Category Archives: help from God

Wanna Get Happy?

Posted on by
Hello You Highly Favored Child of God!

Thank you all so much for all your very intriguing, enlightening emails!  Interestingly, the topic of happiness generated the most response of anything I’ve ever sent out!

It is clear that as desired as happiness is by most, (some people actually prefer misery, no joke!) it can be a confusing, complicated thing.  While hard to explain, you all seem to know when you’re happy and when you aren’t!
Happiness does not have to mean a constant state of exhilaration and euphoria, but there is definitely a lifting and lightening of our loads.  And who couldn’t use that now a days!!

Here’s my proposition:

God wants us to be happy.  He is on our side!  And there are over 70 verses that give us clues.

Besides the Word, a vast number of clinical studies done over the last decade aid us as well.

One interesting, though not surprising “discovery” is:  contrary to our Constitution, the pursuit of happiness is fruitless!

Ah…. but didn’t I say it’s God’s heart and intention for us to be happy?  Absolutely!

But we do not get happy by pursuing happiness.

Happiness is actually a RESULT of many different factors all working together.  And we can be totally happy in one area of our lives, and not so happy in others.

So, let’s get real…. 24/7 happiness in every realm of our lives is pretty unrealistic!

And yet, we could all stand to be happier! I mean authentically happier, not the fakey, stuck-on-the-face-smile-happy. I mean the kind of happiness that gives us more energy, a greater sense of peace, freedom, and generosity.

So, come with me and let’s start digging for treasure.

Psalm 1.  Great place to start!  As far as I can tell, it is in this Psalm that the Hebrew word for “happy,” often termed “blessed,” is first seen.

For today, let’s just look at the first two verses … and as we do, please resist the urge to treat this verse like a platitude.

I’m pretty sure you have heard and seen this passage before, and so there will be a tendency to say, “Oh, that… ” and dismiss it.

Scripture can be mere information, or it can be power-packed, spiritual nutrients for our hungry souls … so let’s purpose in our hearts to take God’s word on the subject of happiness and ask Him to make it real and meaningful to us, carrying it around in our minds and hearts throughout the day.

Devour this food and let it energize you!

Blessed (HAPPY) is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1: 1-2

There was a time that I thought this verse meant that I had to cut certain people and places out of my life.  And maybe for a season that was alright, seeing as I had so little confidence in who I was in Christ.

Years ago, as a young attorney, I desperately wanted to leave my job, and eventually I did.  I found it very difficult to be around all those ungodly people, all those who mocked my God, all those who delivered worldly advice and wanted me to do the same.  It hurt to be misunderstood and hear negative things about the One I loved so much.

It was not a happy place.

But this verse is not talking necessarily about cutting anyone out of our lives!  It’s really about – who are we listening to?

Even after narrowing my field of friendships, I still had to deal with my own inner critic – you know, that voice within that torments you in the night, “advising” you as to what you shouldn’t or should have done, telling you what you are and what you’re not, filling your mind with fears and worries!

Sometimes the counsel of my own inner voice is pretty ungodly and does not agree with the love of God.  Listening to it has caused me a great deal of stress and unhappiness.

There’s also a bit of a scoffer in most of us, right?  Isn’t that what we do when we hear the word of God and add a “yeah, but…” after?

Whenever we place our experience or what we see in others’ lives above what God says… well, that is a bit of scoffing. And as the word says, that does not lead us to a happiness!

So, what does? (go to part 2!)

Are you happy?

Posted on by

Keys to Happiness…. In the Bible???

Are you happy?  Do you want to be happy?

These may sound like dumb questions … doesn’t everyone want to be happy?

Well, yes, I believe they do.  But, there is a notion about happiness in many Christian circles that specifically devalues happiness!

Consider this common teaching:
Happiness is related to happenings.
Happenings are temporary.
Therefore don’t seek happiness, a temporary and fleeting state of mind.
Instead, seek joy because joy is a reliable gift from God.

Well, I submit this thinking, one I long ascribed to, is wrong.  Oh, not that I don’t believe in seeking the joy of the Lord… it is, after all, our strength.

But I do believe we can and should expect happiness… and not feel an ounce of trepidation, guilt, or shame about it!

In our counseling/coaching ministry, we talk with people regularly who are not happy – in their marriages, their jobs, their relationships with their children or extended families, in their finances… the list goes on.

