Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 33

Anchored in Hope

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It’s crazy out there right now. Are you feeling it? The punches to the gut keep coming in the headlines, and the home front is under constant attack, too.

It’s hard to hold on to hope when your mind is cluttered with images of despair. How do you push back the darkness and press passed the doubt?

Watching the Olympics has helped some. I see hope in those determined feet bouncing off the diving board. I sense something greater is ahead when I watch the tiny power house gymnast stand on a precipice and say, “I got this.”

It’s amazing how flipping the switch on our perspective can pick us up from the mire and help us conquer the mountain.

Here’s the thing: Today, “I got this” because I’ve got Jesus in my corner.

So no matter how crazy it gets, I got this with Him.

See my hope is not rooted in the 6 o’clock news or the stock market. My hope is not founded on my dress size or my salary.

My hope is anchored to Jesus.

And this anchor is not weighted downward and immobile. I am tethered to an upward hope in heaven that keeps me moving forward.

How to Stay Anchored in Hope:

Look forward in expectation: One day, Christ will return to rescue us from the darkness. Stay focused on the glory to come (I John 3:1-3, NLT).
Shout out God’s praises: He doesn’t waste a single moment of your life. He is strengthening your frame through every difficult step you take in faith (Romans 5:1-5, MSG).
Trust Jesus with laughter and singing: Want to make the devil disappear? Start singing “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart” at the top of your lungs.  Stay lighthearted and worshipful as you wait on God (I Peter 1:3-9, MSG).
Pursue wisdom: Doubt dispels when you flood your heart and mind with truth (Proverbs 24:14, NIV).
Tap into your power source: The power of Christ who overcame death itself lives in you. The Holy Spirit will fill you up with joy and peace as you surrender to Him (Romans 15:13, NLT).
Remember God’s mercies are new every morning: God is still on the throne. The sun will rise tomorrow. Greater things are ahead. He loves you with an unfailing love that never quits (Lamentations 3:19-33, MSG).

Hope overflows from the soul that is anchored to Christ.  

 

 

Something to think about…

 

I’m sharing “Anchored in Hope” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

 

Thought-Provoking Thursday Spotlight:  
Dr. Michelle Bengston

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking from personal and professional experience, a neuropsychologist unpacks what depression is, shows how it affects us spiritually, and offers hope for living the abundant life.

Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression

-By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide

An estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from some form of depression
As with the bestselling My Stroke of Insight, the author experienced the same condition she treats
Helpful features include personal stories, biblical truths, prayers, and music recommendations

As a board-certified neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson has seen the devastation that people experience when depression sweeps into their lives. She knew what research advocated in terms of the most effective treatments and prescribed them to her clients. But when she personally experienced to the ravages of depression, she found that the treatments she had been using with her patients didn’t help her. As a result, her personal experience became the catalyst for a more holistic approach to treating depression in others.

In Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion and empathy, blending her extensive training and faith, to offer readers a hope that is grounded in God’s love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God’s grace, it cannot do. The result is a treatment plan that addresses the whole person—not just chemical imbalances in the brain.

For those who struggle with depression and those that want to help them, Hope Prevails offers real help, hope, and healing for the future.

Dr. Bengtson’s book Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression (Revell publishers, August 16, 2016) is available for purchase now here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author, speaker and board certified clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson is also a wife, mother and friend. She knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to address issues surrounding medical and mental disorders, both for those who suffer and for those who care for them. She offers sound practical tools, affirms worth, and encourages faith. Dr. Michelle Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com.

For more hope,  connect with Michelle through her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, You Tube, LinkedIn, and Google+.

 

 

 

Thought-Provoking Thursday Linkup:

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

Stay on Beat

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What’s that? my husband asked.

I looked in the direction of his finger and questioning eyes and smiled sadly.

“It’s a metronome,” I replied. “It helps keep you on beat as you play.”  The device had sat forgotten on the piano for years.

As a teenager, my hands had glided across the keys furiously on a daily basis, but then when I started teaching there were essays to be graded, high school basketball games to attend, and youth group car washes to organize. The keys grew dusty.

My fingers no longer moved with agility the last time I sat down and placed them on the ivory.

Mastery comes with dedicated passion and practice. I’d let both fall to the way side.

