"Jesus I will cling to you come what may" Even if by Mercy Me

It has been a long and challenging week and if I were to count the days I would be discouraged to note that too many of my days (over half of the month, every month) are spent directly dealing with the results of chronic illness and the other days are spent recuperating, making up for lost time and numerous attempts at living life and getting well. Chronic fatigue, migraines, anxiety, joint pain, digestive challenges and heart palpitations - all plague my body in the here and now yet I can truly  echo the words of this song knowing that it is well with my soul because I choose to cling to Jesus come what may.

The testimony that Bart Millard shares with his fans about his son Sam's struggle with diabetes resonates to the depth of my heart. If there is one thing that I would add it is that on some days I long to be normal - days where I don't need to inject myself to prevent anemia, go to sleep early so I can make it to work the next day, take medication at the onset of a migraine, turn off all the lights and block out noise for what seems like days or get shot up with adenosine to convert my heart rhythm from 200 beats to 100 or less.

This week was particularly draining because I experienced all of the above and more - yet at the onset, before the noise began to crowd my mind and heart - God poured out this song. And being that I often ask why, it caught my attention and played over and over in my mind until it brought a huge relief and smile to my face in the midst of my ambulance ride to the hospital Saturday night...

I struggled with calling 911 because sometimes my heart converts on its own and I didn't want to put anybody out - my need to be right and pride kept me from turning to prayer first. Finally, while I was waiting this song played in my heart anchoring me to the truth of who I am in Christ and reminding me that he has already won the battle - that like Sean's cancer journey - this is but a bump in the road and a journey I must walk - on good days it's easy but on weeks like this I have been left wondering and then these words echoed in my heart reminding me of God's mighty power, his faithfulness and his goodness and that all I need to do to experience it is believe in him, be anchored in hope, show faith and pray for strength to sing "It is well with my soul".

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

    You've been faithful, You've been good
    All of my days
    Jesus, I will cling to You
    Come what may
   ‘Cause I know You're able
    I know You can

    Even if - testimony and song

    May this song encourage you as it has me, never give up, this world is only temporary and God is greater than     all your ups and downs combined. He has not forgotten you and can and will use us for his glory despite our         circumstances. May you be richly blessed.

    

Trust, Seek, and Love with your whole heart!

I heard a song on the radio earlier that reminded me how simple it can be to live a Godly life and began to wonder why I often make it so complicated? There's the rub for me - when I ask myself why;

- I am seeking to understand with my mind instead of my heart
- I am seeking to control the outcome instead of trusting that everything will work out
- I am seeking to justify my own feelings by comparing and judging instead of loving unconditionally

Yet according to the truth of the Bible, I am not asked to do any of those things; I am simply asked to know and obey God and while that may appear daunting it can be as easy as one, two, three, when I choose to

1) Trust in the Lord with all my heart (Proverbs 3:5)
2) Seek God wholeheartedly (Jeremiah 29:13)
3) Love the Lord my God with all my whole heart, all my soul, all my strength, and all my mind. And, Love my neighbor as myself. (Luke 10:27)

With this I can open my whole heart fully to God and then he can enter into my pain and brokenness to heal me so that I can grow in loving kindness, mercy and peace.

I have come to firmly believe that I am nothing without God and it is songs like this that cause me to ponder and discover who I am rather than asking why. Songs like this give me the courage to be open, honest and responsible with my life's struggles so that perhaps maybe God will use me to encourage others.

To hear the song in its entirety or read Brandon Heath's message on whole heart simply click on the link below.

May you be richly blessed as you come to discover God for yourself.