If I may, I would like to do a series on this topic over the next week or so.  I love people to be happy, and I know they can be.

In fact, the other day I came across my old high school yearbook and in it one of my best friends noted that I had a way of making people happy wherever I go.  I didn’t know that.  This was stunning to me.  I had no idea making people happy would be part of my life’s mission!

So, I ask you again… are you happy and do you want to be? Would you be so kind and let me know?

On a scale of 1 -10, how happy are you, generally?  How about in your marriage, if you are married?  In your work?  In your relationships, especially with God? with yourself?

I want to help you become happier.  Would you let me know if this is of interest to you?

God has given us many keys I would love to pass on to you.  It is His intention and design that we be happy, otherwise there would be no biblical passages giving us clues!!

So, here’s one for you to meditate on from Psalm 89:15:

“Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are the people who know the joyful sound; they walk, O Lord, in the light and favor of Your countenance!”

Tip #1:  KNOW the joyful sound.  This joyful sound is actually a loud, shout, often with music and relates to celebrating all that God has done!  Go ahead!  Feel free to celebrate!  Shout out the goodness of the Lord!  Even if you don’t feel like it — trust me, it is elevating and will transform the energy in the atmosphere around you.

Tip #2:  WALK in the LIGHT and FAVOR of God’s countenance.  His countenance is His turning His face to you, looking upon you, with Favor in His eyes! This is a truth you can carry around with you, all through the day!  Maybe you can take some time and meditate and receive that today!

Tip #3:  Get my new book, “Have I Ever Told You, You’re My Favorite!”  It is helping so many increase in the favor of God… and that is a totally delightful key to happiness!

Favor for Weight Loss?

Posted on by

Recently I asked a group of ladies, “For what do you need God’s favor?”

One by one, they poured out their hearts – some revealing the dreams and calling the Lord had given them, others the desire for a job that paid well and they enjoyed.  But for a large number of them, they needed favor to get to their ideal weight.

Tired of carrying around the extra poundage, feeling discouraged and disgusted every time they look in the mirror or a picture of themselves, and even worse, having impending health conditions affect the quality and duration of their lives, some of them struggled with the desire to even exert the energy to — one more time, try and lose the weight.

Now, I know I’m only 10-15% overweight, and so, some may disqualify me from speaking on the subject, but I am heavier than I ever have been before, and it’s not comfortable.  I don’t like feeling the formation of a tire or two, around my belly.  And while my health is still excellent, at the rate I’m going, jumping to the next size in clothing …. again … will be the least of my worries.  Losing 15- 20 pounds would make me feel oh, so much better!

And yet, every time I have tried to lose weight in the past, it becomes a focus, and the more I focus on my weight, the more weight I put on!  If I have been successful in losing it, the weight eventually finds its way back to my body bringing added reinforcement with it.

Can anyone say, “Amen?”

So, for me and others, I asked the Lord, “Does your favor work for weight loss?” I knew the answer had to be, “yes,” but I needed revelation on how.

Well, His answer is unfolding.  I have noticed that when the Lord is beginning a a new work, or providing a fresh way to an old problem, His answer rarely starts with a list of to-dos … but rather, a meditation on an overall perspective … some attitude or truth to apprehend before actually designing an action plan.

So here’s what He gave me:

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of ALL grace – Who imparts ALL blessing and FAVOR – Who has called you to His OWN eternal glory in Christ Jesus, WILL HIMSELF COMPLETE and MAKE YOU WHAT YOU OUGHT TO BE, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen and settle you.”  1 Peter 5:10 (AMP)

God has given this verse to my husband and I a lot lately!  And it seems to apply in all kinds of situations, but I never thought about it in terms of helping us with our attitudes about our bodies.  And yet, more and more we hear of reports where pounds seem to melt off  people who are basking in the glory of God at a revival meeting! Recently a friend shared how she lost 3 inches around her middle this way!   His glory and favor can do that!

As I meditate on this verse, I am encouraged.  Maybe we can approach losing weight in the same way we approach our salvation …. by grace, not works.

Maybe we need to sit with this verse before the Lord for a bit, letting His Spirit have His way within us before we jump into the next miracle diet plan.

Maybe the favor for now is “the divine influence on our hearts, and the reflection of such, in our lives.” Maybe we need His divine influence to truly believe that, “Faithful is He who calls us, who will also do it.”  (1 Thess 5:24)

Being full of that truth, maybe this process would be so much easier.

