitude for. It can be as small as that first perfectly brewed cup of coffee in the morning. Or maybe that beautiful sunset you got to experience on your drive home from work. 

When you get up in the morning, stand in front of your mirror and list just one thing you are happy about. Focus on the small things that give meaning to your existence. 

Get Fancy 

Just as thinking positive thoughts can have an improved impact on your mental health, so can looking good. It is the same concept as smiling when you are feeling low. Moving those facial muscles has a compounding effect on your mood. If you look good, oftentimes you can persuade your mind to feel great too. Put on your best work outfit and do your makeup and hair. If you have some spare cash to spoil yourself, get that Gucci handbag you have been drooling over. By looking your best, you will exude confidence without even trying. Check out the variety of this shop online at ssense.com for some eye-catching clothes. 

Spend Time with the Right People 

Positivity breeds positivity. Just as a yawn is contagious, so is spending your time with positive people. Look around at those you spend your time with. Maybe someone is always talking about the bad things in their life, never looking at the good. Try to be around those who are in a good mood most of the time. Those are the people that can help boost your self-esteem and help you be more positive in general.