Today is Affection’s day.

What does that mean, exactly?

Many of us grew up in homes that were less than affectionate. Or homes that were downright devoid of appropriate affection. But…

Today is Affection’s day!

Today, you don’t live under the power of what others have (or have not) done to you, or for you. Although we were created to live interdependently, we will always be let down by those around us – because we are all human – but today, we realize that Jesus gives us the power to intentionally create our own legacies!

So how do we go about doing that? Let’s start with the basics.

We all need touch.

We need to have someone reach out and let us know that we are seen, heard, loved. Whether or not we have our own touch quota met, we can choose to be the source of healthy, soul-filling touch.

Your friends, your spouse, your children need the gift of your touch. Start with a simple pat on the back, or a gentle touch on the shoulder. Hugs are almost always an appreciated greeting, whether it’s been minutes or years since you’ve seen one another! Grow towards long spells of snuggling on the couch while watching a movie or holding hands while just talking.

I’ve been reading the book called “52 Things Kids Need from a Mom” by Angela Thomas, and her second chapter is centered around this issue. Angela confirms that kids NEED their moms to touch them often – a hug and a smile when you first see them in the morning, a gentle brush on their shoulder when you pass in the kitchen, a tender kiss on the forehead when you say goodnight. Whether we like it or not, we are each already passing on a legacy to our kids – will they someday grow up and shy away from hugs from people they love, but not know why? Or will they look back on their childhood and remember many, many such hugs, kisses, tickles and “I love you”s?

If you feel like you’re in need of more touch from the people you love, open the lines of communication right now. Choose the person whom you feel understands you and cares for you the most, and describe to them what you’re feeling and brainstorm some possible solutions with them. You matter!

Touch is a universal language. 

A simple touch speaks volumes about what you feel about a person.  Intentionally using this method of nonverbal communication can make a world of difference in the relationships that surround you.

Touching someone can break down boundaries from culture, age, or gender…

Touch can communicate acceptance, forgiveness, friendship, sympathy, comfort…

The way you respond to other’s touch also says a lot! Take some time right now to give thought to how you generally react to the way your friends, spouse, or children touch you, and what your responses are communicating to them. Are you unintentionally communicating that you’re too busy for them? Are you unintentionally communicating that you don’t ever want to hug *that* particular friend? Are you unintentionally communicating that you dislike being close to your children or your spouse?

Touch can heal.

Can you think back to a time when you were suffering, and someone’s touch sped up the healing process for you?

I recently miscarried twins. I went to the ER three times in the span of one week due to complications from the miscarriage. It had been a long time since I’d been in a hospital, and I was stunned by the sterility of it all. You were never touched except to have your IV placed or your blood pressure taken. And even then, it was clear that the touch was not meant to be affectionate or comforting – it was strictly business. But ONE nurse took the time to sit down, talk with me and ask questions because they wanted to know my heart, not because they had a chart to fill out. He provided tissue after tissue as I cried, sympathized with me, and yes – while sitting at the foot of my rigid ER bed, he reached out and placed his hand gently on my feet. He said nothing, but his touch communicated what I needed. I was not alone. I was not just another emergency. I was a person. My pain mattered. And I mattered enough for him to intentionally reach out and touch me and offer what help he could.

I came across this story the other day. Believe it or not – but it’s certainly applicable right now!

Take the Leap! Start NOW to change your habits of affection. Give it a little extra thought and effort and enjoy the benefits that will soon follow in your relationships!

Today, we choose to start forming our own legacies with power and intentionality!

Stacey Joy

The post Power of Affection appeared first on Why Be Merely Human.

“This is how I want you to pray now. Pray in secret – with the door open. I want them to see you being with Me. I want them to catch you turning to your Heavenly Father for guidance. I want them to learn from you how to walk with me. No dramatic presentation needed. No fanfare required. Angela, this is a new season with a new way. And this new way for your heart pleases me.”

What a breath of fresh air. In a way, Angela has given us all permission to allow life to change with the ebbs and flows. No need to be inflexible. Flexibility can be beautiful, and can usher in new depths of relationship with the Lord that we haven’t yet encountered!

I remember as a child seeing my mom, in varying stages of life, sitting quietly in her armchair and prioritizing time with the Lord. I am thankful for those little snapshots of faithfulness. I am glad that a deep part of me says, “This is the way a Godly woman walks with God.” Her little acts of random faithfulness, done in the midst of the home where her little one’s could see, has had generational implications!