So,  rather than me giving you my take on this…. why not sit a few minutes in contemplation before the Lord, asking Him to reveal to you His take on it. Why not write down this verse today, take it with you, or post it somewhere prominent.

And if you need the favor of God to help you, let me know.  I will definitely pray for you!

Part 2 coming soon!

Love,
Maryann

Where is favor when your heart is broken?

Posted on by

Good Morning and Happy Monday!

Can I be candid with you?  It’s a little difficult for me to get started this week.  The skies just let loose a torrent of rain, casting a dull gray veil on what would otherwise be vibrant greens, purples, and reds.  Hmm.. Interesting.

You see, for a while now, I have felt like those vibrant spring colors.   I’ve been  in an impenetrable bubble of God’s favor.  As He and His favor flows through me, around me, and before me, I am like a giddy little kid.  I love to see His favor abound.

But as I talk to more and more people about God’s favor, I am confronted with the conundrum that for many favor sounds great, but their struggles are real, their hearts are heavy, and their hope has all but disappeared. 

Where is favor then? Can we only experience it when things are going our way?

Well, as I write this, I want to share with you, I am having to answer that question personally.

I recently became aware that a person who matters much to me deceived me, and it hurt.  Badly.  And it still does. I was reminded of many conversations I’ve had with others who don’t know what to do with such pain.  

Where is favor when your heart is broken, when your trust is violated, when you feel so betrayed that you can’t stop crying?

I almost did not write you.  How can I encourage you with a Monday morning zing, when I feel so zapped?

Because the truth is, God is good, and He has an answer.  Even as I write this, it is coming.

I see there’s only one thing to do:   ASK.

“Lord, do you have a word for me?  My heart is aching and I’m drawing blanks here.”

Yes, He does …. And here it is:

“Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so, find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.”  (Prov 3:3-4)

Oh yes, refreshment to my soul and music to my ears.

There is a reservoir of mercy and truth within us.  Like the colors of spring, they are there, in brilliant display, but the heavy rains can so obscure their vibrancy.

God is now showing me that during times of heaviness and pain, we need mercy for others and ourselves more than ever.  We have been forgiven of all wrongs, and so, freedom lies in doing the same for others.  I must tap into His mercy.

This is also not the time to forsake, or resist His truth. And what is that when we are in pain?

God loves us, we are special and  important to Him, and even in this situation, He has a favorable outcome that He can and WILL work in our hearts and often, in the hearts others.

That is a powerful aspect of His favor!

Though people fail us, we can depend on Him.  He is the lover of our souls.  With that love He freely gives to us, we can in turn love the ones who hurt us.

As I meditate on this verse, and ask the Lord to deepen it within me, I notice my soul lifting, my hope being restored, and His love consuming me.  I am rediscovering this rich deposit of His favor and freedom is flooding my heart.

I can count on a favorable outcome of His design.  Oh, happy day!

Say … will you look at that.  The sun has come out … the gray is gone… it is glorious.  Have a fabulous week!

The richest of blessings to you!
Maryann

Where is favor when your heart is broken?

Good Morning and Happy Monday!

May I be candid with you?
It’s a little difficult for me to get started this week.  The skies just let loose a torrent of rain, casting a dull grey veil on what would otherwise be vibrant greens, purples, and reds.  Hmm.. Interesting.
You see, for a while now, I have felt like those vibrant spring colors.   I’ve been in an impenetrable bubble of God’s favor.  As He and His favor flows hrough me, around me, and before me, I am like a giddy little kid.  I love to see His favor abound.


But as I talk to more and more people about God’s favor, I am confronted with the conundrum that for many favor sounds great, but their struggles are real, their hearts are heavy, and their hope has all but disappeared.  Where is favor then?
Can we only experience it when things are going our way?


Well, as I write this, I want to share with you, I am having to answer that question personally.

I recently became aware that a person who matters much to me deceived me, and it hurt.  Badly.  And it still does.  I felt my heart break into a thousand little pieces, and wondered if it would ever mend and feel whole again.
Where is favor when your heart is broken, when your trust is violated, when you feel so betrayed that you can’t stop crying?


I almost did not write you.  How can I encourage you with a Monday morning zing, when I feel so zapped?

