A Broken Heart's GPS Christian Counseling and Resource Center (856) 473-5937 lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org

  • Home
    • About >
      • What is Christian Counseling?
      • Our Statement of Faith...What We Believe
    • Lauri McNair, MS
  • Holy Hill
    • "I am_____by Design" Apparel
    • I.M.Maximized
    • Young Lives Matter >
      • Back to School >
        • Back to School Prayer
      • Helping Children Process Grief
      • A Warning for Parents
    • Zoe's Bakery of Hope >
      • The Truth about Chocolate
    • Joyful Melodies w/Abigail
  • Services
    • Articles >
      • Trauma >
        • Overcoming Emotional Incest/Parentification
        • Healing Inner Wounds/Emotionally Orphaned
        • Rejection
        • Shame
        • The Toxic Soul
      • Neuroplasticity and the Renewed Mind
      • The Danger of Pornography
      • The Power of Positivity
      • Offenses, Unforgiveness, and Bitterness
      • Angry with God
      • Prayer >
        • Fill My Cup, Lord
        • Serenity
        • Humility
    • E-counseling
  • Words of Life
    • God's Mighty Power Scriptures
    • Soul Food--Daily Meditations
    • Biblical Decrees
    • Healing Scriptures
    • Faith-building Scriptures
    • Deliverance Scriptures
    • Hope Scriptures
    • Love Scriptures
    • Child-like Faith Scriptures
  • Prayer
    • Prayer of Salvation
    • Testimonies!
    • Prayer Wall
  • Blog
  • Donate

Damaged Goods

11/26/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
"How do I forget and move on when the damage has already been done?"  This was a valid and legitimate question I was asked by someone who had a deep desire to move beyond the hurt of ridicule, slander, and public humiliation.  The genuine pain of the hurt and incessant replaying of the traumatic events made movement seem virtually impossible.  To this individual, moving beyond the present pain seemed impossible.

So, what is the answer when one is at the depths of despair?  The easy answer is, there is no easy answer. It requires consistent, diligent hard work and a heart that is in pursuit of God, who is holy and just. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9 that God's thoughts are not our thoughts and our ways are not his ways. Although our finite human minds cannot fully grasp or comprehend the depths of God, we can trust that all things are working together for good (Romans 8:28), even in our brokenness. When we purpose to pursue  God in and through our brokenness, it evokes personal change at a deeper soul level. 
A characterlogical change also occurs.  The core longing in our hearts to seek God as the source of our healing, deliverance, and ultimate wholeness is revealed.

​Consider the numerous accounts of people who struggled with varying degrees of challenges in the Bible who encountered Jesus--the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11), Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), Nicodemus (John 3), the thief on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:42-43), Saul (Acts 9:1-19), and so many others.  We do each of them have in common?  An encounter with the Lord changed their lives immeasurably.  When we encounter The Divine, we simply cannot remain the same.  

​The good news is that no damage is irreparable.  Even our deepest heart wounds can be healed when we bring our brokenness to The Father and align our faith with the truth of his word, reminding ourselves that God desires that we be spiritually and emotionally whole (John 10:10). It takes time, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit to draw close to God--that is where, when, why, and how the healing occurs.  There is power in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11).

PRAYER
Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you that even in the midst of anguish and despair, you have not forgotten me.  I lean into the truth of your word for guidance, healing, deliverance, and hope for a better and brighter tomorrow.  I pray for your grace that is sufficient and your strength that is made perfect in my weakness
(2 Corinthians 12:9).  Help me to be consistent and diligent in my pursuit of a deeper relationship with you.  I take my eyes off of personal pain and even those who have caused pain and distress in my life.  I chose to focus on you--your word that gives light according to​ Psalm 119:130.  I receive the light of your word. 
I receive your love, compassion, and kindness. Thank you for being a safe place for me (Psalm 31:8) Amen.
0 Comments

The Remedy for Ruminating

6/30/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ruminating is defined as thinking about something in a negative way over and over again.  Ruminating can be detrimental to one's overall wellbeing because it causes us to "get stuck", impedes growth, movement, and forward thinking, and can increase anxiety, worry, and self-loathing.  Although ruminating is depleting and non-productive, with some understanding and leaning into the word of God, we can get "unstuck" and progress toward the gift of life to the full that Jesus affords each believer (John 10:10).