We polished the instrument to help return its luster and donated it to a neighbor’s son. Music makes his heart come alive.

My heart forgot how to play the melody.

What might have been if I had made up my mind to rehearse and refine my skills?

I will never know.

This morning, I remembered my piano as I read my Bible. The NET version chooses the phrase “practicing the truth” to communicate Paul’s challenge to the church as Ephesus.

I want my heart to stay on beat with God’s rhythm.

I must pour my all into daily preparation. I cannot let myself grow distracted or disinterested. Nothing is more important than this discipline.

 

 

Something to think about…

 

I’m sharing “Stay on Beat” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

How to Fight the Worry Monster

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Last week, I learned something scary about myself.

My car was in the shop, so Bruce drove me to work. We’d stayed up too late, and I’d dragged my comatose body out of bed before its time. I sat in the car in Zombie wife mode. My whole being was communicating a message: Don’t talk to me. Trust me, this will not go well.

I really should have just stayed in bed and called in sick.

But I digress, I was telling you about the frightening self-revelation I experienced.

It all started when I decided to turn on the radio in hopes of waking myself up and hypnotizing myself into a happier mood. I turned the dial off my husband’s pre-set talk radio station (Yuck!) and landed on .K-LOVE.

The music was like caffeine in my veins. Soon, I was tapping along and even singing. Bruce was overjoyed to witness my resurrection from Zombieland.

After a song or two, the DJ’s started talking about something nonsensical and silly in the news. They bantered back and forth about how scientists have discovered that there is actually a Worry Gene.  Yep, that’s right. If you are a worry wart, it’s probably in your DNA. Blame your ancestors.

Bruce and I laughed about it as we pulled into the parking space at work. My knight in shining armor walked me in to the office and carried my heavy bags and even opened the door for me.

Squeak. “You’ve got a creaky door there, ma’am. I can take care of that for you if you have some WD-40.” I pointed my husband toward the office supply closet to see if he could find something to take the squeak out.

I watched him turn the corner and stayed by the door anticipating his return.

I stood in silence for what seemed like an eternity and shifted my weight from one foot to the other. After a few minutes, I frowned at the clock.

Why’s he been gone so long? I imagined my husband prostrate on the floor and not breathing. I considered calling 911.

Right before I broke down in tears, my man came bouncing around the corner empty-handed.

“I have the worry gene,” I confessed.  Left alone with my thoughts for more than 90 seconds, I will construct an imaginary apocalypse.

The Worry Monster is lurking around in the corners of my mind seeking to squelch my joy and steal my serenity.

Have you met the Worry Monster?  His ability to magnify your fears knows no bounds if you give him free rein.

Just a few days ago, I received a series of frantic texts from a friend who was facing the bully head on.  My response was simple:

Stop, Breathe, and Pray.

It’s like stop, drop and roll when your mind is on fire. You must turn your worries into prayers.

How to Fight the Worry Monster:

Stop: Tell your thoughts to obey what you know is true. Remind yourself that God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7). Remind yourself of what is right, noble, lovely, and pure (Philippians 4:8). Chuck the enemy’s lies and take your thoughts captive (II Corinthians 10:4-5).

Breathe: Let God’s peace invade your soul (Psalm 34:1-4, MSG). Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). Allow Him room to restore your soul (Psalm 23:1-3).

Pray: Turn your worries into praises and petitions (Philippians 4:6-7). Cast all your anxiety on Him, and let Him care for you (I Peter 5:7).

Don’t be a Worry Wart when God has already called you to be a Prayer Warrior.  

(Side note: I am in love with this graphic!!!!)
Let’s Talk:  How do you tackle the Worry Monster?

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My desire is to lift up holy hands and “Pray Big.” Want to join me? I’ve created a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for like-minded sisters to share their stories and surrender each one to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s cry out to God together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I am sharing “How to Fight the Worry Monster” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, Blessing Counters, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Intentional Tuesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Moments of Hope.

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The post How to Fight the Worry Monster appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Fight for Your Happy

Put ’em up!

Some days, I feel like I am going 12 rounds with a big bully named the Gloomster.

Smack! He unmercifully jabs at my heart and seeks to demolish my passion and purpose.

