Tag: God

encouragement, God, golden nuggets, hope, Lessons, prayer, the butterfly journey

7 Lessons I’ve Learned While Going Through My Storm

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I’ve learned over many years of life that each storm of life holds “golden nuggets” of wisdom that God wants me to learn.  But like most people I couldn’t see the lessons while I was embedded in the pain of facing tough life situations.  Most recent years I have begun to dig a little deeper to understand just what God was trying to show me about myself during these times.

7 lessonsOnce I began to hunger for the truth, God was gracious enough to uncover the treasures that were hidden in the waves of my storms.

1. My relationship with God is the most important relationship of my life.

There is no one in this world that loves me more or with a more perfect love.  Don’t compromise who you are for the world.

2.  Seek God for direction before making decisions for my life.

I realize that my understanding is limited to what I know and see.  God is all-knowing and He is the best one to give me direction for my life.  Sometimes our decisions can have an adverse affect on our lives and the lives of those we love.

3. Know and believe God’s promises for my life.

Studying God’s word gives us understanding of who we are and what God has promised to do in us and through us, but how do we know if we do not delve into His glorious word?  The trials become unbearable if we have no hope that things can or will get better.  His word is the blueprint that gives us everything we need to live our best lives. Jeremiah 29:11

4. Search for the lessons in each situation.

I began to ask God questions.  What is it that you want me to learn Lord?  How do you want me to wait while in the storm?  Every trial has a something that be for your good; build your faith, increase your trust, restore or turn you away from sin.  Romans 8:28

5. Be grateful in all seasons of my life.

Sometimes this part is hard especially when you are experiencing pain.  This is the time when you really have to dig deep and remind yourself of the wonderful blessings that still are surrounding you.  Look for them, make it a point to seek them, they are there!  There is a greater glory after each storm.

6. Tell my story to others.

There is always someone who may be going through a similar storm in their life.  By sharing your testimony you are giving them hope and encouragement that things will get better.

7.  Pray without ceasing.

I can’t say enough about prayer!  I have learned early in my Christian walk that prayer changes things, situations and hearts.  There is no greater gift than to be able to talk to the Father about all your heart issues.  There are some things that will only come by prayer.  Learn to pray and continue to develop your communication with the Father.  He will never fail you, that I know for sure!

Blessings

Lisa

destiny, finding God, gifts and talents, God, journey, Life Coach, life worth living, mission, purpose, the butterfly journey, women

I Want to Die Empty

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I admire those famous people in history that used their entire life serving people and making the world a better place. Those that we had the opportunity of knowing because their lives were showcased to the world. Some that come to mind are Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Theresa and there are countless more, many more.

But there are ones who we didn’t get an opportunity to know through history or Are you living your life fully on purpose,mainstream media. Those that weren’t written about in books. Those ordinary people like you and me, just living out their purposes, using their God-given gifts, talents and life experiences to serve others and making their communities something better than what it was before them.

I always knew that I was born for something. I just couldn’t believe for a minute that God would create me just to exist. It took me almost a lifetime to figure out what it was, but here I am today striving to live my life until I am empty. No not empty in the way you may be thinking, but empty of everything that God gave me and created me for to complete while here on this earth. I wish that I could have had someone to come along side of me to help m figure it all out before now. But God always had a plan. (Jeremiah 29:11)

When I first saw the words “die empty” it confused me; as I asked myself, “Why would anyone want to die empty?” But see God has given me a mind that is able to look at things from a whole different perspective.

To die empty to me means to use all that God has blessed me with and all that He created me to be to serve people in a unique way. It means to be passionate about using my gifts, talents, skills and every life experience (good and bad) to help someone else. It not only means to make the world a better place, but ultimately it means to build up God’s kingdom for His glory!

The discovery of my purpose came during one of my life’s storms. Yep, I discovered my purpose through my pain. It wasn’t very clear at first, but the revelation came after the storm, during my healing process. I went through a lot during that time and even though it was a painful experience, I am glad that God allowed something beautiful to come out of it. (Romans 8:28)

For me to find my purpose, my reason for being here was the most wonderful thing to happen to me! It gives me a specific reason for living, it gives me direction and it gives me peace!

The more I seek God, study His word and follow His guidance, the more I learn about life, my life that is connected in Him! I know for sure that I am here to help people “die empty” and most importantly to know God, for He is who we live and die for!

Love Lisa

The Butterfly Journey

http://www.thebutterflyjourney.com

brokenness, encouragement, God, health, the butterfly journey, women

Heart Healthy

livingwholecoaching

brokenheartFebruary is heart health month.  During this month you can find helpful information about how to have a healthy heart, or about warning signs when something is wrong with your heart.  It is all about the well-being of your physical heart.