Studies have shown that ruminating is connected with the default mode network (DMN) of the brain.  The default mode network is a system of interconnected parts of the brain that become active when we are not focused on the outside world.  We are "in our heads"--mulling, overthinking, or possibly replaying past events/conversations to our detriment. We may be completely immersed in "deep thought" and relatively unaware of what is going on around us.  It may be an argument with your spouse, an embarrassing moment at work, or anticipating a negative outcome to an upcoming event.  Whatever the ruminating thought is, it can evoke a feelings of anxiety, worry, angry, depression, or fear.

So, what is the remedy for ruminating?  Our answer (remedy) is found in the word of God.  For every challenge we may face in life, the word of God offers a viable solution.  God is The Creator.  As The Creator of humanity--mind, body, and spirit--we look to him for answers to the questions that we have about ourselves.  What is challenging us?  What is bringing distress to our souls?  What is keeping us up at night?  What is the thing that we cannot stop thinking about?  God answers these questions and gives us solutions  that empower, motivate, inspire, and encourage us in a kind, loving, and compassionate way.  He tells us how to stop ruminating.  Consider Philippians 4:8; God gives us an insight into our thought life and provides a key to shift from the negative to the positive by outlining what is a more productive way of thinking.  He encourages us to think on THESE things.

How do we carry out Philippians 4:8 as it applies to ruminating?  Consider these suggestions:

1. Recognize when we are ruminating and stop.  It typically happens when our minds are on "autopilot" and we are not focused on a specific task or engaging with the outside world.

2.  Practice mindfulness.  Be fully present with the world around you and engage all of your senses.  

3.  Meditate on the word of God.  Read, contemplate, and consider a scripture.  If you do not immediately have a scripture, consider meditating on Psalm 23.  King David, the writer of most of the Psalms, experienced great challenges and difficulties in life.  Yet, he cultivated a relationship with God.   

4.  Cultivate gratitude.  Research shows that being thankful and grateful is good for us!  It reduces stress, promotes optimism and hopefulness, and even boosts the immune system. 

5.  Journal.  Writing our thoughts down gets us out of our head.  It can be cathartic and therapeutic.

6.  Jam!  Put on some music, sing, and dance.  It will release "happy hormones" like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.

7.  Walk.  Going outside and enjoying the beauty of nature is a natural stress-buster.

These are but a few suggestions, but the key is realizing that we have the power to stop ruminating.  We do not have to be "lost in thought" or feel powerless to rumination.  By opting to receive the word of God our Creator, who knows our thoughts (Psalm 139:2) and making a volitional decision to think on the things outlined in Philippians 4:8.  By activating God's word in our lives by faith, we can experience emotional freedom and joy unspeakable (I Peter 1:8).

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for the divine revelation that I do not have to be captive to ruminating thoughts.  Thank you for giving me the key to living a life of victory!  I pray for the grace and strength to appropriate your word to this area in my life.  Thank you for a divine interruption off the non-productive path of ruminating and re-routing me onto the path of an abundant, satisfying, and fulfilling life according to your word (John 10:10).  I receive it by faith, in Jesus' name. Amen.
0 Comments

Growing in Faith

5/26/2022

0 Comments

 
Shared by Patricia A. Marriott
Picture

Faith that grows and is forever green has its genesis in what may seem small and insignificant, like a mustard seed.  In ideal conditions, a mustard seed tree can grow to be over 30 feet tall.  This large, sweeping tree  has a variety of uses.  It has medicinal purposes, is used for oil, condiments, herbs and spices to name a few.

Our growth in the Kingdom of God is quite similar.  Our faith has small beginnings, but it blossoms and grows.  As faith grows, we begin to embrace the biblical truth that by faith, we believe that with God all things are possible (Mark 19:26).

Consider the story of Hannah (I Samuel 1:1-28):
  • Hannah was barren; the Lord had "shut up her womb" (vs.5)
  • Hannah was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.  Hannah vowed a vow to the Lord of Hosts, asking by faith for him to look on her affliction. Hannah's prayer was heard.  She would become the mother of Samuel.  For this child she prayed (vs.10)
  • We see Hannah's faith grow.  She made a decision to go to the temple and pray, by faith.  She made a vow to God by faith. She received the word of the priest Eli, by faith.  She left the temple with an activated faith; she was able to eat and was no longer downcast (vs. 17-19)
  • She gave birth to a son, Samuel (vs. 20), who would become a prophet and a judge.