The less I trust you, the less I grow
The more you love me, the more I know
I don't have to be afraid to show all of me, all of me

Where there's hurting
Where there's sorrow and shame
Enter into the pain

Where there's hurting
You show me what healing can do
Where there's hatred
You show me how kindness can move
Where there's fear deep inside
I won't run, I won't hide
I'll give you all of me
So that you can see
Every broken piece and open up my
Whole heart, whole heart
And love you with my
Whole heart, whole heart
I'll love you with my whole heart
My whole heart

Whole heart by Brandon Heath

Point to Ponder: Growing in Grace and Love

In my experience, the most challenging part about walking with God in Jesus' steps is learning to love unconditionally. It may be easy to love a puppy, a new born baby or your significant other this way; however, it can become challenging when people rub you the wrong way. Too often, because of our innate nature/need to be right, we do not see eye to eye with family, friends, colleagues, people in our community, and this leads to disagreement, offense, judgment and division. Admittedly, in as much as I have encountered people like this, I have also been this person to others and because of that, I rely on the Bible and the promise of God's Word to get me through. While some may consider difficult people to be unloveable or sandpaper people I like to consider them as grace growers - people that help me extend grace and practice unconditional love.

Grace in the biblical sense is known as God's Riches At Christ's Expense; it is undeserved, unmerited, unearned favor! Because Jesus experience the ultimate sacrifice (death on the cross) for me and my wrongdoings (sin), how much more am I called to do the same for the people on my path? And, what does it look like to walk in grace and unconditional love? 

According to the Bible, I am to let the peace of Jesus rule my heart (Colossians 3:15a); as I have noted in previous posts, because the heart houses our soul where our will, feelings and thoughts reside it can be easily conflicted or led astray. Therefore, it is important, particularly when conflicted, to choose to align with the peace of God. This implies walking in His ways and steering clear of relationship breakers such as those mentioned in Colossians 3:8 and expressing relationship builders such as tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).  It requires "Making allowance for each other’s faults, and forgiving anyone who offends you. Remembering, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothing yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony" (Colossians 3:13-14).

Practically speaking it has meant, biting my tongue and praying under my breath when my mother wants to tell me how to cook- despite the fact that I have been doing it for years, praying blessings and forgiving my former husband instead of spreading complaints, complementing a colleague on her appearance or something she has done right instead of unduly criticizing her work and providing a gift to my neighbor instead of gossiping about his ways. It means extending the same grace that God extended me, demonstrating love without judgment or any expectation of anything in return and being a peacemaker instead of a peacekeeper.

For more insight, wisdom and practical steps to the practice and discipline of grace and love click on the links below.

The art of loving unloveable people

Sandpaper people by Mary Southerland

Offering heartfelt prayers for grace and love to abound from your heart into all your relationships. Amen

Point to Ponder: Heaven's Grocery Store

Heaven's Grocery Store

As I was walking down life's

highway many years ago

I came upon a sign that read

Heaven's Grocery Store.

When I got a little closer

the doors swung open wide

And when I came to myself

I was standing inside.

I saw a host of angels.

They were standing everywhere

One handed me a basket and said

"My child, shop with care."

Everything a person needed

was in that grocery store

And what you could not carry

you could come back for more.

First I got some Patience.

Love was in that same row.

Further down was Understanding,

you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of Wisdom

and Faith a bag or two.

And Charity, of course,

I would need some of that, too.

I couldn't miss the Holy Spirit

He was everywhere in the place.

And then some Strength and Courage

to help me run life's race.

My basket was getting full but I remembered I needed Grace,

And then I chose Salvation for

Salvation was for free

I tried to get enough of that to do for you and me.

Then I started to the counter

to pay my grocery bill,

For I thought I had everything

to do the Master's will.

As I went up the aisle I saw

Prayer and put that in,

For I knew when I stepped outside

I would run into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful,

the last things on the shelf.

Song and Praise were hanging near

so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel

"How much do I owe?"

He smiled and said

"Just take them everywhere you go."

Again I asked "Really now,

how much do I owe?"

"My child" he said,

"God paid your bill a long, long time ago."

Author unknown

The Heart matters!

Although I initially set out to write 30 posts in 30 days; I have come to realize that being creative, no matter the medium is more meaningful to my heart! As a result, yesterday's post (day 10) turned out to be this heartfelt card created for a colleague who despite being retired chooses not only to come visit (from Mexico) but come work with us during our Canadian summer. Now that's dedication!

As the inscription inside the card indicates, a song of the heart can never be caged; similarly, our longing for meaning cannot be filled by pursuing things that are not eternal. I believe that God created us with a heart that has a "hole" that can only be filled by an intimate relationship with Him.

