By
Dana Rausch
/ January 3, 2013
The New Year has been ushered in and simultaneously escorted in a new set of situations to conquer. Goals to achieve, plans to make, dreams to be attained and fresh new calendar year to grow in. Yet in it all, while excited I am also apprehensive.There is a plethora of events going on. The turbulent economy, world happenings, weather phenomenon, and shootings are frightening. Yet as I narrow it down to my little world the anxiety seems to increase for the problems encompass me resemble a big screen theater with surround sound. And strangers are watching……
Have you ever felt that way?
I have and I keep taking one step at a time, hang on to Jesus with everything I have, and keep doing the right thing.
But what if the right thing doesn’t seem to work?
Honestly, I examine myself and quite often ask:· What is wrong with me?
· Why am I experiencing numerous conflicts?
· What do I need to change?
· What is it in me that need’s work to clear the path to restored relationships?
Beth Moore once said, “If you are the common denominator in a series of problems, could the issue be with you? “ The answer is a definite yes, therefore when I find myself in this predicament it is time to do a self-examination.
To help me do a correct analysis, not skewed through my wrong beliefs, self-image, or pure selfishness I go to others for help. Here is what I have done and do:
1. Read the Bible faithfully to keep my mind thinking godly thoughts.
2. Pray with my husband every day.
3. Read daily the devotion “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. Not only do I read it, I also fill out a worksheet that assists me in working though the content that makes it even more personal. Email me if you would like one.
4. Beginning on January 13th, I have committed myself to a 21 day journey/study with Kristen Clark that she has written called, His Side of the Looking Glass. It’s an online class to discover who you are and whose you are. Although hearing numerous teachings on the subject, I am ready to make it stick. Because if we do NOT know who we are, we will never grow, change, or be who God created us to be.
5. Last year I began listening to Joel Osteen. Sadly I had been tainted after hearing negative comments about him and his ministry. But one Sunday I was drawn to his TV show, and the Lord used him to speak deeply into my heart. He has been used to restore hope and healing to a place deep in my heart that has been broken for years. I read a chapter of his book every day,” I Declare – 31 promises to speak over your life……. NOT: I boldly and arrogantly declare I should drive a Mercedes, I am worthy or I should be rich. That is not what this book is about. I hear that I am important to God and that he loves me. I hear that he cares about every facet of my life and wants to change my faulty belief system. Joel’s demeanor and words have been able to do a “root canal” on the veins of damaged thinking that has affected other areas of my life like no other. I declare I am not going to listen to the enemy anymore and feed my mind and soul on godly thoughts.
6. Currently I am finishing the book by Mike Bechtle, People Can’t Drive You Crazy If You Don’t Give Them the Keys….a friend suggested it, the title grabbed me, but the short little blurb on Amazon had me hooked….. Strange as it may seem, other people are not nearly as committed to our happiness as we are. In fact, sometimes they seem like they’re on a mission to make us miserable! There’s always that one person. The one who hijacks your emotions and makes you crazy. The one who seems to thrive on drama. If you could just “fix” that person, everything would be better. But we can’t fix other people–we can only make choices about ourselves. So I continue to change me, not them.
7. Often, I go to a friend who will be honest with me. Not someone who will just agree with me and feed me untrue accolades. I want their help and honesty in sorting through the problem. Yet at the same time not taking offense against someone I have an issue with……
8. In February I am going to Phoenix to serve at the Joyce Meyer Conference.
9. In March, Don and I are going back to Phoenix and while he golfs, I am going to attend the Beth Moore conference. I can’t let my best friend down and not attend her conference!
10. In May, Don and I are going to Maui to join Greg & Cathe Laurie for a week long Marriage Retreat titled, Love Song Getaway. Hopefully it won’t be like the Beth Moore conference where I go to sessions and Don plays golf….
As you can see, I am purposing it in my heart to continue to grow and be changed into the person that God called me to be……
How about you?
What will you do to grow this year?
Where is God leading you this year?
Why do you need to change this year?
Who do you want to become this year?
When are you going to start?