Because the truth is, God is good, and He has an answer.  Even as I write this, it is coming.

I see there’s only one thing to do.  And it’s not to talk about it with a bunch of friends, (though I am thankful to have an understanding husband who is always available when I need him.)

Complaining bitterly to others is no remedy for me, and it only compounds the hurt the more it’s repeated.  For me, the only thing to do is seek the Lord, enter His presence, and ask Him for a word, a vision, a thought… anything.  He knows what I need at every given moment, especially when I feel overcome with pain.

So, I asked, “Lord, do you have a word for me?  My heart is aching and I’m drawing blanks here.”  And here it is – an old familiar passage, a perfect verse for me.  How faithful is He!

“Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so, find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.”  (Prov 3:3-4)

Oh yes, refreshment to my soul and music to my ears.

I realize once again, that within us, there is a reservoir of mercy and truth.  Like the colors of spring, they are there, in brillant display, but the heavy rains can so obscure their vibrancy.  God is now showing me that during times of heaviness and pain, we need mercy for others and ourselves more than ever.  We have been forgiven of all wrongs, and so, freedom lies in doing the same for others.  I must tap into His mercy.

This is also not the time to forsake, or resist His truth.  And what is that when we are in pain?  God loves us, and even in this situation, He has a favorable outcome that He can and will work in our hearts and often, in the hearts others.  That is a powerful aspect of His favor!  Though people fail us, we can depend on Him.  He is the lover of our souls.  With that love He freely gives to us, we can in turn love the one who hurt us.

As I meditate on this verse, and ask the Lord to deepen it within me, I notice my soul lifting, my hope being restored, and His love consuming me.  I am rediscovering this rich deposit of His favor, and freedom is flooding my heart.

I can count on a favorable outcome of His design.  Oh, happy day!

Say … will you look at that.  The sun has come out … the gray is gone… it is glorious.  Have a fabulous week!

The richest of blessings to you!
Maryann
Maryann Ehmann
God has always been my Source. It just took me a while to know it and agree with it!
But as I’ve done so, He has transformed my life, and the life of every single family member. From lack to plenty, sickness to health, worry to peace, guilt to freedom, darkness to light…
This is His mission for you, too.
Oh, and yeah… this is a picture of me NOT in jammies!

{!contact_address}

Have I Ever Told You….

You’re My Favorite!

The Importance of Feeling Special

God wants you to feel special, and one of the best ways He does it is by giving you His favor!

Not convinced?

Why not reserve your copy today!

Available May 19!
maryann@haveievertoldyou.com
http://www.haveievertoldyou.com
Printin

It’s Java, Jammies, and Jesus time!

Posted on by

Hi Friends!

Spring has sprung up here in western New York, and though the cliche can get old, for me, the feeling of newness each year never does.

In fact, in Spring, I find it so much easier to see the buds of new attitudes and perspectives that the Lord has been cultivating in me over the past winter.

This “reveal” encourages my heart and solidifies my belief that He is indeed actively working in my heart and mind, renewing it, and thus transforming me.  I love being transformed!

Do you love His transforming process? Continue reading →

Another Adventure in Favor!l

Posted on by

God is showing my husband great favor these days (or maybe we are just more attuned to it!).

As a private investigator and security consultant, he often contracts with major corporations to find missing goods, expose shady operations, or discover counterfeit sources. He quite enjoys it.

This work has given him extensive travel experience (www.AmericasTravelExpert.com),  but he is always looking for new places to go and write about. He is also a man after God’s heart, and he loves meeting new people and spreading God’s love wherever he goes.

Recently he was saying he would love to go to the Middle East or China…. and then the call came… an interesting case that pays very well.

And if that wasn’t favor enough, the company might need him to go to ….. YES!  the Middle East or China. In 25 years of investigative work, this offer has never been presented!   Hmmmm…. He jumped on it!

The forces that oppose us, however, do not like us experiencing the favor of God, His promises, or any good thing actually.   They would like us to be frustrated and then, blame God.

And so, many times since Gene began this case, a wrench was thrown into the works where it looked like his desire would not be coming to fruition.

The favor of God is always at work, even if our heart’s desire is not fulfilled at the moment. God makes sure we have golden nuggets strewn along our path. We can rest in that.