How do I know this? By experience, by trial and error, by seeking to fill it with things of this world such as unhealthy relationships, work, shopping, spending beyond my means, control, worry, fear and anxiety - yes believe it or not, I even used negativity and insecurity to try and fill my "God-shaped hole" because although it was negative, it was familiar and although it didn't bring happiness, it brought a degree of comfort for a season. After many years of chasing happiness and worshiping the wrong things I came to realize that " as a square peg cannot fill a round hole, neither can the "God-shaped hole" inside of me be filled by anyone or anything other than God."

(for more on this concept, click on the following link https://www.gotquestions.org/God-shaped-hole.html)

With faith and trust you can guard your heart!

With the revelation that God is about relationship not rules and progress not perfection, I willingly started giving my cares to Him. Trusting Him completely – This has saved me much, worry, anxiety, and wasted time trying to figure things out for myself. As in Zephaniah 3:17 “with His love, he calms my fears.”

In my experience of Faith – God connects the dots of my past experiences and revelations to today’s circumstances creating a picture which assures me and reMINDs me that victory is already mine.

It is also my experience that to truly know God and His promises I must engage in love as stated in 1 John 3:11 [ Love One Another ] For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, embrace hope as stated in Psalm 78:7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and be encouraged in faith as stated in Romans 1:12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.

However, I cannot rely on someone else’s faith to carry me through, I need to believe for myself the reality of who and what it is I am hoping for - Jesus. Unfortunately, when I allow the pressures of life and the world to crowd my soul, I hinder my faith and while I can be encouraged by others, I must first return to God in reverence and acknowledge His perfect love for myself. It is His love that kindles my faith.

Developing and practicing genuine faith is key. Faith’s fluidity is what moves me from seeking to believing to assurance. Practically, genuine faith can be demonstrated in several ways. First, draw near to God in the Spirit; in this time of solitude focus on “ACTS – Adoration| Confession| Thanksgiving | Supplication”. Then read and reflect on His Word pondering any revelations He may have and take time to write or listen more closely. I also enjoy soaking in praise and worship and being in prayer with Him throughout my day.

In the flesh, practicing genuine faith looks like imitating Christ; showing love, encouragement, joy, peace, patience and purity – shining light wherever I go! By no means do I do so PERFECTLY; but by God’s grace I can be consistent and not explode when things go awry (for the most part)!

In my soul (heart), practicing genuine faith involves obedience, maintaining a clear conscience, remaining steadfast, persevering even when I don’t see results, trusting God’s timing and nailing my pride to the wall. I struggle with my soul the most. Often, I resist because of emotions, offense and lack of desire or laziness and complacency.

Ultimately, my desired outcome is complete abandonment to God! Practically, if I am still breathing, I know I can expect that kind of abandonment to be an ongoing struggle. Yet I now know that with God all things are possible! The fearful child has become the faith-filled daughter of the King doing her utmost to love mightily, serve purposefully and leave the rest to God!

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Faith | Forgoing ALL I Trust Him.

There was a time when I believed that my struggles, were numerous and varied because I would be called to minister to women of similar circumstances and for that reason I persevered. While that may be true as my end state in faith is to Love Others to Victory through Encouragement, Edification and Exhortation. I wore – abandonment, rejection, abuse, alcoholism, perfectionism, fear, sickness, divorce, depression, job loss, cancer, conflict etc. as a badge of honor out of pride for my ability to be strong and overcome.





(like a stack of blocks one on top of each other although it appears like a strong tower eventually it starts to fall down)

God in His infinite wisdom used those very circumstances to show me the meaning of genuine faith. What I used to gain attention, acceptance and approval, He used as building blocks of faith to set
upon His foundation of love.





 (like a stack of blocks on a solid foundation – side by side forming a wall of everlasting strength – protection, provision and providence).

This provided me with an eternal perspective of life’s circumstances – shifting my mind-set and transforming my heart so that I could see and believe that trust in Him is better than relying on myself. Life happens with or without us so why not have some added assurance and joy by choosing to believe the reality that Jesus has already fulfilled for us.