Thump! My oppressor taunts me with verbal blows. You can’t win this fight. Defeat is certain. I’m going to leave you slumped on the floor and gasping for breath.  

Some days, I am weary of the fight. But then I remember that I am not fighting alone. I look up and catch a glimpse of a great cloud of witnesses cheering me on and saying, “Keep your dukes up, girly.” I stop listening to the bully and I hear the gentle voice of my Champion encouraging me to stay in the ring and keep fighting the good fight.

The power within me is so much stronger than the forces against me. I just need to fight smart.

I need to fight for my happy. Just like David knocked down a giant with 5 little stones, I can sling my faith forward by using simple tools to win the war.

5 Ways to Fight for Your Happy

Look for the beauty in your day: Take a few minutes each day to pause and remember how God has blessed your life.  Count your blessings and name them one by one. Some days you need to make your own sunshine.
Listen to your heartbeat: How’s your heart? God created you with special bents and gifts. Happy looks different for each of us. Take the Happiness Style Assessment to discover what makes you tick. You might enjoy exploring a museum, reading a book, chatting with friends over coffee, baking treats for your neighbors, or weeding the garden. Sometimes, we focus our energy on activities that don’t fill up our tank. This assessment will help you understand how to invest your time in the right things.
 Put fun on your to-do list: Throw a kitchen dance party. Use your hairbrush as a microphone and belt out some karaoke in your living room. Spend at least 15 minutes doing something completely silly today. You will feel better.
 Make room for rest: It’s okay to take it easy sometimes. The Lord Himself has given you permission to take a day off and just breathe. He didn’t include that in the Bible as an after thought. If you choose rest, you will be renewed and find your happy again.
Feed your soul with words that heal: Read your favorite psalm and slowly meditate on each phrase. Dust off your favorite children’s book and do a read-aloud. Spend a few minutes lingering over an entry in your favorite devotional. Sign up for Jennifer Dukes Lee’s Happiness Dare Challenge and get a little happy in your inbox for 10 days.

Beat your enemy to the punch and stand strong and happy in the power of God’s might.  

Something to think about…

 

I’m sharing “Fight for Your Happy” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.

 

 

Thought-Provoking Thursday Spotlight:  Jennifer Dukes Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would you like to be happier?

No matter who you are or how you feel, chances are you would answer yes. And Jennifer Dukes Lee was no different. For years, she wrestled with a constant nagging sense that she wasn’t as happy as she could be. At the same time, she felt guilty for wanting something so “shallow.” After all, doesn’t God only care that we find joy in our circumstances? Or is it possible that God really does want us to be happy?

Determined to get answers, Jennifer embarked on a quest to find out whether our happiness matters to God and, if so, how to pursue it in a way that pleases him.

In The Happiness Dare, you’ll learn what she discovered, including how to:

Understand the five happiness styles and maximize yours
Overcome the four biggest obstacles that stand in the way of your happiness
Find your happiness sweet spot―the place, relationship, or activity that gives you the greatest sense of well-being
Discover what you can do in just five minutes a day to be happier

Will you take the dare?

Join Jennifer in the pursuit of your truest, most satisfied, and most faith-filled self.  Head on over to Amazon to purchase The Happiness Dare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Dukes Lee is an award-winning former news journalist, an (in)courage writer and a blogger athttp://www.JenniferDukesLee.com. Jennifer once took a dare to find out whether happiness matters to God and, if so, how to pursue it in a way that pleases Him. Out of that quest, was born:The Happiness Dare: Pursuing Your Heart’s Deepest, Holiest, and Most Vulnerable Desire.

Thought-Provoking Thursday Linkup:

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

Let Us Draw Near

 

I love a good story. The problem is that I am fainthearted and easily discouraged, so about half way through any tale, I have to resist the urge to stop reading. Every epic adventure is full of conflict and obstacles. I don’t like the dark and foreboding strands of the plot, but I know there is a happy ending coming.

One of my favorite stories as a child was Cinderella. The first part of her story made me want to yank out my pigtails and have a good cry. That mean stepmom and her bratty daughters kept that sweet girl trapped in a prison of fear and condemnation. Thankfully, the pure heart of the girl dressed in rags was rewarded in a spectacular ending. Good triumphed over evil once again.

