Tag: #prayer

10 day Fast from Negative Thinking

Posted on by Crystal King

So beginning tomorrow, I am starting a 10 day fast from negative thinking. For me this is such a big deal because it is so easy to think of negative over positive. I haven’t quite understood why though?

I try to do this before Thanksgiving because it puts me in such a better mood. I’m not one of those people who dread the holidays. I love the holidays! Family and friends gathering together. I love to give so I do a lot more giving this time a year.

I was the absolute worst thinker. I trained my brain to see my problems not my blessings, and man was that a difficult habit to break. Constantly reminding yourself of how to focus on the bad luck or the bad turn out, that takes a toll on your emotions, your thoughts, and your decision making. Although at the time I didn’t see that. Feeling sorry for myself seemed much easier to do at the time.

Now don’t get me wrong, I believe everything happens the way God intends it to, but I also believe that I have a choice on how I respond to it. I would always respond negatively whether it was in my favor or not. Yeah, what a horrible way to be.

Now I have a grasp on my thoughts and words, and I have a stronger relationship with God and this has what has continued to help me change my thinking to seeing the good in everything.

Here are some quick tip on how I prepare for my 10 days.

  • Prayer. I pray more than I usually do. I stay in contact with God through out the day and when something negative comes to mind, I quickly pray it away. This is my way of staying ready.
  • Journaling. This is one of the best journaling books I have come across. It promotes positive thinking and shows you what you should focus on. I enjoy journaling because it gives me a chance to reflect on what I’ve done.
  • Documentation. You have to document the bad and the good. The most effective way to be sure this works is to document it all. Note what negative or not so pleasant thought that crossed your mind, and what you did to get rid of it.
  • Exercise. I put in a little more exercise to push myself to a better me. I find that when I am healthy and feel great, it is much easier to think positive. I am currently training for a half marathon so the exercise this time is definitely there.
  • List my blessings. Make a list of all your blessings, and when you feel your self getting to a point where your thoughts aren’t going in a positive way, pull that list our and remind yourself of how blessed you truly are.

I hope a few of you will try this 10 day challenge and let me know how it helped you. I also encourage you all to go past the 10 days as well. Positive over negative is always the best way to go.

Blessings.

 

5 Must to do’s to Start My Day

Posted on by Crystal King

Good morning,

This morning I thought I’d share the 5 things I do to start my day. The day starts when you open your eyes and you start to think, so here is what I do to get my day going and get the positive juices flowing.

  1. Start with a thank you. I thank God every morning for waking me up. I know that seems like a given, but God allows you to wake up so why not thank him for it. I used to not do this, but when I began to realize how much I need God in my life, saying Thank You is the least I could do each morning.
  2. Ask God what he wants you to do today. I ask God what will you have me do? Or God, what or who can I help today? I do that so that I keep my eyes open to the things going on around me. I believe God gives you opportunities to help someone everyday. He assigns people to come through our life each day to help and I don’t want to miss that moment.
  3. Read my morning devotion. I am a big reader, so I read a morning devotion to get my day started. Plus I also have a few apps that I use as well to get the daily devotions sent to me.
  4. Make your bed. I make my bed because I don’t like coming home from  work and it’s a mess. If I don’t make the bed, it feels like I don’t have enough time in my day. Crazy right, but I hate coming home and its not done. My son always ask why, because its not like you’re not going to mess it up again. I like order and this helps with that.
  5. Pray before walking out the door. I pray for my son before he leaves for school and I pray for myself and my day. I ask God to watch my steps and my mouth. I pray for clarity, judgement, my thinking and my work.

You notice I didn’t add coffee, well that always a must and I really enjoy a cup or two every morning.

Hope you have a wonderful day.

Blessings.

My Favorite Christian Books

Posted on by Crystal King

I have been asked a lot of questions on what helps me keep God first. My reply is I pray and I put God before everything. YES EVERYTHING!

Now a couple years ago I could not say that. I chose to follow my selfish ways and did what I thought was best for me and not what God wanted for me.

Yes I make mistakes, yes I have set back, and yes there are days that I have difficulty being nice and patient with others.

But what really helped was meditation and keeping God at the front of every single thing I did. I took myself out of the picture and allowed God to have his way instead of me. I always tell people 2 things 1) God is not going to ask you about me. Which means is that I am held accountable for what I do in life, not what others do. 2) You have to get out of your own way in order for God to have his way. Meaning you have to do things God is asking you to do rather that doing what you think you need to be doing.