However, we had a “knowing” that Gene was supposed to go, not just for him, but for the success of the case. Often corporate budget constraints can make executives short sighted and settle for inadequate results. Gene wanted win-win for everyone.

So, our spiritual training kicked in. We said “No!” to any and all obstacles. We proclaimed God’s love, delight and pleasure to have Gene go. We did not accept, “No”. This was a big lesson for us.

Three times we saw his travel threatened. Three times we declared he was going. Each time there was a temptation to roll over and just accept the company’s decision. But God trains us well.

Ps 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will guide you with my eye.”

Gene is now in Istanbul, Turkey, and next month he will go to Hong Kong!

God delights in delighting us.

Do you have a desire on your heart that He would delight in giving you? Let the Lord train you in appropriating His favor.  It’s there for you, too!

Have a blessed day!
Maryann

PS  Speaking of traveling…. this airport video will put a smile on your face!!

Airport Fun

God’s Word for 2010!

Posted on by

I asked the Lord for a word to start off my year.  Maybe you would like it for you, too!  We can share!  Enjoy and if you have a comment, feel free!!

Maryann,
It’s time to take the land.  I am with you.  Bring who will come.  Many giants have already been fought and overcome.  The rest are meaningless and insignificant.  Their strength and might are mere illusions.  Do not cave in.  Hold your ground and move forward.  I am bringing you to a place you’ve never been before.  Do not think about the past any more.  Your future lies before you and it is good.  Do not fear, for I am with you.  I am always with you.  No more doubt about that.

There is much to be done, but you will see a super acceleration of it, an increased clarity, and a super efficiency.  Remove the clutter and that which holds you back.  I will show you.  I have been freeing your mind.  Do not let any lie settle back in.  You know the strategies of the enemy.  You know the assignments put against you.  I have taught and trained you to identify them

Elevate the hearts and minds of My people…. all My people.  I love them all. They are all special to me.  They all have My heart in them.  Don’t do them damage by exclusion.  There is enough of that, “for My sake.”  But it is not for My sake… it is a distortion.  I love all.  I came for all.  Do not put road blocks up for them, to hinder them.  I have given you insight to help tear road blocks down.  You have a special anointing to bless, to enrich, and to elevate.

Enjoy each phase of this process.  Do not fret anymore and be robbed of this joy.  Each moment has a building quality that will serve the next stage of life.

I see you done, and it is a beautiful thing.  You are My beauty.  I love the twinkle in your eye.  I love your silliness and your ability to laugh at yourself and your circumstances.

I love that you love Me and seek Me each day.  Do you know how that makes me feel?  Special.

Yes, that is what is important here in this time for us.  I feel special when you attend to Me.  (He lifts my face and kisses my forehead… there is a radiant glow on my face.)

Maryann, if only you knew just how much I love you.  You would have no fears.  My love for you is so complete, so satisfying, so hopeful, so good.  Things will come your way and try to buffet you, buy you have My insulation around you.  I will keep you protected and warm.

He only is my rock and my salvation.  He is my defense and my fortress.  I shall not be moved. Ps 62

Don’t worry about what you don’t know.  Look at it as an unfolding.  When you get to that part of the path, you will learn more.  I’ve got you covered.  Stay attuned to Me.  I will teach you all you need to know. Speak My love to the world.  Be released to hear Me.

I am released.  You are my joy, my Lord.  I am free.  I am free.  I am free.

Blessings to you all!

Maryann

From Hint to Heavenly Perspective

Posted on by

Welcome to another edition of Java, Jammies, and Jesus!

Agree with God
You are the crowning achievement of all His creative power!
*********************************************************************************************
I’m sure you have noticed this, too…. as you go through life, God shifts the direction of your path, or so it seems, sometimes ever so slightly, giving you a new focus or renewing a previous one.

How do I know it’s God?

Because, for me, it starts with a small hint in my heart, a fleeting thought in my mind, but often a persistent and inescapable one.

This particular thought was simply, “I need more of You today, Lord.”

Nothing revelatory, extraordinary, or pivotal.

I often think, “I need more of You, Lord.” After all, that is why I began the practice of being in His presence and writing to Him daily.

So, why does this thought have … this day …. an edge of distinction?Could it be another lesson or a prior lesson tweaked?

The Lord has taught me to come to Him with all my problems, issues, or concerns.  He has shown me His faithfulness over and over.

