Faith Journey, Life or Something Like It

Processing Information I Would Rather Not

Barefoot Faith Journey

Processing Information I Would Rather Not

Processing Information I Would Rather Not

Processing Information I Would Rather Not but here we are…processing it like a boss (or baby boss). I can’t even begin to explain what has happened in my life in the last 6 years (really 18 but whose counting). There has been physical loss of my Lady, two dear friends, health issues with my family and my self, loss of churches, leaving a home, moving, going back to work, the inner workings within my core family, dealing with aging parents, and almost the loss of my marriage.

I’m Not Perfect

Doubt

I’m not always kind.

My tongue is my worst enemy.

Honestly, my temper can rival my tongue.

The feelings of losing my faith.

Isolation.

Depression.

Anxiety.

Fear.

Loss of hope.

Pain.

This feeling of a deep deep sadness that I can’t even explain.

Somewhere, I lost my way. My faith was wavering…I was bent, however, not broken. The realizations of my dad’s health scare took the wind right out of me. I was not prepared for that. I was prepared when he had his stroke. I knew what to do. I was prepared when he had his open heart surgery. This took me by surprise.

It is Hard to Explain

Last October was the last time my dad was in my home. I knew something was wrong that night because I had to “hoist” him up one step to get into my house. He had no strength in his legs. In reality he had a TON of fluid on both of his calves. So much fluid that it was literally oozing out but we never saw because I don’t see my daddy’s bare legs that often.

He was moving slower and just seemed tired. Also, he was losing weight and we couldn’t figure out why. As he states, in the summer, he sweats off all his weight and in the winter he packs it back on. This time, it was the opposite. He lost 42 lbs from Nov 2-the end of December. No one could figure out what was going on and for his privacy, I will leave it at that.

Birthday and Holiday Season

I distinctly remember the day I had either a conference call with my sisters or I maybe I was just talking to one of them but it was close to my birthday. I had a simple question of “will this be my last birthday with daddy.” Silence. My heart sunk and I couldn’t find a breath to even breathe. I wanted my birthday to come and go without notice.

Thanksgiving…Christmas…all was different. We came together, as a family, rallied, prayed, helped, fought and thankfully, today daddy is so much better. He just turned 80 and my Oak turned 78. I know life is but a vaper and so many people lose their parents at way younger ages. However, life without them seems…wrong.

We left our home, suddenly, and without a word to a single person, outside of family. This was something I had, silently, been thinking on and then our world came crashing down. When it did, I knew that I knew that I had to get out. The memories, though some were precious and I hold dear, were too much for me to bear and I had to leave. I no longer felt safe and that wreaked havoc on my mental state.

Recently, A Big Deal Happened

About a month ago, on a Saturday, my husband went to town. I thought he was going to the post office but then I got a call that said daddy was on his way. Daddy has not been to my house since that day in October.

I. Was. Giddy.

I ran around, straightening things up and getting my clothes on and thinking “what can I feed him.” Then, I heard his truck and I bolted outside. Bless his heart, he couldn’t even get the door open and I was like a 10 year old child jumping up and down with tears streaming down my face.

He knew.

He knew the last time he was here. He remembered that we thought he wasn’t going to live. Those conversations of making final plans still bounce around in my head. He popped out with a smile and didn’t even have his cane.  I asked him if he could come in and he said that he couldn’t come up the stairs, so he leaned on the truck and I just basked in the beauty of him standing in front of my house. It was freaking beautiful and he knew it was beautiful. My husband knew, my Oak knew…we all knew that this was a moment I would never forget.

Moments Like This

In a moment like that one, I remember to hold onto hope and hold onto the One that sustains me. Even though I still don’t understand why things have happened the way they have, He still loves me. Depression, anxiety, fear…His shoulders are big enough to carry all of that and more. He is waiting for me to turn my head towards Him instead of away from Him in anger or hurt.