Consider the story of Ruth (Ruth 1-4)
  • Ruth, the Moabitess was the daughter-in-law of Naomi.  Both women were widows. Naomi lost both of her sons (Mahlon and Chilion), one of whom was Ruth's husband.  Ruth had no children. 
  • Both women were heartbroken and grieving.  Naomi mournfully pleaded with both her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah to go back home to their families.  Orpah went back to her family, but Ruth chose to stay with Naomi.  In her depths of despair and brokenness, she took a step of faith vowing that Naomi's God would be her God.
  • Ruth later married Boaz and had a son, Obed, who would become the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David and part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Consider the Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28)
  • ​This woman's daughter was vexed with a devil. By faith, this Canaanite woman cried out to Jesus for mercy.
  • She worshipped the Lord and pleaded again for help.  Jesus' response? "O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt." (Matthew 15:28)
  • Her daughter was made whole that very hour.

Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:1-80)
  • An angel spoke to Mary informing her that she would conceive a son to be named Jesus.
  • ​The angel gave Mary reassurance, encouraged her not to fear, and informed her that she had found favor with God
  • Mary's response to the angel's message was th.at of faith, "Be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).

We can see the origin of faith in the lives of each of these women. We can also see how their faith grew.  May they serve as an example to us.  It only takes a small amount of faith, but as we take one day at a time and maintain hope and focus of the LORD, our faith will grow.  It is a biblical truth!














0 Comments

Childhood Emotional Neglect and Existential Fear/Terror

4/11/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

Do you remember the scene in the movie, The Help, in which Abilene, the "help" asks little Mae if she remembers what she told her as she is about to leave the family's home after being terminated?  You may recall that in response to Abilene's question, Mae dutifully nods and recites the mantra Abilene taught her, "You is good, you is kind, you is important."  It is arguably one of the most important scenes in the movie on many levels. 

Abilene speaks into the life of a child who has seemingly gone unknown and unnoticed by her mother.  Abilene, observed the emotional neglect that was occurring.  As a result, she lovingly, purposefully, and intentionally validated the existence and importance of this little one.  She acknowledged Mae's existence as a human being with a destiny, dreams, goals, ambitions, independent thoughts, feelings, gifts, talents, and emotions.  Abilene saw Mae as one who needed love, protection, and security. Abilene understood, with great empathy as one who endured a lifetime of being overlooked and invalidated, as well as one living in perpetual fear and terror, that Mae needed a sense of self, safety, purpose, and identity.  One of the most painful scenes in the movie is to watch little Mae bang on the window pleading for Abilene to come back as her mother looks on, ignoring the tearful pleas of her daughter.  Thank God for the seeds of worth, value, and importance that Abilene planted in Mae's young heart.


For so many of us, there was no proverbial Abilene to fill in the gap where a parent or parents were emotionally unavailable.  No one who moved toward us with empathy, kindness, and compassion. This is devastating for a child and more often than not, the negative long term effects of such are numerous.  However, for the purpose of this blog, we're focusing on existential fear.

Having our basic needs met as children produces a vibrant and thriving childhood that is a launching pad into our future.  Conversely, when our basic needs are not met the opposite is true.  We often limp into our adulthood journey meandering through a web of uncertainty, confusion, and doubt.  There is no sense of self, because the self was not developed or recognized.  This reality produces fear, terror, and endless questions about what is true, what is real, what is authentic--especially as it relates to the self; our human experience.

The detrimental effects of existential fear, often the byproduct of emotional neglect in our childhood, cannot be underscored enough. Those who have experienced emotional neglect, emotional abuse, or were emotionally orphaned may not feel a sense of self as it was not cultivated in the childhood experience.  Walking through childhood feeling "unknown" is daunting, abysmal, and tumultuously terrifying.  It can render one feeling lost and invisible, desiring to be known--while being unseen.  It may translate to, "See me, know me...so that I may know and understand myself."

​This is what Abilene modeled for young Mae.  Her kindness, gentle rearing, compassion--while offering a sense of safety and protection, could be translated to May as, "I see you.  I know you.  I like what I see--you are good, your are kind, you are important."  Those are words of life that fuel, invigorate, and inspire.  It is in that context that curiosity is sparked, pensive "Why?" questions about our world are asked, and critical thinking is evoked.  Those simple, yet poignant affirmations build trust, cultivate hope, and inspire dreams and goals moving one toward self realization.