However, I noticed recently that my letters to Him have become too focused on my concerns.  I’ve talked to the Lord enough about them.  I can definitely sense that.

And yet, I’m not settled or satisfied.

Something is still missing.

Peace is not flowing like a river, and I want it to.

I need it to.

I am looking for that rest that only He can give, but seaching for it does not yield it.  It only seems to make it more elusive.

And then the spontaneous utterance, as if God is forming the thoughts in my mind, only in first person.  “I need more of You, Lord. Not solutions.  You.”

Ah, yes, I detect a slight shift in my soul.  I know there is more.But now what?  Worship?  Pray?  Yes, and sweet it is…. but there’s more… there’s always more…and I want it.

Again, the tug in my heart, “I need more of You, Lord.”  My concerns begin to take a back seat, fading into faith.  I am sensing a heavenly perspective, and it brings relief.

But there is more.

I am drawn to watch a Bill Johnson message. I cry.  My heart throbs for God.  He is all I want.  Any disturbance my concerns had to my peace has dissolved.

I just want Him, His purposes, His manifestations of power and love.

And then, there’s the book.

That book that has been sitting on my nightstand for, how long?  Months maybe?

You know how books and magazines pile up on our nightstands, with every intention of reading them before we drift off to sleep.

But for me, in 2, maybe 3 paragraphs, I’m snoring, glasses still on my face, the book waving up and down as it wants to fall to the covers.  Often my dear husband, takes the book and the glasses, and quietly turns off my light, mostly without my knowledge.

Well, last week I put away all those books, except for one.  One I started months ago, but just couldn’t get into.

This night though, with undeniable attraction, I picked it up, and captured by the love and power of God revealed in those pages, I couldn’t put the book down.

Don’t you love how God moves within us, sometimes so subtly, drawing our attention to what He knows will enrich and elevate us?

The book?   Expecting Miracles, by Rolland and Heidi Baker. Not your typical missionary book where you marvel at the missionary, but end up feeling small and inadequate yourself, maybe even guilty that you are not having such “strong exploits.”

No.  This book is a most inspiring, magnetizing, and hopeful book.  God knew what I needed to read.

In the coming days, I would like to bring you some of the excerpts that have delighted my heart and renewed my perspective.

The point of today’s encouragement for you (and me) is:  God loves us and is in charge of our paths.  He is actively working to bring us into greater and greater awareness of His desire, love and esteem for us.

He speaks, often subtly through our own thoughts, in a first person voice.  So, don’t ever dismiss the power of the heavenly hint.  He wants to lead us, so He can pour out His richest blessings upon us, not the least of which is Rest.

I leave you with one sentence from the Baker’s book that touched me immeasurably:

“In Jesus we are the crowning achievement of all His creative power.” (p. 185)

Meditate on that one for a century!

To His Glory and Love for you all,
Maryann


Agree with God, He really is Your Help!

Posted on by

Help from the Lord

One of the vehicles in my life that God uses to help me confront and overcome my fears and grow in His Amazing Love is my network marketing business. I often don’t like calling it a business because, for one, I don’t really treat it as a business, but also, it’s one of the ways I’ve been called to help people.

Business sounds so, well, mercenary, though it doesn’t have to be, but that is often the perception. Many of my partners feel the same way. We desire to be a resource of genuine assistance, not people who impose, hurt, or offend.

But in approaching people and offering to assist or benefit them in some way, we sometimes get misunderstood, ignored, or flat out rejected. This can be painful. It can cause us to recoil, slip into oblivion with our heads hung low, want to attack in response, or give up trying.

Maybe we cause some of our own pain by how we approach people. Maybe we could use better words and phrasing, or questions, or timing. Maybe…..

But sometimes we look too hard for “the” answer or the secret to success, that we get lost. We forget why we are even here, what we are doing, and where the TRUE source of OUR help lay. Before we can truly be of help to others, we need to fully understand from where OUR help comes, and how to appropriate that help!

Recently, while in one of those foggy funks myself, my awesome hubby, reminded me of Ps 118. I would like to share this with you over the next few days, because it’s one of those Psalms, that, taken to heart, makes you feel so good!!!

Look with me first at verses 1-4 (AMP)

GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
Let Israel now say that His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.
Let the house of Aaron [the priesthood] now say that His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.
Let those now who reverently and worshipfully fear the Lord say that His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

Before we continue, let’s notice together what the Psalmist leads us to do….