When I stop and think back, I remember all of us begging our mom to divorce daddy. He wasn’t walking with the Lord. Mom knew that God was bigger and through the years, she prayed for him even when he wasn’t kind to her. Her story is one that I would love to share and his, as well. I can also remember the day that she forgave him and I remember the day my daddy found Jesus.

My daddy loves the Lord, loves my Oak, and loves his family. I am so thankful now, though all I saw was pain when I was in it. The Lord sees the big picture. We just see the lamp at our feet. One step at a time. One moment at a time. One breath prayer at a time. Faith of a mustard seed is what we are called to have. My mom had that tiny mustard and eventually they, together and with the Lord at the front, have created a legacy.

I’m so thankful she didn’t listen to us kids. Soon…Pop will be walking into my house to sit at his spot at the table with my children and grandchildren around him, eating supper. I feel it. It’s gonna happen.

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One of the Most Stressful Times of my Life

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One of the Most Stressful Times of my Life

One of the Most Stressful Times of my Life

One of the Most Stressful Times of my Life is practicing self-care. I have had a hard few weeks and I thought I would do something nice for myself. I’m telling you, the last 3 weeks have been so difficult. Honestly, if it could go wrong, it went wrong. My heart has hurt both personally and professionally.

The stress of juggling home life and work life has been a bit overwhelming for me. It has been a year since I started working and I have sort of found my groove. I lied. There is no groove. I am flitting between the ditches on the sides of the road.

In that “I have some time today, let’s do something wild,” kind of moment…I, indeed, did something wild. There was a gift card in my purse that I have had since Christmas. Today was the day that I was gonna use it.

Manicure and Pedicure

I had never been to this place because I do not leave the house very often. A year ago, I would have considered diagnosing myself with agoraphobia but I am working through it. I have tried to convince my husband to just walk around with me, everywhere, so I can hold his beard. It is my emotional support beard LOL. He has politely declined. I don’t know why…it’s a mystery.

Anyway, the thought makes me nervous but my husband really does like it when my fingernails are done. So, I went. On a whim. I did it. I sat in the parking lot, for a moment because I didn’t know which door to go in and then I finally got out and went in. It was packed. I almost walked out but the clerk saw me and told me what I needed to do to “sign in.” I couldn’t understand the clerk, the clerk couldn’t understand me. Thank goodness there were signs with pictures. I pointed and smiled. They smiled back and that broke the ice.

Overwhelming Decisions

I’ve had a manicure and pedicure done a couple of times, over the years. It’s not like I don’t enjoy it but I get overwhelmed. There are so many choices of colors, styles, dips, etc. Add that to the fact that I am not familiar with this place, these people, and it was so crowded that I was feeling a panic attack come on.

There are a billion shades of blue….baby, dark, sky, cerulean, powder, glossy, matte, dipped, french tipped, sparkles, do you see what I am putting down? Complete panic. I started sweating in inappropriate places and my eyes glossed over due to the volume in the place (music and chatter), the fluorescent lights, and the sheer magnitude of options.

I decided on a color for my toes and a french-tip manicure. We move to the chair for the pedicure and the little fella slaps his latex gloves on his hands. I sit, uncomfortably, and contemplate whether or not I’m getting a pedicure or a pelvic exam. I was ready to bolt but chose to stay, keys in hand, and see how this was going to go down.

Awkwardness x10

This was the most awkward I have felt in a long time. He did a great job with the pedicure but when you start “massaging” my feet/calves with gloves, you can count me out. I was trying to indicate that I had had enough and that he needed to remove his gloved hands from my legs and let me up. I guess he noticed me squirming and he wrapped it up.

The manicure made me sweat. He had a hard time understanding me, even with pictures. He did a great job, so I can’t complain. I was pleased with the outcome. However, what I thought was going to cost less than $70 was more like almost $90 due to me wanting a french-tip. Apparently, they charge differently with gel and it costs an extra $15 for the white tips to be painted on. I was not prepared for the cost.