So I don’t know about you – but I’m going to enjoy praying and meeting with God with my door wide open in the coming days!

May our Mommy’s hearts be filled with His unconditional love so that we, too, can impact future generations for GOOD!

Stacey Joy

The post When Praying in Secret is NOT the Way to Go appeared first on Why Be Merely Human.

You have my heartfelt sympathy and compassion. I have very recently been where you are and know how desperate you may feel right now. Sometimes the work of a home and a family can be absolutely suffocating. But I would like to offer you a moment of respite from the storm – and perhaps a little bit of hope that things can change.

Clear your schedule, dear Mama. Nothing will refresh your soul like taking a week off of running errands, playdates, homeschooling, writing, and whatever else tends to eat up your time. Of course, some things we simply can’t get rid of – but jettison anything at all that is expendable. Use your first day or two to just get your feet back under you. Spend time cuddling with the kids. Don’t create a grand lunch or dinner – choose to have leftovers or cereal or just fresh fruits and veggies with peanut butter. It’s really OK. Stay in your jammies. Take extra time to make yourself a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Breathe deeply and listen to some restoring music.

If you’re like me, then the first thing that tends to go when you get too busy is your quiet time. Don’t beat yourself up – just get back on the bandwagon. It really is that simple. Put your kids in the bathtub and read your Bible for a few minutes right next to them. Take your journal outside and sit nearby while they play. Give up the idea of 2 or 3 hours of solitude and quiet! God can and will work within whatever space your current life situation will allow. Just have a heart that desires to meet with Him and He will make a way.

I have recently felt the bulk of the weight of housework lift from my shoulders – part of this is largely due to the fact that my youngest kiddo is now almost 2, but the other piece to the puzzle has simply been my resolve to love my family well through just doing it. That’s right. I don’t put my housework on a schedule at any level. I leave my schedule open to flexibility, and when I pass a sinkful of dirty dishes, I stop what I’m doing and start cleaning. Same with laundry or a floor that is screaming to be swept. Just do it! So what if you get interrupted? Most chores can easily be paused and resumed later. If you have children who are old enough to help, then don’t forget that it’s healthy for them AND for mama if they are trained to help. Older children (anyone above 5) who have been taught to notice messes and deal with them quickly and without being asked are a great asset to any family.

The point is not to have a clean home. The point is to love every person who lives there, and any other person who might walk through our doors. Floors don’t have to be perfect, toys don’t have to be out of sight. But take a little time to create beauty and peace in your little corner of the world – you and yours will be glad that you did. Candles, soft music and pleasant scents go a long way to providing rest to weary souls, even if there are legos underfoot and grime in the bathroom sink!

In Large Family Logistics (this is NOT an affiliate link, it’s only here for convenience), mother Kim Brenneman wrote two incredibly useful chapters called Moving Beyond Survival Mode and Coping While Exhausted and Overwhelmed . A few of her tips included working for 10 minute spurts and taking a 10-minute break. She outlines basic ideas for putting simple morning, afternoon and evening routines in place to create a sense of stability in your days. She even suggests having pre-chosen outfits for each day of the week so that you don’t waste time staring at your wardrobe each day! (What, that’s not just me?!) But to really get to the heart of it, she offers insight and encouragement – you are not alone. There are many mothers who know exactly what you are going through and can help you overcome! If you are overwhelmed mama, I would highly suggest finding this book at the library and seeing if Kim’s suggestions will work for you. (If  you’re in the Denver area, shoot me a message and you can borrow my copy of her book!)

I’ve also been reading Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson (this is also NOT an affiliate link). It is another of my highly recommended books to find “hope for the mom who needs to breathe”. It’s a beautifully synergistic relationship between older mother Sally and younger mother Sarah. You get a precious peek into their rare Godly mentoring relationship and are honored to watch as Sarah has grown as a mother because of the time and effort Sally has poured into her.

Dear precious mama, please take a minute to text or call someone who cares about you. Tell them honestly (and perhaps tearfully) where you’re at and ask humbly for help. At the very least, know that they will be praying and rooting for you in your journey. I am too.

You are blessed among women, and the Lord has great plans in store for you!

Stacey Joy

The post To the Mama Overwhelmed with Housework appeared first on Why Be Merely Human.

I am a young mother of a few small children. I write this letter from my heart and hope that it speaks to yours.

I need you.

Did you know that?