1. Give Thanks.
2. NOW SAY, “His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.”

What a good idea! In the middle of funks, Give Thanks! Verbally, out loud. I have found that giving thanks in the face of discouragement is very elevating. So, maybe you can stop what you are doing right now, and …. GIVE THANKS!

Why? Because the truth is, He is good, really, and good to each of us, personally and individually.

So, join me now: “Thank You Father, for You are good, and good to me, always. Thank You.”

If you’re not feeling it, keep thanking until you do. There is real power in your words.

Another reason to Give Thanks:  God’s mercy and loving-kindness endures forever!

This is not just a blanket statement, cold, impersonal, for everyone else but you… it is YOURS!
He loves YOU. He is merciful TO YOU. When you mess up, He has nothing but mercy FOR YOU.

Not condemnation, judgment, or a big ole wagging finger in your face.

Mercy. Loving kindness. That is His heart TOWARD YOU. So, again, Give Thanks!

“Oh, Lord, sometimes people are not so merciful toward me. Sometimes they are not so loving or kind. But You are! Thank You!!!”

There are more riches in this Psalm to explore in the days to come, but for today…. Whatever you may be going through or dealing with, Give Thanks throughout your day.

Let your ears hear your voice say it. Your heart will be blessed. It will elevate you and produce a cheerful countenance for all to see. In the process, they too may be blessed!

Stay tuned for more love to come!
Agree with God… He is YOUR Help!!


How does the pain of rejection affect you?

Posted on by

Ok.  I know this is not a popular topic.  Avoiding pain, of any kind, is a basic human motivation.  So, I understand if just the mention of this topic causes most of you to “runaway!”  (Sorry, can’t help but think of a segment in the movie, “Monty Python.”)

But some of you are fully aware that the pain of rejection is something you have indeed suffered, are suffering, or continue suffer.  You understand how it has affected you and driven you in various aspects of your life.

It is to you I address this post.  Read to the end…. there may be a free gift for you!

The Lord has impressed upon me recently just how significant this issue is and how it affects relationships, choices we make in our work, and endeavors we choose or don’t choose.  And thus, I am currently working on a project about the pain of rejection and how it directs our lives – positively and negatively.

Would you take just a few minutes and jot down some notes to me as to how it has affected you?  Would you mind sharing a story, a choice, and event where you have seen yourself do something or not in order to avoid the pain of rejection, or maybe how you reject yourself, or how you have tried to compensate for the pain?

For example,  because of being abused, abandoned, and rejected often as a child, I was motivated to become a lawyer.  Seems positive, right?  But once I had achieved my goal, I felt very depressed, rather than satisfied.   Why?  Because I was largely motivated to become a lawyer by my need to prove my worth and secure my future.  I wanted to be esteemed and wanted.

Well, I was esteemed, alright.  But I felt less wanted than ever!  People are scared of attorneys!  Girlfriends thought I was superior to them.  Guys thought I was too smart for them.  And on top of it, in the geographic area I lived in, being Asian, especially a smart Asian, was not a desirable trait.

The desire to avoid and compensate for the pain of rejection caused me to seek this career, but instead of being free of it, I added even more. (Thankfully God rescued me and showed me over many years, His love, esteem, and security that never fades and is in constant operation!)

Another example.  My husband has a business where he must invoice for services rendered.  For a long time we could not understand why he didn’t bill his clients on time, charge for the full extent of his work, or invoice at all!  Eventually the Lord shed light on it:  Gene perceived that the bill was a reflection of his worth.  If there was any challenge to his bill, which does happen in service businesses, it tapped into a hidden fear that he was not actually worth the money he charged.  This pain of feeling worth-less was enough to (subconsciously) keep or delay him from the billing process.  Of course, God pointed this out for Gene’s victory, but seeing and accepting this dynamic was not all that easy!

These are just 2 ways we have seen our choices affected by the pain of rejection.  There are so many more that relate to our relationships, our ministry, what we expect from life, God, and ourselves.

How about you?  Would you share with me how the pain of rejection has affected you and your choices in live?  Do you desire to be free and victorious of it as well?  In what ways are you already?

And here is the free gift part ….. share your story, and receive a $7 gift card to your favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or department store!   You can send me an email privately, or you can add your story here!

Thanks so much!!

Cheers!

Maryann