So, what is the good news in all of this?  The good news is that it is possible to move beyond fear and terror, even if we have been emotionally orphaned.  Someone once shared an overwhelming fear of death. This fear was ruminated upon and caused great anxiety.  The fear was so overwhelming that there was a tremendous fear about even talking about the fear, however this was the genesis of victory: overcoming the fear of talking about the fear.  It takes tremendous courage and strength for an adult, emotionally orphaned, as a child to verbalize fear and terror.  

If any of this resonates with you, be encouraged by the word of God:
  • God promises to undo all that has afflicted us (Zephaniah 3:19)
  • Nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:27)
  • God has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
  • God has given us life to enjoy (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)
  • We are promised a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6)

​
Prayer,
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you that all of your promises are yes and amen.  Thank you that no matter what emotional neglect or abandonment we experienced as children, it does not change your promises toward us.  No matter how long we have walked in abject fear in terror, by the power and might of your word, all that has afflicted us can be undone because nothing is too hard for you.  We exchange fear and terror and receive your peace that passes all understanding.  Thank you for giving us a life to enjoy.  Thank you for igniting a new sense of hope.  Thank you that you have given us an opportunity to draw joyfully from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).  Amen

​
If you would like to share about your experience with existential fear and terror. 
​ Please complete the form below.

    Childhood Emotional Neglect

Submit
0 Comments

An Ongoing Work

3/31/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture


​Have you ever started a project that was left unfinished?  Most of us, if we are honest, would raise our hand.  Myself included. (Presently, there is an unfinished painting that I may or may not complete.) ​Projects go unfinished for any number of reasons:  boredom, too time consuming, another project takes it place, loss of interest, overwhelmed by it, etc.  Many of us were taught by our parents to "finish what you start".  That is a sound principle and a goal that we, for all intents and purposes aspire to do, however there may be times that things do not go as planned.  Human nature kicks in, and projects go unfinished. 

For some of us, an unfinished work can evoke a myriad of feelings--frustration, guilt, sadness, disappointment, anxiety, and so one.  We may spiral into negative self-talk, laden with self-blaming, self-condemnation, and ridicule.  We may even blame others for our inability to bring a project to completion.

In Philippians 1:6, Paul describes believers as God's work. The beautiful and encouraging promise that we receive from this text is that we can place our confidence in the biblical truth that God will complete the work that he has begun in our lives.  The good news is that if you are a born-again Christian, then God has begun a GOOD work in you!  No matter where you are in your journey or what you may be struggling to overcome, God will complete the work he has started in your life.  He will never leave you unfinished.  He is a God of mercy, patience, grace, kindness, and understanding.  

Consider Paul, the writer of the Philippians, and his backstory.  We first learn of Paul in Acts 9.  Prior to his conversion, Paul was called Saul.  He persecuted Christians.  He was ruthless and cruel in his acts.  Yet, one supernatural encounter with Jesus changed his life forever.  No longer was he known as Saul.  He was converted inwardly and outwardly.  "Paul" was now a follower of Christ.  Would you say that God had begun a "good work" in him?  Scripture tells us that there is no respect of person with God (Romans 2:11).  What he did in Saul/Paul's life, he can and will do in ours. 

One of our greatest challenges as believers may be simply believing the aforementioned truth.  It may be challenging to embrace this truth because we often align our reasoning with feelings and logic, present realities, past experiences, behaviors, and perceived failures and short-comings.  If that is the case, it may be prudent to remember that we are not God and God is not us.  We do not operate from the same plane.  He is The Almighty, the great I AM.  His ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).  Are you able to embrace this truth by faith?  Are you able to confidently say, "Yes and amen!" (2 Corinthians 1:20) to the word of God as it relates to your life at this present moment? 

​Paul notes that we are "being confident". This is a perpetual state of being fully persuaded that God has begun a good work.  When we feel as though we are at an emotional standstill or have even taken a few steps back, it is in those moments that it is needful to remind ourselves of the promise in Philippians 1:6.  Because the work is not yet finished, our confidence must be continually activated. 