By the time I got out, I cried all the way home. Pitiful. I know. That is just how I am wired. I do not like to get out, at all. Typically, I stay home, go to my parents, church, or work. That’s it. If I can’t order it and have it delivered to my house or the business has a “to-go” window, I am good. If I have to get out, 1/2 the time I won’t even go.

Anxiety

I have always been an introvert and a homebody but it has definitely gotten worse over the last few years. My husband would love to go out more but it is just exhausting at the mere thought for me. My anxiety can lead to a panic attack, which isn’t fun. I stood in the doorway of Ulta and immediately started sweating and crying.

I called my husband because he was able to encourage me, tell me what I am there for because I forgot, and where it was. Luckily, a sweet girl came up to assist and basically just talked me off the ledge. She did so by telling me her story and me giving her a mini session while she just handed me the things I wanted. If I can do what I love and dissociate from the lights, smells, and people…I am set to go. I was completely calm when I left because I got to help someone in need while she helped me.

Long Story Long

Do not let your mental health define you. Learn to find what helps you cope and lean into it. You are not weak for struggling. You are strong for admitting it and finding ways to handle it. I have found my ways (emotional support beard). When I am good, I do more. When I am struggling, I do less. It is as simple as that. I have tremendous anxiety, a touch of OCD, and a significant amount of depression. However, I can still do hard things even if those things don’t seem hard to someone else. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself. You can do hard things!

 

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The End of Social Media

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The End of Social Media

The End of Social Media

The End of Social Media has begun in my world. Several months ago, I deleted all my social media accounts. I still watch videos on Youtube but have unsubscribed from 98% of what I was watching. On Youtube, I have a playlist of praise and worship songs, Teddy swims playlist, a cooking channel, and some work related channels. I do not post on Youtube at all. Facebook, instagram, LinkedIn (is that even a social media site?) are all done. Pinterest may be something I still have but I  never go on there. Frankly, Pinterest stresses me out. I don’t understand it, Pinterest is overwhelming and I have no desire to look there at all.

Is There a Reason?

There are a lot of reasons that I “unplugged” from social media. The number one thing is that I didn’t feel safe, it took up time, the little squares of life are so deceitful, and I was comparing myself to others way too much.

Do you ever look at where you spend your time? At stoplights, doctors offices’, bathrooms, at the table, when you are bored, etc. I found myself aimlessly scrolling. I didn’t want my grandkids and children to see me with a screen in front of my face. There was one point, I walked into the living room and all my children were scrolling their phones, as was my husband.

I was not making human connections and I was dissociating through social media. The people I followed, that I thought had it all together and made all the things look perfect, well… there is no perfect. One lady, with 8 kids and homeschools, her husband is allegedly abusive and they are getting a divorce. Another mom of 8, filthy rich, faithful to her religion, and married for a long time…getting a divorce due to allegedly having an affair. A family vlog mom was arrested due to starving/abusing her 2 youngest kids (out of 6) and is in prison.

Is There a Downside of Deleting?

There are a few downsides of deleting social media. One is that I have lost a dear friend because I deleted my social media and wasn’t good about reaching out to her. That hurts my heart and I tried to explain that I love her but she was hurt and her feelings are valid.

Another downside is that I don’t know what is going on with family. They post, I am sure, all these updates and I’m oblivious to them. Pregnancies, death, graduations, health scares, prayer requests, proms, births, etc if a friend has any of these things, I don’t know unless they text me. I still have messenger, so those that don’t have my cellphone can still message me. When things happen, in my life, I can’t write a post to update everyone. I have to call/text one by one. Clearly, I am not good at reaching out to people.

Overall, I am happy with this decision, though I do miss my friend. My depression was really bad (not due to social media but life) and instead of facing my demons, I dissociated. There has been a lot of soul searching, asking for prayers from my mom, a few trusted people, and my husband.

What do I do Now?

Instead of aimlessly scrolling, I people watch, read, organize pictures, clean my house, listen to my children, play in the floor with my grandchildren, work puzzles, play Scrabble, and organize. I am practicing self-care, and continue to try and reduce my stress. I have strengthened my relationship with my husband, I call my mom (almost daily), and am starting to study for a big test. Life is just as good, if not better, without advertising what I am eating, where I am going, what I am doing, or discussing my children on social media.