Now, I wear this “shield of faith”
to give Him honor and glory. Forgoing ALL I Trust Him!

Come on, join me! All it takes is one step of faith! What are you waiting for?

Guard your heart: Stop striving, you were made to thrive!

In discovering ways to guard my heart I have discovered some of the things that hinder me from doing it well. Things such as feelings, thoughts and striving.

Anxiety is one such feeling. A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about something with an uncertain outcome.

Obsession is one such thought. An intrusive thought that continually preoccupies my mind often to an unreasonable degree.

Striving has been the biggest hindrance of all. In striving, I fight to maintain control, trying hard to have things done my way coming into opposition and resistance not only to circumstances but more importantly people - at the risk of jeopardizing relationships with the ones I love most.

Yet despite knowing all this, I often fumble and fall only to get up and start over. Each time though, I get a little closer to the goal as I draw hope from Jesus knowing that apart from Him I can do nothing. (John 15:5)

I need to stop striving...to control my circumstances...to fix my husband......to work so hard...to rescue my sister...to figure it out. I need to stop striving and trust God (now that's a post for another day).

In the meantime, I will continue to echo the words of this song in my prayers because I know that I was made for so much more than striving.

So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire

Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive

Thrive by Casting Crowns (video and lyrics)

Words matter.

Growing up, we often sang "sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me". Well, if that were true then being called names such as, "brace face", "smarty pants", "microbe", "shorty", and "goody two shoes" would not have shaken my confidence, my identity and my self-esteem. Likewise, the words we speak everyday are heard in the depth of our soul and impact the way we respond or act. This can be said of our conversations with others and of our self talk.

Here are some examples of word choices we can stop using if we want to shift our mindset;

Try - implies that a perpetual effort is required - indicates that you are undecided or lack commitment (replace with do or do not).

Just - limits and minimizes the greatness of your experience/circumstance.

I know/understand - belittles the other person's experience instead sit still with them allowing them to process their pain. Simply listen. 

I have to - implies obligation, that I have no control. Instead use I get to or I want to which implies choice and is empowering.

I should - is based on others expectations, desires or needs. Instead use I could which leaves it to you to decide and is less draining and more energizing.

Although, as Canadians, we often say " I am sorry", it implies that the person saying it is unworthy or undeserving. Apologies are to be sincere, genuine - instead, acknowledge the person's feelings by saying "I am sorry you feel that way" or "excuse me"/"pardon me" when you bump into someone or accidently cause a problem. When warranted, ask for forgiveness which implies that you genuinely want to give as it was before.

Even your response to "how are you?" sets the tone for your attitude, outlook and potentially your day. Ever noticed that if you start your day grumbling and complaining, you end your day that way. Alternatively, when you choose to start your day with the truth of God's word and promises declaring your identity in Him, you spend and end your day in joy and peace despite life's circumstances.

A few words about self talk - whether you think you can or think you can't you are right so choose wisely. Secondly, what you believe about yourself gives the devil ammunition to heap shame, guilt, insecurity and fear in your heart. If you choose to practice self talk focus on the positive instead of the negative; focus on the outcome instead of the problem. Speak in the third person instead of the first person, as though you are receiving a word directly from God or a trusted friend because the first person account  is  typically the way the devil whispers the lies he wants you to believe about yourself.

Reminder: Guard your heart because where your thoughts go, your mouth follows and then soon your feelings are on board too!

May you be richly blessed!

Chantale

Guard your heart! Live beyond your feelings!

 

Much of the insight and wisdom that I gained about managing my emotions to guard my heart, I learned from God and his word, the counsel of others who have lived it and a well known minister, Joyce Meyer (click on link below for her article on fickle feelings or check out CDs Managing your emotions or book Living Beyond your Feelings all great resources that helped me overcome bondage to my emotions).