Why do I doubt?

In my heart, I know how the story of life ends. God is just, and victory is certain. But some days, I feel a little like Cinderella trapped in a cage of unfavorable circumstances. The enemy of my soul wants to keep me clothed in rags of doubt and shame.

The writer of Hebrews understood that God’s people would face discouragement in the face of tribulation. He challenged them to not give way to fear, to never turn back, but to persevere in faith.

We must remember that our story is part of a God’s greater narrative of redemption. The hero is Christ, and He has conquered death itself to ensure a glorious conclusion.

Our story is not finished yet. The Author and Finisher of our Faith has more to say through our lives about His grace and goodness.

Rather than give way to fear, let’s garner up strength from Jesus to keep moving forward in faith. The theme of our lives should always be the pursuit of Christ. As Hebrews 10 challenges, “Let us draw near…”

I’m sharing “Let Us Draw Near” at Love God Greatly.

To read the rest of this post, join me here.

 

 

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Be a Blessing Counter

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My husband I were verbally processing our emotions last night regarding an ongoing “situation” that has affected our family.

Well, I personally think it’s impacted our family — I’ve lost sleep over it. I’ve vented on the phone to my best friend in a high-pitched screechy voice. I’ve confessed to God that I know my explosive response is not pleasing to Him and asked for His help in changing my terrible attitude.

In short, the “situation” has gotten up in my craw.

Bruce, on the other hand, is just fine. Thank you. He told me last night that it’s not really bothering him at all.

While I am languishing in a quagmire, he is singing a happy tune and moving on with life.

I thought I was the optimist in the family, but now I am re-considering my personality profile.

I know I need to surrender my expectations. I know I need to walk in grace.

My unhappiness is not someone else’s problem. I can adopt a different perspective.

Rather than complain about what is not, I can choose to be thankful for what is.

I can determine to count my many blessings, and by naming them one by one, I will fight the ugly.

5 Things I am Thankful for Today:

I am breathing: I get to live today. This is a gift, never to be taken for granted.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6, NIV).


I am forgiven: I am free from sin and condemnation.  I’ve passed from death to life because of Christ. That’s reason to celebrate every day of the year.

“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins…’ (Psalms 103:1-3).


I am loved: God cherishes me, and nothing will ever change that. He will always draw near to me. He welcomes me in and embraces my beautiful uniqueness.

“Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1).


I am protected: I am hemmed in by God and nothing can touch me without His permission. If I am experiencing any difficulty today, God will re-purpose my pain for His glory.

“But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You” (Psalm 5:11).


I always have hope: My story is not finished yet. God holds my tomorrow, and He is the Lord of the comeback. Focusing on Christ, rather than my circumstances, will help me to overcome the blues.

 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).



I want to be a blessing counter, not a crybaby.

Let’s remember His goodness, rather than rehearse negativity.

 

 

 

Something to think about…

 

 

I’m sharing “Be a Blessing Counter” with like-minded friends at  Faith-Filled Friday.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

Stretch Toward Your Healer

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I read a story last week in the Gospels that I can’t get out of my mind.

Jesus is walking through a field of grain. He’s surrounded by life and growth and sustenance. I picture the sun kissing Him with grace as He moves freely forward.

His friends, the disciples, walk close by and pick at the grain — rubbing it between their fingers like schoolboys. The day was Sabbath, and they were enjoying the rest of God.

Suddenly, the peaceful pleasant atmosphere is shattered. A harsh accusing voice reverberates over them.

Hollowed out men use God’s Word as a weapon to question Christ’s motives.

I wonder how I would have responded had I stood close to Christ that day. Facing unmerciful judgment is exhausting.

Christ was not flustered by the opposition. He continued to move forward with purpose.  His only goal was to please the Father.

Rather than grow weary from the noise, Christ pressed on and extended compassion to the hurting. He defied expectations and refused to compromise.

He invited the broken to step out from that deadened crowd.

Stand here. Press in to me.

I am your Rest. I am your Healer. Stretch out your hand.

His invitation still stands. We just have to step away from the crazy crowd to be restored.

Let’s Talk:  
Do you struggle to rest because others expect you to perform?