Myself and many of my fellow young mothers found ourselves getting married, buying our first homes, and having our first babies without enough practical preparation. As a whole, we are a generation of confused and overwhelmed mamas, desperate for mentors and teachers, desperate for vision, desperate for hope.

Many of our own mothers worked outside of the home full or part time.

Many of our own mothers may have been present physically – but not available emotionally.

Many of our own mothers bought into the lies that the Enemy and our culture propagated that told them that housework and childrearing are disposable jobs that could easily be offloaded to maids or daycares while they pursue their “true” life’s work. 

Many of our own mothers weren’t taught by their own mothers.

And perhaps you weren’t, either.

Glory be to God Almighty that there is hope for you, there is hope for me, there is hope for each one of us!

Because truly, families without hope equals a world without hope.

God had a plan for avoiding this breakdown of the sanctity of motherhood. But now that we’re experiencing it firsthand, the same plan now has a different purpose – to undo the damage that’s been done. The plan is written simply, to us, in Titus 2:

³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, ⁴ and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Vision for parenting and childrearing is to be passed on from generation to generation. Not only in books and blogs and homemaking seminars, but in the daily nitty-gritty of life. In woman to woman talks, in my living room, in your kitchen.

Practical tips for parenting and childrearing are to be passed on from generation
to generation. Why should every generation of new mothers have to wade through massive amounts of information and articles and “how-to’s” to figure out the most simple things in life?

A heart for home, husband and youngsters is to be passed on from generation to generation. No more of this affair with apathy and flirting with falsities – it’s time to proclaim that our work on the homefront is among the most important work known to mankind – and that it can and does and WILL impact eternity. 

And indeed, every one of us is an “older woman”. We are ALL Older in one way or another, whether it be spiritually or literally, than other women in our lives. I’m calling you out. It is time to take responsibility.

Therefore, it starts with you. And it starts with me. And together, we can change the direction we’re headed. We can actually offer hope to our own daughters, to our own neighbors, to the very world!

And so – I strongly plead with you to prayerfully consider Titus 2:3-5.

Ask God to show us, all of us, what it might mean to become Titus 2 women. Ask Him to open our eyes to see the implications our choices have had, as well as what changes we must make to see this dream become reality.

For all women, everywhere, and “that the word of God may not be reviled”.

Stacey Joy

The post Dear Older Woman appeared first on Why Be Merely Human.

Essential Oils are a relatively new love of mine. Since I discovered them a little over a year ago, I have used them for everything from cleaning the house, to healing sicknesses, to aromatherapy (all day, every day, thanks to my handy dandy diffuser!), to healing cavities, to easing aches and pains… the list is endless.

But I also have a special soft spot in my heart for pregnancy and babies, and for my precious friends who are either pregnant or nursing right now – so I thought I’d combine the two passions and help you navigate how to use essential oils safely during pregnancy and nursing!

(And now that I’ve discovered Eden’s Garden as a very affordable, effective, charitable, and faith-based alternative to the more popular MLM companies, I am thrilled to be able to use my essential oils more often and not worry about the cost, or worry about sacrificing quality.)

To start with, some practitioners suggest avoiding ALL essential oils during your first trimester since they have strong medicinal properties. Some oils should not be used at any point during pregnancy. With that in mind, let’s sort through how to use essential oils safely during pregnancy and nursing:

Roman & German Chamomile

Safe for Pregnancy? No. These oils are often used to combat emotional imbalances as they have very soothing, calming properties. They are both excellent at treating skin conditions such as eczema, rashes, burns, bites, stings, and itching. However, both German and Roman Chamomile are uterine stimulants (meaning, they can cause contractions or trigger menstrual flow) and therefore should not be used during pregnancy.

Safe for Lactation? Probably. Both Roman and German Chamomile are considered safe during breastfeeding – and they can actually be used to soothe sore breasts and nipples.

Clary Sage

Safe for Pregnancy? No. Clary Sage often promotes feelings of joy, well-being, and elation, which also makes it a prime candidate for combatting emotional imbalances. However, it is also NOT for use during pregnancy since it, too, is a uterine stimulant and can increase blood pressure.

Safe for Lactation? Probably not. This oil is debated for safety of use during lactation, and so is best to avoid.

Peppermint

Safe for Pregnancy? No. Among other reasons, Peppermint can increase blood pressure and so should be avoided during pregnancy.