My feelings are real and they are powerful. So powerful that at times, they have run my life for months at a time - seriously! There was a season in my life when anger consumed me; as the result of one circumstance, I spent months in anger, retelling, reliving and trying to figure out and control a different outcome. As a result I was more than drained; I was exhausted and exhausting my relationships - I would like to say that with a simple prayer all that changed - however, it did not. What it took was dying to self, allowing my feelings to ebb and flow without getting on board. With time, awareness and intentional practice months became weeks, weeks became days, days became hours and hours became minutes of anger because I refused to let my feelings control me and chose to do what was right no matter how I felt. It took 5 years to get from months of anger to minutes of anger, it took recognizing that the more I talked about bad circumstances, the more the feelings intensified, it took changing my mindset from that of victim to victor, it took focused effort and perseverance to fight the same battle and finally win it!

I have yet to discover a step-by-step formula to constantly live in peace and joy however I have learned that one of the best ways to guard my heart is to be led by the Spirit - by getting connected to God through seeking Him and His presence I can more easily experience peace. Only when I express fear instead of faith do I waver and get blown and tossed by my feelings.

https://www.charismamag.com/blogs/straight-talk/15510-fickle-feelings

Playlist

Day 4 and 5 were a wash due to many intrusive thoughts - guarding my heart is a challenge on those days. I will resume next week when I am in the flow of day to day life. For now, I leave you with one of the popular songs on my playlist - because when I don't get to God's word - I listen to it through the heart of others, through their cry, their song and their story, May this bless you as it blessed me. See you next week!

I don't know where to go from here
It all used to seem so clear
I'm finding I can't do this on my own

I don't know where to go from here
As long as I know that You are near
I'm done fighting
I'm finally letting go

I will trust in You
You've never failed before
I will trust in You

If there's a road I should walk
Help me find it
If I need to be still
Give me peace for the moment
Whatever Your will
Whatever Your will
Can you help me find it
Can you help me find it

I'm giving You fear and You give faith
I giving you doubt
You give me grace
For every step I've never been alone

Even when it hurts, You'll have Your way
Even in the valley I will say
With every breath
You've never let me go

I will wait for You
You've never failed before
I will wait for You

Sidewalk Prophets

Guard your heart! Mind your words!

    

As we discovered at the beginning of this series while my heart is the source of my life it is not in control because it continues to find itself at the mercy of my thoughts. These same thoughts also determine my words!

Our words have power! They are a gift from God! He used the spoken word to create the world and breathe us into existence. 

Words are so powerful that it is said that the power of life and death are in the tongue!

It is important to be aware of this because only then can we fully appreciate how our words can be life-changing for others and for ourselves.

As we use our words to destroy or build-up others we expose our hearts to either life giving or life taking attitudes which go on to affect our moods, our actions and the whole of our day. Our hearts hear the words we speak, the negative things we say about our bodies, our abilities, our moods. Then when we complain about what needs to be done or how hard things are – our heart believes it to be so and shifts its behavior accordingly. Next thing you know you find yourself in a trap of negative self-talk and develop a negative outlook on everything. As with our thoughts, we can choose to surrender to the renewing of our mind which will affect the words we speak and subsequently our actions.

Life Application: “Our words are full of blessing when the heart is full of blessing. So if we fill our hearts with the love of Christ, only truth and purity can come out of our mouths.”  https://www.gotquestions.org/power-of-words.html

Guard your heart! Renew your mind!

Time and time again, I have experienced how my thoughts have become my attitudes and subsequently my actions.  With a great deal of frustration I tried to figure out how to re-wire my thoughts to achieve a different outcome – a change of attitude. Instead, my mind was wound up tighter than a spool of thread. Despite praying the truth of God’s word and asserting his promises for my (thought) life, I struggled to renew my mind and transformation from fear, anxiety and worry was impossible. I was bound by these thoughts – a captive of my own mind!

The first sign of freedom came when I stopped trying to control my thoughts. Rather than exerting myself in resisting my thoughts and their outcomes I chose to surrender to the renewing of my mind. By letting God transform me into a new person by changing the way I think. Then I learned to know God’s will for me, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

Instead of seeing an overwhelming tangled spool of thoughts I began to visualize a stop sign when an unwelcome thought entered my mind. With practice and meditation, I could actively and consciously take captive undesired thoughts and redirect and renew them by praising God and thanking him for his good, pleasing and perfect will for my life. In as much as we can have over 67,000 thoughts per day, we cannot entertain two thoughts simultaneously therefore as I surrender to the renewing of my mind, I choose to pray God’s truth and assert His promises giving my mind a S.P.A. (Surrender-Pray-Assert) experience!