It’s good. I challenge you to start small. Turn off your notifications, delete people who are not truly your friends, unfollow some of your “reposting” friends, and delete the app off your phone so you have to go online to get into it. Private ALL your pictures because you never know who is looking and predators are everywhere. DO NOT post pictures of your children’s faces. Keep them safe from the unsavory people of this world. Once you get used to not seeing notifications every 5 seconds, go into settings, save your facebook, instagram, or other social media history and pictures that you have shared and deactivate (not delete) your accounts.

Then….enjoy your freedom and peace.

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Creating Simplicity in a Working Mom’s Life

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Creating Simplicity in a Working Mom’s Life

Creating Simplicity in a Working Mom's Life

Creating Simplicity in a Working Mom’s Life. In this season of life, I need things to be easy. Though most of my children have “flown” from the nest and life is quieter, I am also busier than I have been in a long time. Busier in a different sense than before.

A Realization of my Reality

The other night, I was sitting in the living room, multitasking, due to the fact that if I don’t do something now, I will forget. I was cooking supper, listening to H chatter, hearing about my husband’s day, answering emails, working on a grocery list, and a menu for the upcoming week.

During this chaos, I stopped working, looked at my husband and said “I have cooked, almost daily, for you and the children for almost 31 years.” Don’t get me wrong, I love to cook. When my kids were young, I would freezer cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for a month. I baked, all the time, breads, cookies, and such.

I loved challenging recipes, shelf-cooking, freezer cooking, and experimenting. Now, I am tired. T.I.R.E.D. I have no desire to plan, grocery shop, or cook. It is SO hard cooking for, as many as, 16 people to cooking for a handful.

Not a fan.

My creative juices are sucked up with my job, exhaustion, lack of appetite, and zero desire to work harder than I absolutely have to work. So, my wheels started turning and I have come up with a plan. We shall see how long it lasts.

How My Mind Works

When I start working on my list, I add to it as soon as I realize I am out of something or need something. If I wait until a “normal” time to do it all at once, I will certainly forget. One of the first things I do is call my son. He comes over during his lunch hour occasionally and I want to make sure I have things that he likes here.

The next thing I do is figure out who, out of my children, gets to pick supper for our Saturday dinners. When I figure that out, they create that menu and I ask if someone else wants something specific. I add that to my order. Then, I order things that my grandchildren need/want to make sure they have plenty of snacks and food they will eat when they are here. Lastly, I work on the menu and order what I need. I am very good at not wasting food.

Sundays, I don’t cook. Tuesdays, my husband makes me a pizza. Wednesday, we eat out (most nights). Saturday, a different person per week chooses the menu. That leaves me with Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

Here’s the Plan

I sat down and listed off certain categories of foods that we like.  Soup, Mexican, Italian, Chicken, miscellaneous things, and side dishes. From there, we all picked around 7 (or more) things in each groups that we like. I will use that to rotate throughout the month. For each thing, I will make an editable grocery list for each thing. I will mark off the things we don’t need and checkmark the ones we need. As I cook it, I will post the recipe. I know I have some already posted and I will try and link them back.

Does that make sense? It does in my mind. All we have to do is pick from this list and the grocery list will already be created. I just have to add it to the cart and my husband picks it up. These are SIMPLE things to make and I’m still working on the chicken part. We love chicken but I do not write recipes down, I just make it up as I go. These things, most of them, can be made by my husband if I am just tapped out. That makes it even better.