I had the absolute hardest time trusting God with my life. I continued to go down my own road and make decisions based on my feelings or greed or just plain felt I deserved it. And that got me absolutely NO WHERE! So how could I possibly go wrong with allowing God to lead me, I mean I was making poor decisions and I didn’t like how I was doing it.

Ok so the reason for the post, I’ve always enjoyed reading so this is a list of books that I have read that helped me get back on track to God and trusting him with my life.

  1. The Bible – now I know what you’re thinking, well yeah the Bible, but this bible is very special to me. It’s a parallel bible with the New International Version on the left side and The Message form on the right side. The message form is completely regular English for a better understanding. I have a hard time understanding the verbiage used, however this helps me without having to look else where.
  2. The Purpose Driven Life  – this is a 40 day bible study that gives you an idea of what God really wants you to do in life and how to accomplish them. I like this book because it adapts to the person reading the book. It’s a very good read and I highly recommend this book if you’re having difficulty figuring out what God wants you to do.
  3. Living Beyond Your Feelings – this book really opened my eyes on what not to do with your feelings. I used to make long term decisions based on short term feelings and it has always been a disaster. This book explains why it’s so important to know and rely on God and not man; to make decisions rationally and not emotionally.
  4. Change Your Words Change Your Life – this books is geared towards how you speak things into existence. We have to be careful what we say, the more negative we speak, the more we see our burdens not our blessings, and that allows the devil a foothold on us.
  5. Power Words – this book shows focus on our words. What we say can change your life. I sometimes have the hardest time believing that I deserve the best and what God has for me is for me, however after reading how words can effect your every day blessings, I knew I had to change the words I said or how negatively I spoke.
  6. Wisdom for Women  – this is a 365 day devotional that I completed last year but I still keep this book next to my bed for reflection. It helps remind me that I can do anything through Christ. I have highlighted several passages to refer back to when I’m having not so great days.
  7. Battlefield of the Mind – we are what we think, so if you think you can’t, you’re right. This book really goes into detail how important it is to focus and direct our thoughts on what God wants and how God gives us everything we need. I felt like I was having a hard time thinking so negatively all the time. I know it seems like we don’t but have you ever talked yourself out of something you really wanted. I have done this so many times, I began to believe I didn’t deserve it. This book helped me to get my thoughts on track with what God wants and to focus on what I have instead of what I have not.
  8. Listen Love Repeat – this book shows you what real love is. “Love thy neighbor.” It gives examples on how to love one another as God loves you. I did a bible study with Proverbs 31 ministry and it helped me to realize the importance of listening and loving one another.
  9. The Best Yes – the is a self help book based on making decisions based on God and what is best for you. I enjoy reading books that encourage me to put God first and it helps with my decision making life. This book helped me to understand that a “no” is an answered prayer too.

Please leave any book recommendations in the comments. I am always looking forward to reading material that helps me get closer to God and becoming a better person.

Blessings.

31 Days of Scripture

Posted on by Crystal King

“If you are feeling inpatient, irritable, bitter, forgetful, disorganized, & disconnected from God, it’s time to tend to your soul– Grab your Bible, Get alone with God” – Courtney Joseph

I came across this the other day and knew that it was speaking to me. With life, it can be hard to just keep going and going, however you have to tend to yourself before others. What good is it to not care for yourself? Have you ever tried to care for others when you haven’t cared for yourself? It very hard to spread the love of God if you’re on empty.

I have put together 31 Days of Scriptures for anyone who could use a refuel on their self, as well as grow deeper in God. I’ve learned that if I continue to put God first, he will help take care of me.

So I have taken 31 topics to focus and pray on each day. Start on what ever day you choose, however, the sooner the better. Remember to mark your calendars for the next 31 days with the time to meet with God. Make this extremely intentional.

(the Bible translation is New Living Translation)

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Day 1: Hope – Psalm 39:7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.

Day 2: Forgiveness – Luke 17:4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

Day 3: Love – 1 John 4:9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.

Day 4: Patience – Colossians 1:11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy

Day 5: Sickness – Psalm 30:2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.

Day 6: Health – Isaiah 38:16 Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live!

Day 7: Money – Psalms 112:5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.