Safe for Lactation? Depends. Peppermint can be used to dry up or decrease your milk supply – therefore, use peppermint only when this is the goal you would like to achieve.

Wintergreen

Safe for Pregnancy? No. According to Eden’s Garden, “Wintergreen may have negative effects on young children, nursing women, pregnant and those suffering with liver or kidney disease.” Wintergreen should not be used on your skin or taken internally, unless in small quantities occurring naturally in the foods you are eating.

Safe for Lactation? No. See above. Wintergreen may be toxic to nursing infants.

Eucalyptus

Safe for Pregnancy? No. Eucalyptus is known to increase blood pressure as well and should be avoided during pregnancy. It’s also considered toxic when taken internally.

Safe for Lactation? Generally not considered safe for lactation either.

Cinnamon

Safe for Pregnancy? No. Also known as a uterine stimulant. It is also considered unsafe for even dietary use except in small, infrequent quantities.

Safe for Lactation? Generally not considered safe in essential oil form. Cinnamon is safe for dietary use during nursing, but some babies may object to the way it flavors a mother’s milk!

Other oils considered UNSAFE for pregnancy and lactation include Aloe, Anise, Basil, Bay, Bergamot, Cassia, Cedarwood, Dandelion, Clove, Cypress, Elemi, Fennel, Garlic, Ginger, Juniper, Lemongrass, Marjoram (uterine stimulant), Nutmeg, Parsley (except in small amounts naturally found in food), Pine, Red Clover, Sweet Basil, Thyme, Yarrow, and Ylang Ylang. Talk to your healthcare provider if you wish to use a specific essential oil during your pregnancy!

 

How Essential Oils Can Help Nursing Mamas

Word to the wise: when using any oil directly on the nipple or breast, it’s wise to wash it off before your next feeding.

Mastitis (Breast Infection) and Clogged Breast Ducts – Lavender works miracles for clogged milk ducts! Apply 1-2 drops to the affected breast, avoiding the nipple, and massage gently. Repeat use until you get relief. For Mastitis, Melaleuca (Tea Tree) and Oregano oils are recommended. Use with alternating hot and cold compresses multiple times a day for short periods of time (5-10 minutes). Raw cabbage leaves are also a popular remedy for clogged ducts! Simply place a cabbage leaf inside of your bra, directly against your breast. Replace with a new leaf when it becomes wilted and warm.

Sore, Cracked, Dry, Painful Nipples – Lavender wins again! It is wonderfully effective in treating most skin conditions. Simply rub directly on the nipple after nursing, then make sure to wash your nipple off before nursing baby. Calendula and Roman or German Chamomile can also be used to heal nipples.

Increasing Milk Supply – In addition to getting adequate rest, nutrition, and hydration, essential oils such as Fennel, Basil and Nettles are widely known to increase a lacking breastmilk supply. Fennel should not be used more than 10 days in a row! Basil and Nettles (not stinging nettles) can be used more regularly. These oils can be rubbed (1-2 drops) directly onto breast tissue (avoid the nipple).

Oversupply / Engorgement – Peppermint can be used directly on the breast tissue to help decrease milk supply. Sage, Jasmine, Parsley, Stinging Nettles (not nettles), and Yarrow can also decrease breastmilk supply.

How to Use Essential Oils for Specific Pregnancy Complaints and Concerns

In general, oils that are considered safe for use during pregnancy AFTER the first trimester include citrus oils (Orange, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine and Grapefruit – however, Bergamot’s safety is debated), Lavender, Patchouli, Tea Tree (Melaleuca), and Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Rosewood, Neroli, and Geranium.

But what to use when you have a specific complaint or concern?

Early Labor  – Lavender can be used to calm an over-stimulated uterus, or simply to ease a tired mama. For early labor, rub Lavender directly on the belly or place 1-4 drops Lavender essential oil in a tub of bath water and soak.

Aches and Pains – Lavender can also soothe those pregnancy aches and pains! Rub directly on the problem area. Use in conjunction with rest, stretching, icing, and/or soothing baths to help create long-lasting ache relief.

Headaches – Frankincense should be rubbed directly on the temples. You may experience relief in 5 minutes or less!

Heartburn and Nausea – Lemon can be rubbed directly on your belly or throat/upper chest area to help calm these common pregnancy symptoms.

Sadness, Depression, Anxiety – Lavender and Ylang Ylang.

Fatigue – Grapefruit and Lime are known to be energy boosters! Apply to the back of the neck or use in aromatherapy.