A “Mostly” List (with the Exception of Chicken)

Soups:

  • Chicken Noodle
  • Chili
  • White Chicken Chili
  • Potato
  • Lasagna
  • Cheeseburger
  • Broccoli and Cheese
  • Zuppa

Mexican:

  • Tacos
  • Mom’s Tacos
  • Taco Ring
  • Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
  • Fajita Casserole
  • Standing Baked Tacos
  • Sheet Pan Nachos

Italian:

  • Spaghetti
  • Baked Spaghetti
  • Lasagna
  • Cheesy Chicken Lasagna
  • Baked Pasta
  • Chicken Alfredo Lasagna with Ravioli
  • Coal Miner’s Pasta
  • Baked Tortellini

Chicken:

  • Alice’s Chicken
  • Pan Fried Chicken breasts
  • Baked Whole Chicken
  • Baked Thighs
  • Fried Chicken
  • 40 Clove Chicken

Side Dishes:

  • Rice (burnt, fried, plain, broccoli & cheese, Mexican style)
  • Green beans (plain or green bean casserole)
  • Corn (or corn casserole)
  • Rolls (cheesy bread, bread, bread sticks)
  • Potatoes (so many kids)
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Lima beans
  • Peas
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Buttered Noodles

Miscellaneous Foods:

  • Breakfast
  • Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
  • Kielbasa, broccoli, onion, mushroom, potato, peppers sheet pan
  • Goulash
  • Steak
  • Hamburgers and hotdogs
  • Ham and Hashbrown Casserole
  • Pizza
  • Breaded Chops
  • Pork Tenderloin
  • Roast

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Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger: Mindful Growth

Barefoot Faith Journey

Guest Blogger: Mindful Growth

How to Pursue Personal Development Without Losing Yourself

Guest Blogger: Mindful Growth
Picture by Freepik

Guest Blogger: Mindful Growth was submitted by Ed Carter. In the pursuit of personal growth, the fine line between pushing your limits and overstepping them is often blurred. Navigating the path of self-improvement requires a balanced approach, ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the expense of your well-being. This guide, courtesy of Barefoot Faith Journey, offers strategies to foster personal development without falling into the trap of burnout.

Taking Care of Yourself is the First Step

You might think that dedicating every waking hour to your goals is the quickest route to success, but neglecting self-care only leads to diminishing returns. It’s crucial to make your well-being a priority, not an afterthought. This means setting aside time for adequate rest, engaging in physical activity that you enjoy, and allowing yourself moments of leisure without guilt. When you’re well-rested and mentally refreshed, you’re more capable of tackling challenges and absorbing new information.

Adopt Mindfulness and Meditation

Integrating mindfulness and meditation into your daily life isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformational practice. By training your mind to focus on the present, you not only reduce stress but also gain a clearer perspective. This mental clarity is indispensable when making decisions, solving problems, and learning new things. Start small, with just a few minutes a day, and observe the profound impact it can have on your peace of mind and productivity.

Refine Your Time Management Skills

The art of time management goes beyond just keeping a calendar — it’s about setting priorities, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and avoiding procrastination. By mastering these skills, you can navigate your day with confidence, knowing that you have a plan to handle your responsibilities. Tools like digital planners and to-do lists can be invaluable allies, helping you to stay on track and keep overwhelm at bay.

Variety is the Spice of Self-Improvement

Monotony is a surefire recipe for burnout. To keep your journey toward personal growth vibrant and engaging, sprinkle in a variety of activities. This could mean picking up a new hobby, learning a new language, or dedicating time to nurture relationships. These activities not only enrich your life with new experiences and skills but also ensure that your path to self-improvement is diverse and fulfilling.

Advance Your Education with Flexibility

Earning a degree online provides unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, enabling students to study from any location at their own pace. This approach enhances time management and self-discipline, crucial skills in both personal and professional realms. For example, if you currently work as an RN, with an MSN degree, you can explore diverse healthcare careers such as nurse education, informatics, and nurse administration. This flexibility ensures you can advance your education and career without upending your lifestyle.

Recognizing Your Progress Fuels Further Growth

Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory in the realm of personal development. Celebrating these achievements is essential for maintaining motivation and building confidence. Whether it’s completing a course, reaching a fitness milestone, or mastering a new skill, acknowledging your progress reinforces the habits and behaviors that got you there, setting a foundation for future successes.

Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities

No journey is without its obstacles, but the setbacks you encounter are not dead ends — they are detours on the path to success. By reframing failures as opportunities for growth, you cultivate resilience and adaptability. Analyze what went wrong, learn from the experience, and adjust your strategy. This approach not only helps you overcome future challenges but also contributes to your
personal and professional development.

The SMART Way Forward

Establishing clear, achievable goals is the compass that guides your self-improvement journey. By setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, you create a roadmap for success that is both challenging and realistic. This methodical approach ensures that your efforts are focused and that you remain motivated, making continuous progress toward
your aspirations.

The path to personal development is as unique as you are, filled with its own set of challenges and rewards. By embracing these strategies, you equip yourself with the tools needed to pursue growth sustainably, ensuring that you can achieve your goals without compromising your well-being. Remember, the journey of self-improvement is a marathon, not a sprint, and taking care of yourself is the key to crossing the finish line.

Join us at Barefoot Faith Journey for inspiring stories and insights that will encourage you to explore life’s possibilities without fear. Embrace each day with hope and a new perspective, one step at a time.

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Cooking

Leftover Pork Tenderloin Magic

Barefoot Faith Journey

Leftover Pork Tenderloin Magic

Leftover Pork Tenderloin Magic

 

Leftover Pork Tenderloin Magic was an easy and quick thing that I threw together. I was cleaning out my freezer and I found a bag of mystery meat. We had no clue what it was, so I threw it in a bowl and left it in the fridge to thaw until the next day.

When I got home from work, I pulled it out and realized it was pork tenderloin that I had cooked in the crockpot. There wasn’t a whole lot of meat there, so I wasn’t sure what I could pair with it. When I got to sniffing around my fridge, I had a partial package of tortillas, cheese (obviously), and some romaine that needed to be used up.

In my saucepan, I added my meat. I did take some scissors and cut it up into smaller bits. Then, I added 3 T brown sugar, some chili powder, some cumin, and a dash or two of lemon juice. I popped a lid on it and set it to low.

In my large skillet, I warmed up the tortillas. Once that was done, I was able to assemble my tacos. The olives, in my fridge, were speaking to me so I had to toss those. I did dice up an onion, got out my cheddar, and washed up my lettuce. This was served up with some tortilla chips. Had I thought about it, I would have put out the salsa I had in the fridge. Oh well, I like chips and salsa any night of the week.

We were all impressed with my culinary talents!

 

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Speak Up and Fill the Silence

 

Speak Up and Fill the Silence is a phrase that I just heard on a television show and it has resonated with me. As I sit here, knowing how silent I have been on my blog, in my workplace, at church, and everywhere else, this phrase hit hard.

Silence, to some, is a sign of weakness. Silence to Jesus is different. In Psalm 62:5 it reads “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” My husband told me, not to long ago, that we have “changed roles” within our marriage. Typically, I am the brazen one and he is the one that stands in the background.

I educated him that day. I simply stated “just because this volcano is dormant and not exploding, all the time, doesn’t mean I’m not rumbling underneath the earth ready to erupt at any moment.” It’s pretty simple, I have just been asleep for the last few years.

However, I’m beginning to wake up. When I look around, instead of seeing black and white, I see glimpses of color. I’m coming back to myself and I am starting to rumble. There are moments when my old self comes forward and other moments when I slip back into slumber.

I was talking to my sister the other day…we would try and talk on Mondays but since I started work, we don’t do that as often. I feel as if we have lost a bit of our connection. There has been so much going on in my world (and hers) that we are keeping our eyes above the waves. We touch base when we have a moment.

When we were chatting and talking about the hard things of life, I quietly told her something I have been thinking on for quite some time. Quietly, I said “I’m thinking about getting a cat and naming it Lucretia.” She bust out laughing and said “my sister is coming back.” We are filling the silence with laughter instead of pain and awkward silence.

