Find Your Heart's Joy Christian Counseling / Coaching

Please join me as I open the doors and my heart to Christian Counseling / Coaching.

Find Your Heart's Joy is a culmination of a life long pursuit of my purpose in life.

Please look around, don't mind the construction still going on....  I was very eager to get the doors open and the paint is a bit wet.

There is also a Facebook page you can join and a private discussion group.


If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me!!!

Looking forward to helping you find your heart's joy!!

God Speaks Through Suffering

Suffering in our world began the day Eve took a bite of the apple the serpent Satan offered her in the Garden of Eden. It occurs everywhere and has for thousands of years. Wars, disasters, crimes, and even senseless accidents occur every day.

How we handle what happens to us when an awful event occurs speaks clearly about what we believe as a Christian.

There is a passage in the Bible, found in 1 Peter 4:13 "Be glad for the chance to suffer as Christ suffered. It will prepare you for even greater happiness when He makes His glorious return."

God knows about suffering. He suffered the greatest loss anyone could ever imagine. The loss of a son. His only son. And not in any needless unfortunate accident. But at his own volition. He chose to send His son down to earth, to become human, and to endure unspeakable acts of torture and brutality ending with losing his life on the cross.

If you can't imagine anyone understanding how you feel as you suffer, understand this: God knows. And, He suffers with you, as He suffers with ever single person. He feels each person's pain and knows how each person feels. He has a message for you: there is a better tomorrow. Peace, joy and happiness are right around the corner.

Suffering is helpful when:

• We turn to God for understanding, endurance, and deliverance
• We ask important questions we might not take time to think about in our normal routine
• We are prepared by it to identify with and comfort others who suffer
• We are open to being helped by others who are obeying God
• We are ready to learn from a trustworthy God
• We realize we can identify with what Christ suffered on the cross for us
• We are sensitized to the amount of suffering in the world

Suffering is harmful when:

• We become hardened and reject God
• We refuse to ask any questions and miss any lessons that might be good for us
• We allow it to make us self-centered and selfish
• We withdraw from the help others can give
• We reject the fact that God can bring good out of calamity
• We accuse God of being unjust and perhaps lead others to reject Him
• We refuse to be open to any changes in our lives

Christ's servants can find rest and refreshment in fellowship with Him even when their work is difficult and stressful as seen in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Meditate on 1 Peter 4:1-2.  Physical suffering, harsh as it may be, can equip us with a new outlook on life. Things once thought insignificant take on new meaning; other things lose their value. We live for God and He watches over us and guides us by His will. "Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God."

God tells us to love one another and use whatever gift we have to serve others. Praise God always. Suffering as a Christian is inevitable. "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1 Peter 4:16

And I shall leave you with this final verse, "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." 1 Peter 4:19

Cast All Your Anxieties On Him

We've all experienced anxiety in one form or another. Flying can cause anxiety. Losing your cell phone can cause anxiety. Even worrying about your child can cause anxiety. It's a normal human emotion. Some might even call it nervousness. You might experience it if you're having a problem at work, before taking a test or worrying about making an important decision. I'm deathly afraid of snakes. That's a form of anxiety.

There are many forms of anxiety: Anxiety Disorders such as Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. For people suffering from these conditions the worrying and fear can sometimes lead to an agonizing life. You can seek medical attention or the help of a therapist to help you deal with your anxiety and worry issues. You can also seek the guidance and counseling of your local church minister. They understand how worry and anxiety can cause pain and suffering in a person's life. The jumbled thoughts, sleepless nights, and run-on list of worry that fills your mind are only part of what occurs when suffering from anxiety and worry.

According to James P. Gills, M.D., who wrote Exceeding Gratitude for the Creator's Plan, "the presence in our lives of the sin of commission - worry - can also be a result of failing to appreciate God. To worry is to not view life in relation to God's sovereignty, design, and faithfulness. Worry emanates from a life that is distracted and diverted into a self-centered perspective that is self-destructive, unproductive, and joyless."

Anxiety and worry are not uncommon in biblical times and are referenced quite thoroughly in the Bible. In the book of Deuteronomy, we see the Israelites hearing Moses' final words before they enter the promised land. He challenged them to obey the Lord faithfully and reject all forms of idolatry. Much is written in Deuteronomy about what would happen to the people for not obeying and how they would receive blessings if they did so. The Lord promised to give the people "an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart." (Deuteronomy 28:65)

God wants us to understand something about Him, and He works in ways so that we might know. But He wants us to repent so He can offer even greater insight to us when we believe by faith. The Israelites had seen many miracles and had been delivered miraculously from Egypt. Even so, their hearts remained unrepentant so that they could not understand or appreciate what God had done for them. Though God offered them understanding, He never gave it because of their stubbornness. Now Moses urged them to accept God's covenant and choose life.