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I am sharing “Stretch Toward Your Healer” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Let us Grow, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, Blessing Counters, Grace Moments, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Intentional Tuesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, Moments of Hope, and Sharing His Beauty.

The post Stretch Toward Your Healer appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

An Ode to My Husband Upon 7 Years of Marriage

 

Happy is the wife whose heart is entrusted to a giving man. His

Understanding, his patience, his kindness envelop her

Securely in a knot of love. His resourceful tinkering patches up the

Broken pieces and restores their beautiful usefulness.

A killer smile radiates in every corner of her life, and

Not a day lacks the tickle of laughter. A steady

Determination kisses her with grace and sweetly sings forever.

 

 

 

 

He’s something I like to think about…

 

I’m celebrating 7 years of matrimonial bliss with “An Ode to My Husband.”  Feel free to chat amongst yourselves this week, friends.  I’m going to be offline and holding hands with my fella under the moonlight.

 

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

5 Ways to Live Out Biblical Reconciliation

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How are you doing? I bet like me you are just plain weary and overwhelmingly sad. The world has gone mad over the last month or so. Violence and hatred seem to be here to stay, and I am scared to turn on the news. I am even more scared to leave my house. I no longer feel safe at soccer games or movie theaters or my favorite restaurant.

If I allow my thoughts to linger on the dark events in this broken world, I will live a life rooted in fear and doubt. But, I know that God has not given me a spirit of fear. He has given me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. He has empowered me with His Holy Spirit to go out into all the world and share the Good News.

The Good News is still available and accessible. No one can rob me of my peace with God, and I must share of the hope that is within me.

Yet, I must acknowledge that we are battling major strongholds. We face prejudice and injustice. We are fighting spiritual blindness and apathy.

Our nation desperately needs reconciliation. But, reconciliation is not merely coming to a greater understanding and living in mutual harmony as citizens of earth. True reconciliation is a transforming work of the Spirit of God that is only made possible by the resurrection power of Christ who laid His life down on the cross to make a bridge for us to pass from death to life.

I am called to be God’s ambassador of reconciliation. Mending what is broken must start with me. I must live a transformed life that points those in need of restoration to the One who truly sets us free…

I’m sharing “5 Ways to Live Out Biblical Reconciliation” over at Missional Women today.

To read the rest of this post, join me here.

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The Perspective Shift

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Last winter, my husband caught a cold, which ultimately lead to a shift in my perspective. At first, I was slightly irritated that he’d diligently worked all week with a wracking cough, but then decided to cancel our weekend Valentine’s Day plans because he suddenly needed to rest. We spent two days watching television on the couch in our pajamas while he drank lots of fluid and took over-the-counter cough medicine every four hours.

My husband does not slow down, so I should have known that a crisis was coming, but all I could think about was how I was missing out on flowers and a nice dinner at an expensive restaurant. My grumpy attitude soon took a backseat when I realized that my man had completely lost his appetite, and his cough was so debilitating that he hadn’t slept in 48 hours.

We ended up at the emergency room just three days later. Bruce was struggling to breathe, and I watched in alarm as an IV was placed in both of my husband’s arms. He had a killer case of pneumonia.

I sat in a chair next to his hospital bed for two days without sleeping until my sister in law drove two hours to come and make me go home. When I crossed the threshold into my house, I had new eyes to see my surroundings.

I picked up empty water bottles off tables and dirty socks from the floor and prayed that my husband would get to come home to sit at the table. I hoped with all my heart that he would return and leave lots of messes all over the house for me to clean up. I walked to the washing machine with his over-stuffed laundry basket and told God I loved to do my husband’s laundry and wanted to continue to wash his dirty clothes forever.  All over my house, I saw evidence of my husband’s hard work and sacrifice. He might not have gotten me flowers on Valentine’s Day, but every day he worked tirelessly to provide for our family.

I am thankful for the perspective shift that God allowed me to experience. I’ve come to understand that every day is a gift from God to be appreciated and never taken for granted. Now, I cherish simple things like sitting on the couch and holding my husband’s hand as we watch television.

I’ve determined to cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the simple joys in life. If you need a perspective shift like I did, here are some suggestions on how to combat a grumpy attitude in your marriage…

I’m sharing “The Perspective Shift” over at Start Marriage Right today.  

To read the rest of this post, join me here.

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