So much silence. Silence with the trauma that my family went through for the last 7 years, 4 years, 2 years, and last year. I’ve lost friendships because I’ve been silent and my silence was mistaken for anger. In reality, I’m trying to just continue to inhale in and out. I’ve lost myself, I almost lost my marriage, my sanity, and more.

The other day, at work, I told my boss something that I’ve been hinting around about for a while now. I told her that I was going to get my hair done. She is all about self-care. I then stated that I was going to get some purple in my hair, but it would be underneath and the top layer would cover it. She just looked at me (I can see the rule book going through her head and it states no unnatural hair color). Before she had a chance to speak, I said “listen, I’m losing myself and if you don’t let me be me, I won’t make it.” She smiled and said it sounded great and I should also think about a nose ring (that’d be a no).

I immediately texted my hair-apist and let her know. Then, I’m scheduling my tattoo. I also bought some clothes and sparkly shoes. I’m remembering who I am and what I like. That is usually vastly different than what other people like, but I’m okay with that.

Today, I spoke up, at work. Something was said and I was taking it personally. I was able to look someone in the face and defend my morals and ethics of my job. I did so with respect and clarity. In the past, I would just let this person walk all over me until I realized that I’m not a doormat. I’m an equal and we want the same things in life (work related). We are on the same team. We can either spend our time fighting each other or fighting together.

I don’t know how long it will take me to completely wake up and fill the silence with my words, but I do know that it is slowly happening. I need to take one day at a time or even better, one moment at a time. There are things I’m still figuring out and some areas that are still gray for me because I’m not sure where to step.

My silence has been leading my severe depression for the last 5 years or so. I’m still not out of the woods yet but I’m beginning to hear sounds, see flashes of color, and in the distance what my future holds. I’m about ready to stand up and stand tall and speak.

As I tell my children, grandchildren, and clients “You are strong, brave, kind, and good. Your past does not define you and it does not control your present or your future. Straighten you crown, stand up tall, be heard, and let that storm know that you are no longer afraid because you ARE the storm.”

People. I am the storm. It’s time for me to be heard and to just fill the damn silence.

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Reviews and Giveaways

Life Counsel Bible Review and $10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway

Barefoot Faith Journey

Life Counsel Bible Review and $10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway

Life Counsel Bible Review and $10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway

Life Counsel Bible Review and $10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway.  Whatever you’re facing, the Bible has something to say. The CSB Life Counsel Bible contains articles from leading biblical counselors that will give YOU the tools you need to take action and FIND HOPE through all of life’s storms.

Featuring over 150 articles on topics related to marriage, parenting, relationships, mental health, and so many more- this Bible is like having a complete biblical counseling toolkit in one resource! Check out Life Counsel Bible for a full list of topics and order yours today!

Life Counsel Bible

The CSB Life Counsel Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible. The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Have you ever felt stressed, or been anxious, or experienced grief? Have you ever wanted to know how to help a loved one through addiction, or marital conflict, or parenting challenges? I’m really excited to share with you an amazing new biblical
counseling resource created in partnership with Holman Bibles and New Growth Press. The Life Counsel Bible provides practical wisdom for all, equipping readers with biblical truth and counsel on a wide range of topics and tough life issues.

With over 150+ articles this Bible is full of useful tools and resources for life application and discipleship. It’s great for couples, parents, ministry leaders, and anyone who has ever struggled with tough life issues (yep, that’s all of us!).

FEATURES

  • More than 150 full-length articles from respected Christian counselors and
    scholars on topics like anxiety, depression, abuse, sexuality, marriage and divorce, parenting struggles, finances
  • Callout quotes placed near each article provide truth, hope, and encouragement to apply to life
  • Over 100-word studies focusing on key words applicable to personal healing, growth, and counsel
  • Book introductions including “Circumstances of Writing,” “Structure,” “Contribution to the Bible,” and a special “Truth for Healing” section with an overview of key truths related to healing from each book of the Bible
  • Wide margins for notetaking and journaling
  • Robust page-end cross-reference system with over 25,000 cross-references connecting Scripture from Genesis to Revelation
  • Easy-to-read 9.5-point type size
  • Presentation page for gift-giving (this makes a great wedding/parenting gift)!