High Blood Pressure – You may have guessed it this time – Lavender again!

Swelling – Lavender directly on the swelling site can help reduce pregnancy-related swelling of hands, feet, ankles and even the face.

Breech Baby – It may be an old wives’ tale, but it certainly has helped some women – rubbing peppermint on the top of your belly may help “cool” that area of your belly down enough to encourage the baby to turn itself. Myrrh is also said to help align, balance and “righten”, and so could also be useful. Might as well try!

Stretch Marks – Lavender rubbed on the belly 1-2 times daily will help you avoid developing new stretch marks. If you have “old” stretch marks, Lavender can help lighten their appearance.

This may not be a complete list of safe and unsafe essential oils for pregnancy and nursing – so use wisdom and always check with your healthcare provider before using essential oils to treat any condition!

I wish you and your family well. May you be blessed on your journey in motherhood!

Stacey Joy

The post Essential Oils Safety During Pregnancy & Nursing! appeared first on Why Be Merely Human.

First off – as the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”!

Preventing Sleeplessness

Know the common causes of sleeplessness – especially those specific to you!

Eating too late in the evening will detract blood flow from your brain to your stomach to accomplish digestion. Finish eating no later than a couple of hours before your bedtime. If you must eat, choose some lean protein (like deli meat). Infamous insomnia-causing foods include dairy products, tomatoes, spicy foods, as well as foods containing sugar and/or caffeine.

High amounts of stress during the day can make it difficult to wind down at bedtime. Try cutting back on stress-inducing factors in your life. Implement stress relieving activities every day, such as gentle exercise, stretching, deep breathing/meditation, reading a favorite book, music, aromatherapy, massage, a warm bath, a talk with a friend, etc. Also, taking calcium and magnesium right before bed helps calm the body and relax muscles.

Any type of screen emits unnatural light that inhibits the release of melatonin and other “drowsy” hormones! Plus, the constant barrage of new information forces your brain to stay awake and process. Violence, drama, and excitement of any kind via television shows or texts from friends will also make it difficult to feel sleepy. Do yourself a favor and keep away from all screens for at least the hour before bedtime. Turn your phone’s ringer off during the night to avoid unwanted awakenings.

Food sensitivities can also cause sleeplessness. This is one that most western doctors don’t seem to understand just yet! Many people have sensitivities – even if they aren’t aware of them. You may not have a full-blown allergic reaction, but you can have other symptoms of food intolerance, such as insomnia, weight gain, anger and irritation issues, inability to focus, stomachaches, headaches, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, etc. For me, one of my triggers is chocolate. I can’t have any chocolate whatsoever during the day and expect to sleep at night. Don’t ask me why – it’s just unique to my body. What are your own triggers? Have you been having symptoms that lead you to believe you might be sensitive to a certain type of food?

Being in bed is a common culprit that few people seem to know about. If you use your bed to read, watch TV, or just relax in during the day, your body stops recognizing your bed as a place to sleep. Stay completely away from bed during the day and you’ll find that your body is better at falling asleep in bed at night, when you want it the most!

Exercising within two hours of bedtime causes an increase in adrenaline while increasing blood pressure and boosting your metabolism. While these are great benefits of exercise, and while exercise is vital to overall health, make sure you get your workout in earlier in the day to avoid sleep disruption.

Temperature issues can be a real issue as well. Rooms that are too hot or too cold will keep your body working, not resting. Make sure to find a good balance of room temperature, pajamas and blankets. A stress doctor once told me that having warm feet is a must for sleeping soundly. Worth knowing!

Hormonal fluctuations can also cause sleeplessness. For me, I have 2-3 nights a month where I have difficulty getting to sleep, no matter what I’ve done or not done.

Dehydration is another cause of insomnia. Water is vital to every body function, including sleep. Always have a glass of fresh water right by your bed and drink a full glass (8 oz) of water right at sleepytime. If you tend to get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, then focus on drinking lots of water in the hours between dinner and bedtime, and drink no more water starting an hour before you turn off the lights.

Lack of exercise can contribute to feelings of restlessness as you’re trying to fall asleep as well. Get good, sweat-inducing exercise at least 3 times per week and your sleep will surely benefit. Just remember from above to finish your exercising at least two hours before bedtime.