February is also the month of Valentine’s Day.  A day set aside to show love to your significant other and others you love in a special way.  Usually we adorn each other with chocolates and roses.  Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated and lucrative holidays that we engage in.

What about your spiritual heart?  Is it healthy, do you know the warning signs that something may be going wrong with it?  Do you have the information on how to keep it healthy?  Or have the arteries of life circumstances caused plaque to build up and the flow of love and joy are having a hard time reaching your heart to keep it healthy?

Have you been exercising your heart muscles by showing love to keep your heart strong and in a position to receive love?  Your spiritual heart is just as important as your physical heart.  It warrants your every effort to make sure that nothing foreign comes in to make your heart beat irregularly or cause damage.

We place things in our heart from experiences that we have encountered in our lifetime.  Some things are good, others are bad, but God wants us to make sure that what we put in our hearts are things that will help us live life to its fullest.  Good things that will catapult us into a relationship with Him and others.  When we have experienced something that was not good and we place it in our hearts, it stays there until we release it.  As long as it stays there the more miserable you may become.  You will live your life not fully being free to love or receive love.

That’s why God said in His word: Proverbs 4: 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. NIV

The good news today is that God can help you release the bad things that you have placed in your heart.  The things that will keep you from experiencing a true flow of love and joy, but you have to give God all the pieces of your brokenness.  He will replace those things with wisdom and love.  Trust Him, I do!

Blessings Lisa

 

31 Day Butterfly Journey, the butterfly journey

31 Day Butterfly Journey: Change

livingwholecoaching

Well I’m back!  I had a challenging 2 weeks recently and had to take time to deal with the situations that presented themselves in my life.  I don’t like dealing with challenges, especially those that cause me discomfort (most people are probably the same), but I have learned that I must face those challenges in order to move forward and not get stuck in a place of discouragement or defeat.

change1I’m learning that placing my struggles in the hands of God can shorten the process or challenge that I am facing.  It’s hard to relinquish your troubles, but I am realizing now that it is well worth it in the end.  God gives me the answers or supplies my needs in each situation and then I can breathe again.

Change is a very hard subject for some (me included), but change most times is a result of things that come into our lives either for the better or for the worse.  It is not always something great that happens to make us look at change, sometimes it’s something bad that has caused us to really look at change in a whole new light.

For me its my health.  I suffer from diabetes and all its little minions that follow along with it; hypertension, high cholesterol, and all kinds of different ailments.

This past week my fiancé and I were on vacation in the mountains of Massanutten VA, just relaxing and enjoying the scenery.  We both realized almost at the same moment that we need to live a healthier life.

I am not sure if it was because of the beauty of the environment or if it was the lazy feeling that settled over us after we had a wonderful fat-laden meal each day, but something just sparked a burning desire to take care of the one body that God gave us.

Change isn’t always easy, and sometimes it’s a matter of life or death and as the old saying goes; “old habits die hard”, but they do die if you decide that it’s time for them to go!   So I am going to give my old unhealthy habits notice that they will have to go, go to a grave where they can no longer have control of my life or health.  They have to go so that I can live and fulfill my God-given destiny.  They have to go so that I can see my grandchildren grow up.  They have to go so that I can have a medication free life without all the side affects that surely will give me an early funeral of my own life.

If there is something that you need (or want) change for in your life today, then declare and decree it in the name of Jesus that it has to go!  Don’t be afraid of failure, just keep trying!  We will give you all the encouragement that we can and when the results start to show you will be so delighted that you decided to make that change!  It’s not always going to be easy to face each new challenge, but it can be done!

What is the one change that you would like to see in your life?  Let’s change together, we CAN do it!

The Butterfly Journey ~ Lisa

31 Day Butterfly Journey

31 Day Butterfly Journey: Refresh!

livingwholecoaching

refreshWow what a challenging day!  Every where I turned there was some situation that was rearing its ugly head trying to sap the life out of those that I care about and love, even me!  I started to get frustrated, like why God not one more thing?!  But in my journey of learning from life’s lessons, I stopped myself and my mind from going any place other than to the one I know can change our future.

I often wondered how people that face a life altering threat can withstand the uncertainty of their situation.  It amazes me how some face their challenges head on, never wavering to consider “why me”; they just keep on moving forward to see what lies ahead of them.  I have witnessed people that have held on so tightly to their faith that nothing that came would shake them.  How do they do it?  What motivates them to face health issues, and sometimes death everyday and not get tired of the pain, the changes, or the limitations?

Well I tell you what one friend told me; she said “I do get tired, sad, and even wanting to give up”, but she said “I can’t”.  I said, “what makes you keep going then”?  She said “it’s the love of God”.  Explain I said, well she began it’s like this, “every time I can’t take anymore of my situation God comes and refreshes me”.  I asked; “how does He do that”? “By taking the pain away or making the situation better for a day or so”? She said, “no not really, it’s more internal (more to do with my heart and spirit)”.  Wow! ” You are telling me that by God refreshing your heart and spirit allows you to go on another day?!”  She said, “yes”!