Links

Website: Life Counsel Bible

Disclosure

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. A winner will be selected on December 8, 2023 and submitted to the company for the $10 Amazon giftcard. You must respond to my email with your information, if selected. If you do not respond, I will choose the next winner.

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Reviews and Giveaways

The Old Testament Handbook Review and $10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway

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The Old Testament Handbook Review and $10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway

The Old Testament Handbook Review and $10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway

The Old Testament Handbook Review and $10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway. This Handbook would make the PERFECT Christmas gift!  Immerse yourself in the Old Testament Handbook, an elegant, full-color Bible handbook that includes robust summary content, charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and more for every Old Testament book of the Bible. Constructed with high-quality cloth cover materials and a sewn binding, the Old Testament Handbook is designed to last a lifetime as a valuable companion resource for Bible study, teaching, and ongoing discipleship.

Discover your companion for deeper study and display. With a handbook rich in both study and physical materials, navigate the mysteries of Old Testament narratives as you ask questions and grow in your knowledge of God’s faithfulness. The Old Testament Handbook features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible. The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Features

  • High-quality, foil-stamped cloth cover materials and Smyth-sewn binding meant to last a lifetime
  • Elegant full-color interior design, including maps, charts, illustrations, and other visual helps for every book of the Old Testament
  • More than 75 in-depth word studies of key words found in each Old Testament book
  • Ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages during study, teaching, or sharing

Links

Website: B & H Publishing

Disclosure

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. A winner will be selected on December 8, 2023 and submitted to the company for the $10 Amazon giftcard. You must respond to my email with your information, if selected. If you do not respond, I will choose the next winner.

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Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say

Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say

 

Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say because your tongue has the power of life or death. This past week, I was tootling along in life and I get a slap of reality upside the head. My knee jerk reaction is to withdraw and be alone. In that alone time, I continuously beat myself up. My thoughts are not kind at all. Almost immediately, I think that I am not good enough, I will never fit in, no one will ever be friends with me, I am worthless. See what I mean, not kind at all. Then, I think back to what I had said or done, what I could have done differently, and then self-deprecate to an extreme.

Healthy, I know.

Scripture

In Proverbs 18:21 (The Message) it says “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.” I typically do not read out of The Message but the wording in this is really spot on for me. Typically, I read out of the NKJV and so this is the same verse in a different version. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” The Lord is really making me think today. Scripture also talks about the tongue being a double-edged sword.

How many times have I gone against Scripture and said things that I shouldn’t have said to people? That thought is so difficult because I have done that so many times. There are times when I am painfully aware of what I am saying and then there are times, like this one, that I am unaware until the damage has already been done.

Reflecting on This Last Week

There was something that was said to me that just hurt my heart. When I was driving home I kept thinking “why is this bothering me so much?” It stems back to being in school and never fitting in with anyone. I had 1 friend when I was super young, none really throughout elementary, middle, or high school. Honestly, none in my community college. I did have a friend when I started at Murray and we are still friends to this day. Then, there was my Lady. I find it easier to make friends with the elderly or men.

What Is Swirling in My Mind Now

Honestly, is how I speak to myself, my husband, children, etc. If, at 51, one statement can make me feel so small and “less than” how do the people that I am with feel when I say something stupid without thinking. I have to realize that not everything that enters my mind needs to exit my mouth. That has always been difficult for me because I see that as “speaking my mind.” In speaking my mind, I am hurting others without really even knowing.

I feel like that statement doesn’t make sense when I type it but it is SO clear in my head. What the enemy meant for destruction, the Lord is teaching me a valuable truth. I get so frustrated with the situations within my family, mind, work, etc. My hope and prayer is that I use this time to reflect on, not the negative, but the positive things about myself. I hope that this continues to be a reminder that I need to be mindful of my words. My prayer is that my words can now give life instead of pain.

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