Day 8: Envy – Ecclesiastes 4:4  Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.

Day 9: Greed – Proverbs 28:25 Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

Day 10: Jealousy – Proverbs 14:30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

Day 11: Your words – James 4:11 Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.

Day 12: Friendships – Romans 5:10 – For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.

Day 13:  Understanding – Proverbs 2:2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.

Day 14: Thoughts – Ephesians 4:23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Day 15: Husband/Wife – 1 Corinthians 7:4 The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.

Day 16: Relationships – 2 John 1:9 Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.

Day 17: Parents – Proverbs 15:20 Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.

Day 18: Children – Colossians 3:20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.

Day 19: Kindness – Proverbs 11:17 Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.

Day 20: Lust – 2 Timothy 2:22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Day 21: Deceit – Proverbs 12:20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

Day 22: Occupation – Ephesians 6:7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Day 23: Siblings – Psalms 103:17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children

Day 24: Your church – Romans 14:19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Day 25: Priest/Preachers – 2 Timothy 1:11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

Day 26: Government – Romans 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

Day 27: Neighbors – Psalms 101:5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.

Day 28: Pets –  Genesis 1:25 God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.

Day 29: Life – John 6:48 Yes, I am the bread of life!

Day 30:  Blessings – Dueteronomy 28:2 “Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse!

Day 31: Humble – James 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

As a recommendation, you may want to keep a journal when you’re praying for the next 31 days. Write all your thoughts , desires, short comings, accomplishments down so that you can reflect on your journal at the end of your 31 days. To see how far you have come and what you have worked on in these 31 days is a sign that God is still working and helping you.

These days of scripture are to help with your every day life and accomplishing anything you put your mind to. I try to do this 3 times a year. This gives me the chance to really focus on what is important to me and what I need to improve on and how much I have grown . I also like to do this because it has brings me closer to God.

Hope you enjoy the 31 days of scripture.

God bless.

 

 

Bible Study Supplies and Tips

Posted on by Crystal King

When I first started reading the Bible, I was just reading it. I was retaining the information however I wasn’t quite sure of how to place emphasis on what was really important to me. I’m a pretty organized person, so color coding and making sure the important scriptures I have to memorize really stand out to me.

I have come up with a few tips that have really helped me with my bible study:

  • Bible Pens. I like using micron pens because they do not bleed through the page, they also have a guide on the package to follow that is color coded with the pens. I write a lot of notes in my bible so the pen type is very important so that it doesn’t bleed or smear.
  • Highlight. I really like these gel bible highlights. These highlighters do not bleed through the page, they don’t smear and they glide on smoothly. I also labeled each color highlighter with its category. There are 6 colors in a pack, so you if you have more than one child or have categories you’d rather have, use them to fit you best.
    • Pink: I use pink for verses that pertain to me. How I should be as a mother and future wife.
    • Blue: these are the scriptures that I come across that pertain to my son and how I should teach him.
    • Green: I use green for my future husband. I highlight the verses on how I should be with my husband and how I should pray for him.
    • Yellow: this is for those verses that don’t have a particular category.
  • Tab. I have managed to come up with a key for using tabs. I tab the pages that have a some kind of importance or something I should memorize.
    • Red: Salvation/Blood of Christ
    • Yellow: holy spirit and miracles
    • Purple: prayers and praise
    • Blue: wisdom and discernment
    • Green: word of God, Life, Growth
  • Tab Placement. Tab placement is very important to me as well. I keep a key for this at the front of the Bible.
    • Top of page inner spine: Good to know
    • Top of page center: Memorize
    • Top of page outer Edge: Good to study
    • Side of page center: Stories I love

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  • Journal. Having a journal with you during your bible study can help you a lot. This journal is dedicated to just the Bible. You can write out your prayers, your thoughts, and feelings. Keep track of the date so that you are able to reflect on your writing. The journal is yours to go back and read how far you have come. Also, when writing out your prayers, once your prayer is answered, go back and write the date of when you prayer was answered. It’s great to go back and see how blessed you truly are by God.
  • Note Cards. I use notecards for quick documentation of the scriptures I need to memorize. This way I can take the card with me and keep it on me, and through out the day I can go back and read it over and over.

These are recommendations that I have found very helpful with my studies. If you have any other ideas, please feel free to leave a comment with your idea. I enjoy seeing how others bring the Bible to life.

Be blessed.