A surrendered heart is a satisfied mind and a satisfied mind is a surrendered heart! At last I am no longer bound. I am free!

Guarding your heart - Proverbs 4:23-27

Image courtesy of https://practicalbibleteaching.wordpress.com/tag/heart/

The book of Proverbs is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. It offers practical and biblical instructions to help us through the issues of life.

Proverbs 4 wisely instructs us to guard our hearts, control our speech, shield our sight and guide our steps;

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.

Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

My heart is the source of my life, it determines what I say, what I watch, where I go or what I do. My heart is where my soul dwells– my thought life, my emotions, and the beliefs that motivate me and mold me. While one would assume that as the source of my life, my heart is in control, that has not been the case – it was at the mercy of my thought life which was built on self-limiting beliefs and lies that were ingrained in my subconscious from a young age.  I was running on auto-pilot rejecting everything that did not align with what I believed – Because I believed that I was unworthy of love, my heart rejected any experience that looked remotely like love including self-love.

Subconsciously, I made choices that sustained that belief – I sought out everyone’s approval. I focused on performance which led to perfectionism and people pleasing. I believed that if I was in control and independent no one could hurt me and everyone would love and accept me. Because I was driven by tasks instead of relationships, I often came across as uncaring and aggressive. Yet I hung on to the belief that I could know peace and avoid conflict. Instead I had no peace only self-imposed obligations, and a critical attitude followed by doubt for not being good enough! My need for self-reliance and control grew to the point where worry and anxiety consumed me – I needed to figure things out – determine the outcome – anticipate how others would respond – it was the only way to feel safe and accepted! I became preoccupied with following through on every thought that entered my mind which triggered other thoughts and before I knew it – I was in a downward spiral of stinking thinking – none of it real or truth – yet every bit as emotionally exhausting as if I had lived it!

Finally, after many trials I am learning to manage my thought life (I don’t expect to undo in a day what took over 40 years to build). I will share some practical tools in my next post.

In the meantime, I leave you to meditate and pray on 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.”

Guarding your heart - practical ways to work through the issues of life!

#guardingyourheart - is meant to serve as protection from people, thoughts, attitudes and behaviors that might be unhealty and/or hinder me from living life on purpose - yet out of fear, I have been known to take it to the extreme leading to isolation, tangled thoughts, and a hardened heart - closed to accepting love (from self and others). I hope you will join me for this series of posts as I remove layer after layer sharing how I moved from fear to faith, from bound to free and from forgotten to forgiven by guarding my heart.

Before we delve into guarding your heart and what it may or may not mean and whether or not you should or shouldn’t guard your heart there are a few things you need to know about me and what I believe to be the truth of the gospel.

I do not proclaim to be neither preacher nor teacher; I am a child of God who seeks a more intimate relationship with Him through the finished work of His son Jesus on the cross. As a result, I choose to share my faith journey to encourage and draw others near to God knowing that without Him I would still be forgotten, unworthy of love and fearful.

I believe…

1-      God is love and there is no condemnation in His love!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17.

2-      In the message of salvation!

I believe. Jesus redeems, God forgives and the Holy Spirit renews! That is the message of salvation in eight powerful words as per the bible (Titus 3:4-8)

3-      In guarding your heart for out of it spring the issues of life! (Proverbs 4:23)

The word heart deals with my soul – my thought life, my emotions, and the beliefs that motivate me and mold me.

In the context of this blog, the heart is my thought life because my thoughts control the rest of my life. My thoughts determine my attitudes which lead to my actions. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). 

So as you join me on this journey, I encourage you to WATCH and pray making discoveries of your own to guard your heart.

W- Watch your Words.

A- Watch your Actions.

T- Watch your Thoughts.

C- Watch your Character.

H- Watch your Heart.

-         - Paraphrased from Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pray your heart belongs to God first.

Create a great day and live a greater life in Him!

Chantale