Worry will get the best of you as well. If you’re worrying over a relationship, a deadline, or just a complicated life issue, don’t try to sleep before there is some resolve. The Bible encourages us to not go to bed when we’re angry (Ephesians 4:26) so do your part to make the issue right. If it’s not anything you have control over, give it to the Lord, process it through some journaling or a conversation with a friend/spouse who cares for you, then hopefully you can enjoy a more peaceful sleep.

Well, you might say, this is all fine and dandy, but what do I do when I can’t sleep right now?

What to Do When You Can’t Sleep

First and foremost, don’t panic. Becoming frustrated or worked up over your sleeplessness will do nothing but make it worse!

You have three simple options:

1. Get Up!

If you can accomplish some of the day’s tasks during the night, then by all means, use the time to be productive. If you’d rather go for the relaxing route, try reading, taking a warm bath, praying, journaling, or stretching. Then try again!

2. Stay in bed!

You don’t have to be asleep to get rest during the night! Stay in bed, lights off and eyes closed, while you can’t sleep – let your mind wander, or pray, or sing songs in your head that might help you feel sleepy again.

3. Sleep Aid!

Use a sleep aid and then try to sleep again! Avoid using sleep aids that are habit-forming (basically guaranteeing more sleepless nights unless you use it every night). Natural sleep aids include lavender essential oil, Chamomile tea, or tinctures that you can easily find in your local health food store. If the natural sleep aids don’t help, I like to keep a simple and effective sleep aid by my bed for the worst nights – ZzzQuil. One half of the chewable tablet works for me.

Whatever option you choose, try to learn from your sleepless nights so that you can avoid more in the future. Go through the list above and think about what you did that day, or just before bed, that may have caused the sleeplessness.

For Ryan’s take on sleeplessness, check out this short video!

Peaceful sleep to you and yours!

Stacey Joy

The post What To Do When You Can’t Sleep appeared first on Why Be Merely Human.

I have some ideas that I hope will empower and inspire you to do things a little differently this year.

If you’ve been invited to bring a dish to share, bring GOOD food! But, what makes food “good”?

• Free of the ingredients that “mess with” your belly (or your family’s). Whether this is gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, sugar, nuts, whatever, just ask Google for some amazing recipes – and don’t be afraid to try them!
• Full of fruits and veggies – especially this time of year, our bodies need all the help they can get to ward off sickness. Check out The Sneaky Chef for some awesome ideas on how to sneak fruits and veggies into everyday meals and treats!

When confronted with food that you know will upset your stomach, or cause you to gain some serious weight, simply refuse it. It does get easier and easier as you practice – with time, you won’t feel like you’re missing out! (By the way, you’re not! You might be the only one at the party who will leave feeling great and not have any regrets the morning after!)

Once you’ve refused the “bad” food, reward yourself with your own carefully chosen treat! For me, this is soy free, dairy free chocolate. When I know I can satisfy my sweet tooth without compromising my food standards, I don’t feel nearly as tempted to give in to bad food.

Find someone who not only understands your choices to avoid food that is bad for you, but will support you 100% and make good choices with you. It’s much, much easier to make those tough choices when you’re not alone, and you’re not surrounded by people who are eating the things you should avoid.

You may hear lies like this:

You’re the only one not eating that pie.

You’ll never get to eat all the things you want to ever again. You’ll always be stuck with the “health food”.

Maybe this time it won’t hurt my stomach…

It won’t make a difference whether I eat that or not.

Make the right choices for you – you’ll be thankful you did! There’s nothing better than enjoying great Christmas food and not regretting it later (on the scale or on the toilet!)

Blessings and HEALTH to you and your family this beautiful Christmas season! May the Lord be praised for His best gift of all!

Stacey Joy

The post How To Avoid “Bad” Holiday Food! appeared first on Why Be Merely Human.

God is FAITHFUL! Amen and Amen!

How could I possibly find words to describe the way I feel?! (The picture above does me justice!)

First things first, as I promised I would be writing last week:

“This past Tuesday, He brought another (faith-building) opportunity. One of greater risk, greater nervousness, greater fear involved. To be brave and sing boldly in front of the church for Sunday worship. Not backup singing, but leading a song.

So I did, and He saw me through the nervousness and the fear – and my faith in Him was strengthened.”

That must be the theme for my life right now – “He saw me through”.