I took her wisdom and placed it in my heart for such a day like today.  I was even able to pour into someone else that was going through and we both shared a tear or two, but our spirits were okay. . . they were refreshed!

So no matter the circumstance ask God to refresh your heart and spirit.  Begin to praise Him in the midst of your storm and see if He will not only refresh you, but He will restore you to a place in Him that nothing can touch, not even the negative reports or feelings that you may have.  He is greater than anything that we face.  Yet we still may have to face our challenges and sometimes they may seem daunting to us, just know for sure that God will refresh you!

The Butterfly Journey ~ Lisa

31 Day Butterfly Journey, the butterfly journey

31 Day Butterfly Journey: Do Something!

livingwholecoaching

Do SomethingHave you ever had a grand idea or dream that you find yourself daydreaming about often?  Well I do and everyday I spend time and effort just visualizing the details and getting excited about the possibilities!

Unfortunately, I haven’t made any strides in making that vision/dream into reality.  But why you say; well I don’t know my friend.  I have this overwhelming feeling that I must have all my ducks in a row, every detail in place and most importantly all the disposable income that I need to get started.  But if that is truly the case then guess what, I will always be in dream mode, never actually realizing my dreams!

My mother and brother were having a visit yesterday, and they have so many dreams and aspirations of things they would love to do, ideas for business ventures that would sure be super successful. . .however, they have yet to make a move on anything.  There it is again dreams being wasted, life being unfulfilled all because of why?  We failed to “do something”!

Well, I don’t know about you, but I have decided that I will “do something” anything towards making my dreams and desires a reality.  I want to live my life to the fullest God-given potential that I can.  I don’t want to waste my life away dreaming of dreams and never bringing any of them to fruition.

What’s your story?  Do you have a dream, an idea, or a desire that you have kept hidden in your heart and mind?  What is the real reason that you have not done anything to make it a reality yet?  Is it you?  Is it others? Have you decided, without even trying that you can’t do it?  Or like many people are you afraid to fail or are you afraid that you might just actually succeed?

Well today I am giving you permission to “do something”!  Anything is better than nothing!

  • Step one – Ask yourself the question: “What is my dream?” (pray: conversations with God come highly recommend)
  • Step two – Write it down!  Start with the final goal, describe your dream in such vivid details that you can even feel every emotion that it will cause once it becomes a reality!
  • Step three – “Do something!” Create small goals (small steps). Accomplishing just one thing will ignite the passion and energy that you need to go the next step and before you know it. . .BOOM your dream is being realized!

I’ll be here cheering you on and screaming from the top of my voice – “DO SOMETHING!”

The Butterfly Journey ~ Lisa

*Please, please, please share, your sharing can help someone else “do something”!

31 Day Butterfly Journey

31 Day Butterfly Journey: The Journey Begins. . .

livingwholecoaching

I’ve told part of my life’s story (or at least one of the most significant parts) to you a few times via my blog and introduction on my website www.thebutterflyjourney.com.  Today I want to give you a more elaborate meaning of The Butterfly Journey Ministry.

Without being too lengthy I will attempt to share with you my story and how The Butterfly Journey came to be. . . About 5 years ago now, I suffered with depression (a seriously depressed spirit) and once I was delivered and healed (by God), I began to ask questions about my journey into depression.  Through that process God illustrated what had went terribly wrong and why! You will have to buy the book to find out all the details! (The Butterfly’s Journey – coming very soon. . .please pray!)  And through this process a ministry was born!  Ultimately, through my pain came my purpose and from my test came my testimony.  This season of my life truly was the pivotal point in which God revealed my purpose. . .to share my life with other women in such a way that allows them to be open for healing and deliverance from the pains of their life and catapult them into their God-given destiny, with the ability to live their lives in an extraordinary way!

As I have continued on my journey, God has revealed more and more about this thing called LIFE.  And so with this 31 Day Butterflythejourney Journey, I will be using my life as an open book, sharing the magnificent love of God, and sharing the wonderful discoveries about life as it unfolds right before our eyes!  My prayer is that as you walk along side of me during this journey you will be inspired, encouraged, and yes find some direction and healing for your own lives.  I believe as we share with one another and allow ourselves to be vulnerable before a mighty God we can help each other find that perfect place of peace, joy, and abundant life that we all desire to have.

I would love to hear your stories of “living life” as we go through this journey together!  Share your comments here and also join us over on Facebook www.facebook.com/thebutterflysjourney!

It’s time to spread your wings little butterfly and soar!