There may be days in which we do not get it right, we drop the ball, we miss the mark--those are the moments to lean into the promises of God, bring our brokenness to The Father with heartfelt repentance (Psalm 51:17), renew our minds (Romans 12:2), and get back up (Proverbs 24:16).  In so doing, we will experience victory (I John 5:4).

​
Prayer

Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for your word that gives life and illumination.  Thank you that for every human experience, we can look to your word for understanding, help, solutions, encouragement, and inspiration.  Thank you for never leaving us alone to figure things out for ourselves.  Thank you for the guidance that your word provides.  Thank you for the gentle nudges of your Holy Spirit to lead and instruct.  Thank you for our Savior who accomplished all on the Cross so that we may experience life to the full (John 10:10).  Father, we pray that you would renew our confidence in your eternal promises, renew our hope, renew our expectation, renew our zeal and thirst after righteousness.  Thank you for beginning a good work in us.  We trust and believe by faith that you will complete what you have started in our lives.  In Jesus' name, Amen.
0 Comments

The Vastness of God's Love

1/28/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
One of the greatest challenges in our journey of faith may be fully embracing the foundational truth that we are immensely and immeasurably loved by our Heavenly Father.  Perhaps one of the reasons for this internal struggle may be that in our limited human experience, we equate the Divine God's love with our personal interpretation of love. 

​Most often our interpretation of love is derived from our experiences.  Experiences shape our perspective and outlook on life, and it generally happens in our childhood years.  Did we or did we not experience love, acceptance, warmth, security, and nurturing from our parent(s) or parental figures?  Were we known, understood, seen, heard, guided, protected?  Did we feel safe, secure, nurtured, and cared for?   Who spoke into our lives?  Were we encouraged, supported, taught, and lovingly corrected? Who was attuned to our emotions?  Who helped us navigate difficult emotions and feelings like fear, worry, doubt, sadness, anger, grief, etc.?  Who celebrated our accomplishments or met our happiness, joy, contentment with like emotional expression? Who helped us process our emotions and experiences in a healthy manner?  
Answers to these questions and countless others may, in fact, determine our life's trajectory.  It may also give us insight on how we view God.

We are God's creation (Genesis 1:27), created in his image and likeness.  Looking to The Father affords us a greater understanding of who we are, and moreover, who we are in him (Acts 17:28).  The closer we get to him, the closer he gets to us (James 4:8).  As we cultivate a relationship with God, we will soon discover the vastness of his love.  His love cannot be measured or searched.  It is deeply mysterious for our finite and limited understanding to fully grasp (Isaiah 40:28-31, Ephesians 3:18). Many live in unnecessary torment and unspeakable pain, shame, regret, humiliation, and embarrassment as a result of past experiences.  Understandably, it is hard to receive the good news of the gospel when one is navigating challenging feelings.  But, feelings do not negate the truth of the tenets of scriptures.  God is love (I John 4:8) and in him there is shadow of turning (James 1:7).  These are foundational truths that we must receive by faith when logic and experiences are internally warring against us.

If you are struggling to embrace the truth of God's love for you, may I encourage you to pursue a closer relationship with him?  Relationships take time to develop, so devote time to get to know God.  Consider daily devotions that include a time to read, study, contemplate, and pray a passage of scripture.  Mindfully meditate on the word of God.  Find yourself in his word.  For example, a familiar passage of scripture is John 3:16.   

"For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16 AMP)

As you prayerfully and contemplatively read and meditate on this scripture, see yourself in it.  "For God so loved_______( your name) that He gave His only Son."  Consider the depth and vastness of such love--just for you.  How does that impact you?  Are you able to receive this foundational truth?  If not, why?  If you answered no and are not sure why this is so, do not be discouraged.  Keep cultivating a relationship with God; the entrance of his word brings light (Psalm 119:130).  He will give understanding and deeper revelation.

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for the vastness of your love.  Thank you that although my experiences of love may not always been good or positive, I thank you for the truths of your word.  Thank you that your love is vast and unsearchable.  I receive the truths of your word by faith.  I pray that you would birth a hunger and a desire to pursue cultivating a deeper relationship with you. I receive the truths of the vastness of your love by faith. Amen.