Friends, friends. God is good. He is good to me and He is good to you. Step out in faith. Step out on that water! Watch the waters part before your eyes, “taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)

Last year, I attended the Women of Faith Conference in Denver. One of the lead female speakers, Christine Caine, in her pleasant Australian accent, encouraged us all to never fear when your circumstances are frightening, or seemingly impossible. She said, “God doesn’t even like to show up until the circumstances are impossible!” Because then – when it is clear that we could not fix our own problems, heal broken relationships, overcome addictions by ourselves – only then can all the glory go to God. Those around you will see and understand that, without a doubt, there is a supernatural power at work in you. I pray this is true for my life, and I pray it is true for yours.

Take that first step of faith, brave men and women of God.

“Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD,

which he will work for you today.

For the (enemies and trials) whom you see today, you shall never see again.”

(Exodus 14:13)

How Great is Your Love by Mercy Me

My heart is steadfast of God
And I will sing
With all my heart and soul
Music for the King
And I will awake the dawn
With my praise to you O Lord

How great is Your love!
So much higher than the heavens,
With faithfulness that reaches the sky!
How great is Your love!
So much higher than the heavens,
With faithfulness that reaches the sky!
O, how great is Your love!

Praise the Lord O my soul
And glory to the King
Forever You are robed with majesty
We come to you O Lord
And Lay our praise at your feet

Be exalted O God and let Your glory reign
Be exalted O God and let Your glory reign
Let it reign

The post Strengthening Your Faith (Part 2) appeared first on Why Be Merely Human.

Have you done it as well?

Have you ever prayed to the Lord that He would do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith?

And then He sends the perfect faith-building scenario?

I have! Here’s my story. But first, a little background about me.

I am ambitious. Perhaps a little overly ambitious. I have very high standards for myself that I hardly ever live up to – but I keep trying. I have incredibly lofty goals for myself, my future, and especially my children. I strive every day to reach these goals. And I am learning to strive only with His energy, not my own (Colossians 1:29)… but that’s a different story for another time.

One of my life’s callings has always been to worship. I love to sing and play guitar, and I love worshipping my Lord. I’ve always dreamed that someday, maybe, the Lord would use me to bring Him glory through worship.

I know that, in order to make this goal (and other goals) for my life a reality, it is important to make a little progress every day, simply by being faithful in every day’s little choices. The ones that sound a little like this (at least in my head) –

Should I use this time while my kids are napping to watch that TV show? Or should I read my Bible and talk with the Lord about that issue that’s been eating at me? 

I really should get some exercise today. But I’d rather just stay here and eat some more chocolate. 

My little ones want Mommy to read just one more story…

Those three friends asked for prayer, but I don’t feel like praying right now.

Here comes that old familiar temptation to sin again. Oh, how much damage could a little sin do? Maybe just this once… 

And thousands and thousands more. Every day! I don’t know about you, but I can easily get overwhelmed by the never-ending stream of them! And what happens when I make the wrong choice? The one I am SURE won’t get me to where I need to go? The one I’m sure does not please my Heavenly Father? I beat myself up. Terribly. To a pulp! And the voice of condemnation fills my heart, and I allow it to reduce me to a nearly lifeless mess of tears and shame. But the Lord has been so kind. He allows me time to process it all, then gently brings me back to where I need to be. His voice is never one of condemnation, of rubbing your face in your mistakes, of pointed shame! He is the voice of encouragement, of understanding, of “you have it in you!” and “I’m so proud of who you are and where you’re headed!” With Him by my side, I’ve been able to make the right choices a few more times every day. And when I fail, I fail! And I pick myself back up, dust myself off, and try again.

He knew, without a doubt, that this was a lesson that I MUST learn before He could take me on the next adventure of my life.

So, back to my leap of faith. On March 20th, 2014, the Lord gave me clear calling to pick up guitar, singing and songwriting again. He said that it will most certainly be used in the near future to build up His church. Imagine how honored I felt! He gave few details – only that I was to start practicing a little each day, as He provided the grace for it, and to just wait on Him for the next step (Psalm 27:14).

So I did! Each day, as was possible with all of my other responsibilities, I practiced. And waited. And practiced. And worshipped.

Then He brought me an opportunity.

To be brave and sing boldly for my hubby, without fear.

So I did, and He saw me through the nervousness and the questions – and my faith in Him was strengthened.

Then He brought another opportunity.

To be brave and sing boldly in front of our friends at cell group, without fear.

So I did, and He saw me through the nervousness and the doubts – and my faith in Him was strengthened.

Then He brought me yet another opportunity.

To be brave and sing boldly during practice with the worship team at church.

