spiritual life



                               

Teresa, 5m4m contributor shares her insights on perfectionism and how it can become a major stronghold in your life. The book, Confessions of a Raging Perfectionist is the perfect tool you need to finally break free from that lie. We were compensated to write this post and sent a copy of the book to review, however all opinions remain our own.

Per·fec·tion·ism, noun. “A fault, often disguised as a good quality, that ends up leaving the bearer disappointed with oneself for not having acted ‘perfectly’ in a given situation.”

I realized at a young age that I might have a bit of a problem with things being ‘just so’. When I was a teenager, my bedroom was perfect. Literally, I woke up and promptly made my bed, perfectly. I walked into my closet where all my clothes and shoes were lined up and organized, perfectly. My makeup and polishes and toiletries were lined up perfectly on my dressing table {and oh how my little brothers loved to come into my room and knock those bottles of nail polish over}.

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Spiritual Deficiency

Pills Pouring out of BottleI have a vitamin D deficiency I didn’t know until my doctor did a blood test. I wouldn’t say it’s a big deal, but when I first found out, it did help explain why I was so tired all of the time.

*Among the symptoms are:

Low energy and fatigue

Symptoms of depression and mood swings

Sleep irregularities

Lowered immunity

To combat the deficiency, I take vitamin D3 supplements once a day. Pretty easy.

As I reached for the vitamin bottle one day, I realized that vitamins are not the only deficiency taking its toll on us.

There is spiritual deficiency.

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My Esther Moment

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV

Last month, I spent a couple of weeks studying the Book of Esther. I knew I would enjoy it and learn a lot, but I didn’t expect God would use it to speak to me. I shouldn’t have been surprised.

God uses what we know and where we are to speak to us.

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Come…An Invitation

“Come,” Jesus said. (Matthew 14:29)

I have read the story of Peter stepping out of the boat many times. I think of that moment as he gazed across the water and Jesus said just one word…COME.

An invitation.

Did Peter then turn to the others and say…Could you pray about this for me? Did he then write down the pros and cons of taking that step? No. He simply stepped out in faith. To walk on water towards Jesus. It was only when He took His eyes off of Jesus and looked at the water, that fear took over and he began to sink.

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Honey, Where Are The Kids?

Our pastor gave an illustration a couple weeks ago that made me smile and write some notes on my bulletin. He painted the picture of parents who finally get some time to themselves — a weekend away or just an afternoon date. The first few hours are glorious with great conversation and laughter and then she glances into the backseat of the car to check on them and he takes the Disney CD out of the player and they exchange that look that says, “yeah, we kinda miss them.”

They drive us NUTS, but yet, we do begin to miss them when they’re not around.

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Leaning Forward

Happy New Year!  Well, almost.  I cannot believe that 2012 is coming to an end and a new season is about to unfold, a season full of hope and promise.  Over the last few days, I have spent much time in reflection.

As Christmas drew near, I reflected on the sacrifice that Jesus made, leaving the comforts of His heavenly home and coming to earth, to be born as a babe in humble fashion, just because of His love for me!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believesin him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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Keeping Faith in the Reason for the Season

Christmas can so easily become one big swirl of commercialism and hype.  I know that we all fall into the trap of the lists of gifts, parties, deadlines, baking, etc becoming THE focus.  In fact, while I am typing right now, I am also feverishly trying to work on a knit scarf for my oldest son.  I love the opportunity to give this time of year.  As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the season, if I am not purposeful I can lose vision for what this season is really about – Jesus.  I have found that even with my best intentions, it is so easy to slip into making Christmas about me and those I love instead of about Him.

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Life Changes…God Does Not

Life changes…God does not.

Christmas family traditions bring smiles and warm memories of time spent together. For some, it’s hot chocolate by the fireplace and smiles as their children open gifts. For others, it’s the singing of familiar Christmas carols.

But for some, the Christmas season not only brings sadness, but also images of the joy and happiness everyone else is experiencing. Behind warm smiles are empty hearts and aching souls. Maybe that someone is you.

Life changes.

Children grow older. They lose interest in family traditions or move away.

Hardships come and take over all we wish we could do.

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