​If you desire prayer or supportive Christian counseling or would simply like an opportunity to share your story, please complete the form below:

    The Vastness of God's Love

Submit
0 Comments

Hold On

1/14/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture


​"Let us seize 
and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]..."
--Hebrews 10:23 (AMP)

  
Have you ever gone mountain climbing or rock climbing?  If so, then you are aware of the process of preparing for the climb.  In order to have a successful climb, one must be "geared up".  I can remember an occasion in which I took my daughters rock climbing.  As an observer, I was intrigued by the process of them getting prepared to climb a huge rock wall.  The instructor gave a brief tutorial and helped them get into their climbing gear.  Once properly harnessed, they began to scale the wall.  Based on their attempts, I quickly concluded that this is one of those sports that is harder than it looks!  It times strategy, thought, planning, strength, and the right attitude.  There were instances in which my girls slipped, lost their footing, or had difficulty reaching the next level.  However, what was most intriguing was their resolve to recalibrate and try again and again after slipping.  After a few failed attempts I noticed that they were beginning to approach the rock wall differently.  Rather than rushing to race to the top, their movements became more strategic, methodical, and thoughtful.  They began to take their time and the enjoy the experience of a gradual, but steady assent.  Once their perspective changed, everything about their rock climbing experience changed.  

We can correlate this physical rock climbing experience to our walk of faith.  Life can be challenging and difficult at times, but our approach to adversity determines our assent.  As it relates to the rock wall, I saw some people never make it off the ground and become so frustrated that they simply quit.  Others continued to steadily climb until they reached the top of the wall.

How many of us give up because things just seem too hard? This is the opposite of what the Bible teaches.  Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to hold on, or grasp tightly, to our faith; our hope.  We are encouraged to hold on to our faith with all of our might without loosening our grip.  We do this because there is a promise on the other side of our faith--a promise from God that he will do what he said because he is reliable, trustworthy, and faithful to his word.

As you climb the proverbial rock wall of life, what are you climbing toward?  As you climb, is your faith rooted and grounded in the word of God?  Are your eyes focused on the Lord?  Be mindful to thank God for where you are.  Trust him for where you are going to be.  Purpose to have a heart of gratitude.  Activate the gift of faith in your life to continue on.  Strive to have a positive and joyful countenance; Proverbs 18:14 reminds us that the spirit of a man will sustain him when he is sick, but no one can bear a broken spirit.  

Remember I shared that my girls slipped a few times during their rock climb?  What kept them from falling was their climbing harness.  The climbing harness is what secures the climber to the anchor point.  The Good News for us as believers is that we already have our spiritual climbing gear on board in our lives.  When Christ is our anchor and we are rooted in the word of God, we can scale the heights (Psalm 18:33)!  

​If you are struggling in your faith today, be encouraged and refreshed by the word of God.  Purpose to meditate on the truths of scripture that God is reliable and trustworthy.  He does not go back on his word.  What he said he will do (based upon his word) is an assurity, simply receive it and do not let it go.

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for the gift of faith that enables me to keep moving and striving to live life to the full (John 10:10).  Help me to meditate on the truths of your word so that they resound in my mind and in my heart.  May I live a life that is ever mindful of who you are and the power of your word at work in my life.  I receive the promises of your word by faith, now.  "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." (Psalm 57:7)
.  Thank you for enduring hope and a heart that is steadfast before you.  In Jesus' name, Amen.
0 Comments

A Biblical Guide to Self-Love

12/14/2021

0 Comments

 
"...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."--Matthew 22:39 (KJV)
Have you ever considered the connection between how we love others and how we love ourselves?  It is a biblical truth that may be worth introspection and and contemplation.  In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus ministers on love. It is a foundational principle that encompasses every aspect of life--the way in which we relate to God, others, and ourselves.  It beckons us to consider, if we are to love others as we love ourselves, how are we doing in the area of self-love? 

The concept of self-love may be challenging for some, particularly those who have endured abuse, neglect, rejection, or abandonment.  These experiences often send a message that one is not loved or is not lovable, which in turn often dictate the way in which we care for self. Thereby rendering self-love seemingly elusive and unachievable.  This erroneous thinking can become the root of harmful and negative behaviors, choices, and decisions.

If you are struggling in the area of self-love, may I encourage you with the word of God?  God is love (I John 4:7-8). He has loved us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).  He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son (John 3:16).  This love is unconditional and eternal.  God does not rescind his love.  It never ceases (Lamentations 3:22-23).  May we lean into these scriptures and receive the love of God.  In so doing, it will enable us to walk in self-love.


Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for your Word.  We thank you for your love.  Although it may be challenging for us to fully understand the depth of your love, we receive it by faith.  We pray that you would renew our minds and uproot false and erroneous thinking that has been seeded by negative experiences that have wounded our souls and brought great distress to our lives.  We pray for your healing now.  Give us the grace to make the volitional decision to practice self-love as we receive your love that is shed abroad in our hearts.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

​
Picture
0 Comments

Robbed of Wide-Eyed Wonder

10/26/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
For many adults who have experienced parentification or emotional incest as a child, it may be difficult to fully embrace the tenets of Scripture.  Receiving and appropriating the word of God in our lives requires a level of vulnerability and humility--a "child-like faith".  The wide-eyed wonder that ideally accompanies youth; a sense of awe, curiosity, excitement, and trust which is often absent from the life of a parentified child as the cares of life simply do not afford such whimsy. It is largely everything that is counterintuitive and illogical to the parentified soul who has been thrust into adult-like roles and responsibilities, not just based upon an adult's/adults' expectation, but for mere survival.  It may be challenging to relinquish the tightly held reins of survival and allow one's self to present as a child before our loving Father.  Yet, to move forward this a needful part of the journey to wholeness.

To consider what it looks like to dismantle these deeply intertwined, protective layers, may be extremely terrifying--yet the consideration of such is evidence of a heart that is attune to inner longings, unmet needs, and a quiet hope that care, help, and healing is available.  It is grappling with that flicker, that spark of curiosity that activates a heart in pursuit of something more.  "What would happen if I took God at his Word?"  "What does it look like to come to Jesus as a child?" This internal pondering is fruitful and indicative that meaningful change is emerging.  

​The Good News is that the answer to all of our deep, soulish questions is found in the word of God.  Therefore, what would happen if you took God at his Word?  Answer:  You would encounter his lovingkindness and find refuge for your soul (Psalm 36:7).  You would encounter peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6).  You would find healing for your soul wounds (Psalm 147:3).  You would discover who God says you are (Psalm 139:14), not who you were conditioned to become. You would find joy unspeakable (I Peter 1:8) and so much more.

If you are an adult who has experienced parentification and are quietly enduring or nursing the wounds this traumatizing childhood pain brings, may I encourage you to pursue God for yourself (Jeremiah 29:13)?  May I suggest that you give yourself  permission to be vulnerable and transparent before him just as so many people in the Bible had done (Psalm 30:2, Matthew 26:6-13, Luke 8:43-48, etc.)?  When they were faced with a need, they went to The Solution!  Please do not take my word for it, search out the scriptures for yourself.  You will see countless examples of how God met and ministered to people at their point of need.  You will find that he tenderly mends the brokenness and heals the wounds of the afflicted soul in a compassionate and individualized way.  

​Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for your word.  Thank you that your word gives light and understanding (Psalm 119:130).  You lead us out of dark places with your illuminating word.  You give us insight into our history and experiences.  You lead us onto a path of healing and wholeness.  Thank you that we are fully known by you
(I Corinthians 13:12) and fully loved with your everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).  We pray that you would endow us with your supernatural grace that enables us to come before you like a child.  We bring our despair, our wounds, our fears, and our worries before you.  We receive your peace, your healing, and your comfort in exchange.  Fill us with your love and strength as we seek you with our whole hearts.  Thank you for filling every void.  Thank you for supplying every unmet need. Thank you for gently caring for the wounds of our souls. Thank you for restoring our wide-eyed wonder, in Jesus' name. Amen.



0 Comments

The Sun of Righteousness

10/10/2021

1 Comment

 
Picture
​
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts."
--Malachi 4:1-3(KJV) 

 

From time to time, I have been blessed to have my mother, Patricia Marriott, share as a guest contributor to our blog. This time is no exception.  She is a sage--a woman of faith who has been no stranger to the adversity, challenges, and difficulties that we all face in life.  Yet, she is an example of resilience, fortitude, hope, and optimism.  She is known as "Mom Pat" to most.  I would imagine that this is due to her calm, nurturing demeanor that brings comfort, reassurance, and that "everything is going to be alright" vibe to those who cross her path.  Her petite stature is but a mere facade.  One would be mistaken to presume that you are interacting with anything less of a mighty warrior who reveres and stands behind a The Almighty God. 