So I did, and He saw me through the nervousness and fumbling – and my faith in Him was strengthened.

Then, this past Tuesday, He brought another opportunity. One of greater risk, greater nervousness, greater fear involved. To be brave and sing boldly in front of the church for Sunday worship. Not backup singing, but leading a song.

So I will.

Will He let me down now?

If, at every step of this adventure, He has proven Himself to be faithful to me, to only ask me to do what I am capable of, and to simply trust Him with the rest, will He let me down now? 

He. Will. Not.

Next week, I will be writing another post, and I am confident in my Lord, no matter what happens, no matter if I make mistakes, no matter if I even choke in fear – next week, this is what I will be writing:

“So I did, and He saw me through the nervousness and the fear – and my faith in Him was strengthened.”

So like that little goldfish in the picture above, I’m taking my leap of faith. I don’t know what the bigger fish bowl will be like. Is the water too hot? Too cold? Will I even survive? But he has called this little fishy to jump. So jump I will!

This is my story, my current walk of faith.

What’s yours?

“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”

Psalm 55:22

Oceans by Hillsong

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

Oh, Jesus, you’re my God!

I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

The post Strengthening Your Faith appeared first on Why Be Merely Human.

“Stolen Joy”. A personal journal entry from Tuesday, November 18th, 2014, 6:50 am.

“You will be sorrowful. But your sorrow will turn into JOY.”

John 16:20

When, Father? When will my sorrow turn into joy? When you come and I get to live with you forever? When I choose to start thanking you despite the circumstances? When the trials are over?

Now?

I am a mess, inside and out. I am angry at people for letting me down. I am angry at my kids for failing. Silly mistakes – they don’t even matter. I am angry at myself for not being a good enough mom, singer, Christian, servant… I am angry at the world. How can You turn this anger into joy?

“THANKSGIVING is the only thing that can HEAL OUR VIEW of the WORLD…

No matter what the headlines shout, the world only has two stories –

Bless God or Curse God.

If you let something steal your thanksgiving, you let something steal your joy.

And if you let something steal your joy, YOU LET SOMETHING STEAL YOUR STRENGTH…

We give thanks not because of how we feel, but because of who He is…

Giving thanks always bringing you home – home to the Heart of God. “

Ann Voskamp

______

Is it really that simple? And difficult?

WHY is it so painful to offer thanks when I don’t feel like it?

WHY must my heart rebel so?

Nevertheless…

______

Father, because of Who You Are, I will Choose Thanksgiving. Choose Joy. Choose Strength. I will presume upon Your promise that Your Joy will be my strength. (Nehemiah 8:10).

I thank You, Father, for the mess I am inside and outside, for it brought me to you this morning.

I thank You, Father, for people letting me down – it is my own divine opportunity to extend Your grace to them – to yield to the truth that ONLY YOU will not FAIL NOR FORSAKE ME (Deuteronomy 31:6).

I thank You, Father, for my beautiful children who make small mistakes and big messes! I am learning patience. I have an opportunity to become more like You, my dearest friend.

I thank You, Father, for the times that I have fallen short. I always want to fall short. For then and only then do I feel my desperate need for You.

I thank You, Father, for the heartache that this world brings, for it is truly a heartache for my Home.

“For this world is not our home;

We are looking forward to a city in Heaven, which is yet to come…

With Jesus’ help, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God,

that is, the fruit of lips that GIVE THANKS TO HIS NAME.”

Hebrews 13:14-15

And oh so suddenly… my heart has been softened. Just like that. My view is changed, or rather, healed… I can look at my circumstances through this new view, and find that my reactions have made a sharp 180°… I feel that I can now face the day, with all it’s disappointments and messes… and now I am speechless. In awe of Your Great Grace towards my broken and ugly little heart.

Thank You.

Though You Slay Me by Shane & Shane

I come, God, I come
I return to the Lord
The one who’s broken
The one who’s torn me apart
You struck down to bind me up
You say You do it all in love
That I might know You in Your suffering

Though You slay me
Yet I will praise You
Though You take from me
I will bless Your name
Though You ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who’s all I need

My heart and flesh may fail
The earth below give way
But with my eyes, with my eyes I’ll see the Lord
Lifted high on that day
Behold, the Lamb that was slain
And I’ll know every tear was worth it all

Though tonight I’m crying out
Let this cup pass from me now
You’re still all that I need
You’re enough for me
You’re enough for me

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