The Butterfly Journey ~ Lisa

depression, God, healing and deliverance

Depression Almost Killed Me – Part 1

livingwholecoaching

blackwomantearsI never imagined that my life would take such a drastic turn and leave me struggling to stay alive, but it did.

Over 5 years ago, I found myself empty, lonely, and scared.  Life had somehow made a wrong turn and I was spiraling down a dark hole before I even knew what was happening.

Even though it seemed that it all happened in a blink of an eye, I know it didn’t.  It was days, months, and even years building up to finally fully embrace me and by then it was too late to escape.  Always an optimistic person, seeing live full of promises and dreams, I didn’t believe that depression could attack someone like myself.  But slowly it found me and it took every good thing from me.  I was engulfed in its overwhelming darkness with no idea of how to get back to the person I once was.

For a couple of years it took all the things that I loved to do and made them far away memories in my cloudy mind.  I clung to the memories of a better time, but soon they eluded me and all I had was a pit of darkness surrounding me.  With small groans and moans of desperation I cried out in prayer to God for deliverance from this place that was threatening my very life.  It was all that I could do. . .

This is just a small part of my story and I will share more as the days go by.  I pray that my testimony will be a part of your healing if you are suffering from depression today.  Be encouraged, there is hope!

Connect with me at www.facebook.com/thebutterflysjourney, www.thebutterflyjourney.com or email me at lisa@thebutterflyjourney.net

Lisa ~ The Butterfly Journey/Christian Life Coach/Writer

 

believer, Faith, God, the butterfly journey

Can You Imagine?

livingwholecoaching

believe2Can you imagine what our life would be like if we truly believed in God for who He really is?  That is a question that I have pondered over the last several weeks and the other night I was having dinner with a close friend of mine and she asked me this same question!

What if we really believed in the God that we serve for who He really is?  What would our lives and the lives of those around us look like?  Yes, I know what you are thinking, if we are Christians then we do believe.  But go along with me for a minute.

How many times in your life have you wavered in your faith?  It is easy to believe when things are going well and blessings are flowing freely, but what about the times when things get a little scary and unknown?  Do we still hold to the same level of faith and belief in God that we should?  I am just asking the question because in my own life I have wondered and doubted my own faith when things came out of nowhere to “test” what I believe.  My stance wasn’t so sure, my confidence wasn’t so strong and truth be told I was pondering will this all work out for my good?

As the world in which we live becomes more and more complex and troubling will we have the level of faith that Israel had when they found themselves stuck between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army?  Would we have stepped into the sea to escape or would we have retreated back to the place that threatened our freedom?  I often wonder if I would have been so trusting in such a scary situation.

But the hope is that we can believe and trust in God!  We can build our faith and belief to limits that go beyond our own understanding, if we just continue to believe.  We can believe that God is who He says He is by having a “true” relationship with Him.  We can stand firm in the midst of trouble, pain and the unknown if we position our hearts to know Him (God).  Trust begins with knowing and knowing starts with realizing that we can’t live this life alone outside of God.  He is the one who holds the future and knows all things!

As your relationship with God develops and you begin to see that He is faithful and gracious to us, we begin to build a bond with Him that can never be broken unless we decide to turn away.

If we begin to believe God for who He is then and only then can we be a force that could change the world!  Will you believe with me?

The Butterfly Journey

God, God has ordained, purpose, the butterfly journey, vision

What Are You Waiting For?

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What are you waiting for?

That’s what I ask myself when I am reflecting on the vision that God has placed over my life.  God gave me the vision and He made it plain, but how do I start with all the little details that need to be carried out in order to reach the vision?

Sometimes, I feel like I am on a roller coaster ride, anticipating the thrill of reaching the top, then comes the fear bubbling up inside as I plummet down the other side of the unknown.

I am always searching for answers and feeling overwhelmed when I think about the process that I know I must face.  I am trying to find the place where I can be calm and just be in the moment and learn every aspect of this glorious vision.  But to be truthful, it’s hard!

I am confident of one thing though, that God will bring me to the place that I need to be in order to fulfill the vision.  I trust Him that He will do what He told me He would do.  Then what am I waiting for?

Mostly I am waiting on me!  For me to remain faithful to my vision and the life that God has ordained for me.  To be still and know that yes, God is in control.  For me to continue to ask and seek and understand the process and learning stages of my journey!  It is me who I am waiting for. . .

I challenge YOU to reflect on what it is that is holding you back from the life that God has for you.  Are you afraid of the commitment, are you scared about failing, or it could be that you are just comfortable with life as it is now and exploring new areas of yourself is not an attractive option at this time.  Well I pray that you would allow all those things go today and begin to allow God to perfect in you the vision He has for your life.

Today I am telling myself: “self I wait for you no more, you will walk in the destiny and vision that God has for you no matter what comes or goes!”

Blessings – The Butterfly Journey