Many of God's chosen people wrestled with anxiety and worry. Job suffered extreme loss which was humiliating and caused him great pain. "The churning inside me never stops, days of suffering confront me." Job 30:27

But, there is great comfort to find in God's words as well to ease the anxiety and worry in your life. In 1 Peter 5:7 we find the verse, "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." God knows you better than you know yourself. He suffers with you and wants to care for you.

Believing in God can help ease your anxiety. In John 14:1, the verse states "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." 

Talking to God about your troubles that cause you anxiety and worry can help. It doesn't have to be anything formal, the most fervent and heartfelt prayers are those spoken spontaneously from the heart. Remember this, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7

I have suffered from anxiety disorders and worry for many, many years. It's not a personal weakness, a character flaw, or brought on by poor upbringing. They are real issues that need a combination of care, strength, and faith.

I have persevered through many battles in my life, leaving me scarred, wounded, but not down. I draw on God's love and His son, Jesus Christ's support.

I'll leave you with this, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

God has great plans for you and your life. He does not want to see you suffering. Find a way to open your heart and let Him in and bring you joy, peace and happiness.

Your Sister in Christ,
Vicki

Compassion

Compassion

More than an Emotion

Love in Action

Abounding Love and Faithfulness

Trust

Open Arms

Loving Words

Understanding

Tender Touch

Helping Hand

Only One Way …. Look UP!!

He will not Abandon You

Save Your Soul

Shout For Joy!

Tender and Compassionate Hearts

Work together with One Mind and One Purpose

Reflection of God’s Love

by God’s Child

"Are your hears tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one and purpose." -- Philippians 2:1-2

Image provided by Prayers for Special Help 

Holiday Break

It's been a crazy year. I started a business, WRITECOVERY, INC. Another took off like gangbusters, FIVERR and SUCCEED AT WRITING and I suddenly became a popular speaker a writers' groups and conferences.  This coming year is no different, and we haven't even started it yet. I'm scheduled for a journaling panel, and two speaking engagements before the winter is officially over.

All of which pales in comparison to the myriad of personal issues I've faced this year. The least of which I'm going through right now. ECT treatments.  Towards the end of this year I had a serious bout of depression triggered by events out of my control. These events caused a "perfect storm" of depressive symptoms that triggered a depressive episode so bad that I required ECT treatments. I had ECT treatments back in Spring 2013.  I wrote about them again later.

I hope you take the time to review my old blogs about ECT. There is a lot of helpful information.

So far, I'm only scheduled through the end of the year. I don't know what will happen after that. I don't know if I'll continue with treatments or be released. It's just a matter of whether or not the doctor thinks I'm making progress.

I do know I'll be stronger and healthier, because I'm taking care of myself.

I have a lot of close friends who are helping me do just that as well.

Right now, the motto is "one day at a time."

I wish you a very blessed and merry Christmas and splendid New Year.

Hugs,
Vicki

Choose JOY!

Be Joyful onto The Lord and Rejoice

Just writing the word "joy" brings a smile to my face. Look at the word:

J O Y

Doesn't it make you smile as well?

I've been looking forward to writing this post; however a bipolar episode got in the way. I wasn't so joyful then. I was fragile and crying and afraid of the bad voices attacking me. It was anything but a joyful time, but always, in the back of my mind, this blog post hovered. 

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in The Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice."

Even through the bipolar episode, I knew God had my back. He guided me through the darkness and through the severe allergic reactions I had to the medication my psychiatrist prescribed to make the bad voices go away and He helped me find security in His word. I handed Him my broken heart and He made me whole.  

Anywhere you look you can find joy. 

A baby's smile

The laughter of a child

The cuteness of a puppy

A loved one's embrace

The warmth of a sandy beach

An unexpected surprise

A good family meal

An answer to a prayer

Quiet moments in God's presence

Worship in church

Embrace the joy!

I know if you look hard, you can find joy in your life, and if you can't, contact me and I will share some joy with you. 

Writer's Resource: 1,000 Key Scriptures Bible Wisdom for Your Life

Image credit: studiom1 / 123RF Stock Photo

Whatever your Gift, Give it to God

If you look deep enough, we all have a gift. Some of us can carry a tune an sing like and angel. Others can draw, paint, and create masterpieces. You may have a crafty side. Someone else may be able to sew, while another bakes. All awesome gifts.