As you read this post--this prophetic, "You got this!" pep talk, consider who has written it and Who she is writing about.  It is not conjecture or pontification.  It is personal and experiential.  Would you allow yourself to be blessed and encouraged by Mom Pat's words of faith?  No matter what you are facing, there is hope!  There is victory!  This is the Word of God.

"The Sun of Righteousness"
        Behold, the day cometh!

Shared by Patricia A. Marriott
These are the promises of God, based upon his word in Malachi 4.  Read the chapter in its entirety and receive them by faith!
  • God Almighty will burn them up.  What is the "them"?  The enemy, sickness, disease, emotional pain, physical pain, financial woes, family situations.  They will not remain.
  • There is healing for those who fear the name of the Lord.  There is a cure!
  • Revere the name of the Lord.
  • Just like the "YIELD" sign that we see on the road, we must heed to oncoming traffic.  When the traffic is clear we can proceed.  You can proceed on the right path in your journey to get your cure, remedy, deliverance; to become sound and whole.  
  • You will be like that young well-fed calf able to trample, stomp, and tread on whatever ails you.
  • You will be able to do so with a happy, merry spirit.  Your healing has come.  Your reward form the Sun of Righteousness is coming eastward bringing your healing, health, and prosperity!

​
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for your word.  It is our compass for life and living.  It is rich and abundant with lively hope.  We anchor our faith in the truths of scripture--that you are not a man that you should lie (Numbers 23:19).  You will do what you said. You are eternal, infallible, and immutable.  Long before we were conceived in our mother's womb, you knew us.  You had a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 1).  You also knew that we would face trials and hardships in life, but you encouraged us to be of good cheer (John 16:33), because you had already overcome anything we will face in this journey.  So, we thank you for the love, hope, and peace that you have implanted in our hearts.  Thank you that we live life from a vantage point of expectation and the resolve of a champion.  Thank you for godly sages like Mom Pat, who are living epistles (2 Corinthians 3:1-3) that your word is true.  May we be encouraged by their example.  We pray for our elders and ask that you continue to bless them.  In Jesus' name, Amen.


Picture
Mom Pat with her grandbabies
1 Comment
<<Previous

    Archives

    November 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Categories

    All

    Picture

    Author

    I am a wife, mother, and Christian counselor who believes that God can heal and restore our broken hearts and put us on the road to wholeness, purpose, and productivity in our lives when we follow and trust his "GPS".

               2022 abrokenheartsgps.org.   856-473-5937    "Finding our way--through God's love."
Photos used under Creative Commons from di.fe88, S.Hart Photography, SFB579 Namaste, Mr.TinDC, fuzzysaurus, Christian Frausto Bernal, Sharon Mollerus, O.S. Fisher, Laurel Fan, Kashif John, Jake.Christopher., ajari, star5112, Transformer18, Steve Slater (used to be Wildlife Encounters), eliduke, jDevaun.Photography, phalinn, pedrosimoes7, he who would be lost, Peter Daniel, Barrett Web Coordinator, DrewTM, katerha, kt.beyondperception, iluvcocacola, US Department of Education, spratmackrel, Strength, 76Winger, ToGa Wanderings, RLEVANS, Kitty Terwolbeck, VinothChandar, miguel_discart_photos, shawnchin, SFB579 Namaste, mrhayata, WestonEyes, quinn.anya, FutUndBeidl, Sapphire Dream Photography, Pink Sherbet Photography, akeg, Cydcor, Ray200260, commanderjaygold, forum.linvoyage.com, mikecogh, frankieleon, Mary Anne Morgan, Macro-roni, armanayva, abodftyh, US Department of Education, eflon, anna gutermuth, iamme ubeyou, Đây chỉ là cái kho chứa hình, mkfeeney, quinet, Bernd Thaller, the_light_house_photography, Denkrahm, LyndaSanchez, honorbound, Gerry Dincher, プらチナ, ajari, SamHawleywood, akio.takemoto, KiltBear, Frank Lindecke, Amy McTigue, E. Krall, B_earth_photos, MarkDoliner, Keira Meira, h.koppdelaney, Nicholas_T, Alex Mueller's Daily Photo, --v, aellin, Mark Illand, torbakhopper, Llima, State Farm