Someone can lead. Another can be good with numbers and be a financial wizard. One of you can teach while another can create outstanding programs with computer language.

If you look hard enough, some of us have more than one gift.

And, where did these gifts come from?

Why, God, of course. He is the true giver of all gifts. And I thank God so very much for my gift to write.

Do any of you know the truest and greatest gift anyone can offer God?

I'll give you a few seconds.

tick. tick. tick. tick.

Give up?

Okay, you in the back, bouncing up and down like a kangaroo. I bet you know the answer, right?

Love.

Well, you're pretty darn close, thank you playing, you can pick up your consolation prize when you leave.

The truest and greatest gift anyone can offer God is WORSHIP.

"Mary brought in a pint of very expensive perfume made from pure Nard. She poured the perfume on Jesus' feet, and then she wiped his feet with her hair. And the sweet smell from the perfume fill the whole house." John 12:3

Mary's actions sprang from her heart, and the above scripture is a message of God's greatest desire and a woman's greatest gift to him all in one.

Joyous and sacrificial worship comes in many forms. Whatever your gift, give it to God, and let the fragrance of worship refresh him and strengthen your heart.

Image credit: vadmary / 123RF Stock Photo

Mother's Day

"Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is...and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” 

- Donna Ball, author, from her book At Home on Ladybug Farm

I have the most wonderful mom in the world. Words cannot describe our bond. We are so in tune we know when to call each other. We know when the other needs to talk or is hurting. I love my mom with all my heart. 

Becoming a mom was the greatest joy I could ever imagine. I have three wonderful children. Two daughters and a son. We have endured so much together. Our life together has been far from perfect but what has never changed, ever in my whole life is the amount of love I have for them. How much I think about them every day.

I want my children to know that no matter how many mistakes I made in our lives, my love for them never dwindled or went away. I loved them when they were born, growing up, when we were together and when we were apart. I loved them more the next day than the previous. I will love them no matter what they do or who they become. I will love them always.

 My love is endless, boundless, and straight from my heart.

I want to apologize to my children for all the pain and suffering they went through due to my Bipolar Disorder. If I had a choice, I would choose not to have Bipolar. Since I don't have that choice I can only apologize and beg for your forgiveness. I will be sorry from now until the end of time and beyond. 

I believe in each of my children. And I thank God for the beautiful grandchildren they have given me. 

To all the mothers everywhere who are reading this message:

Christmas Card Wishes

There would be no way I could get every person on my Christmas Card list, so I'm sharing the card I ordered this year.

It reads:

Celebrate the light.

Share the joy.

Blessings to you

this Christmas.

Greg & Vicki Taylor

May the Light of the World shine brightly upon you and yours this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

--

Vicki

Christmas Shopping Done Yet?

So, are you a procrastinator? Have you been sitting on your Christmas List waiting until the last minute, I mean, the very last minute to shop?

Or are you a die-hard Christmas Eve shopper, loving the spirit of seeking out the perfect gift among the leftover supplies at stores, hoping to spy that once in a lifetime memory for someone?

Or, did you manage the surge on Black Friday and put the hammer down and plow through your list in a couple of dark hours?

Maybe you sat at your computer with a cup of coffee or tea and clicked your way through your shopping list on CyberMonday?

Oh, wait, I know, you’re the one who had people scratched off on their Christmas List by August, right?

Well, no matter if you’re waiting for Christmas Eve or you did all your shopping in the Christmas in July specials, I’m talking to you.

Isn’t shopping for others fun? I know I love it. Finding the exact gift for each person. It’s like a little treasure hunt game. I’m not sure exactly what I’m looking for, but I’ll know it when I see it.

That’s the joy of this holiday season. The joy of giving. There are some of us who can stop at one or two gifts, and then there are grandmas like me out there, who can’t pass up the toy department without looking for just “one more thing” to add to the already bursting box I’ve accumulated.

What the heck, they’re only going to be children once, right? I love the thought of watching my grandchildren’s eyes light up with each gift they unwrap.

So, whether you’ve wrapped all your presents ahead of time and are hunting them down from attic and closet, trying to remember what was for who, or you are going to be frantically wrapping through the wee hours of Christmas morning, I salute you.

You are my heroes. You’ve taken from yourself and given to others. It’s what the season is all about, right? Giving joy to others?

Here’s a bit of joy from me to you.

Merry Christmas!

--

Vicki