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THE DAILY DOSE

w​hether the day calls for a quick boost of encouragement or you need to "steep" A
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Keep it fresh

2/25/2020

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By Daneen James 
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Can you name anything that you don't like fresh? Think about it - everything we buy, use or eat, we typically want it fresh. Our relationship with God should be no exception.  Relationships thrive on flexibility and spontaneity. When we feel restless in life or disinterested in relationship with God, it's often a sign that our connection to God has become stale. 

Sometimes our discontentment is a cry for deeper connection with our creator. 

Fellowship with God feeds our lives, here are five ways to keep it fresh...


Music
Music is the heart’s marinade. The melody and lyrics of a good song move us like few other things can. Although I love music, I'd never used it in my private time with God.

But once I did, I realized that instruments combined with words that profess God's love and faithfulness produce pure praise. Since God inhabits our praise, worship music literally creates an atmosphere where there's more God and less you. That's why II Chronicles 5: 13-14 says "Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words:  He is good!  His faithful love endures forever!  At that moment, the glorious presence of the Lord filled the temple of God." 

Try it. Incorporate music into your personal time with God. Find a way that works for you.  It doesn't need to be every day. It could be before, during, after or all three. Just be spontaneous and let the Spirit lead. Choose an artist or style of worship music that speaks to you. Lie on the floor, get on your knees or just sit. Allow the lyrics to guide you and draw you into fellowship with God. Worship God differently today than you did yesterday and you will tomorrow. 

Prayerful listening 
Prayer had pretty much been a one-way conversation. I'd tell God my needs, concerns, confessions then move on to the next thing. I would clear my mind, but failed to engage my heart. Intimacy with God requires you to open your heart.

Talk with God, be honest about your needs, concerns, hopes and confess where you've fallen short, but when you're done, don't just rush off to the next thing. Stay and linger in God's presence. Ask, "God what do you want to share with me?" Then wait.

Romans 8: 26-27 says we don’t know what God wants us to pray for, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.  Ask God to search you and reveal your heart. You might get His conviction for sin(s) you didn’t realize you were committing. You can then ask for forgiveness and grace. You may get directed to a verse, a person or a situation that He want to use for your growth. Listen – then pay attention to God’s direction for action.
 
Get Quiet
Sometimes meditation gets a bad rap. Some people believe "clearing your mind" is weird or can make you vulnerable to evil forces. So, let me create context. Godly meditation is actively inviting God to speak and reveal himself in a way that you can recognize and understand. It means taking a pause to focus on God and His word. It is a spiritual tool that makes space to hear God's direction and notice his guidance.  
 
​Joyce Hugget says it this way. "I close my eyes to shut out visual stimuli. I close my ears by dealing with distractions which threaten my ability to tune into God. I close a series of shutters on the surface level of my life, thus holding at bay hindrances to hearing the still, small voice of God, and I release a trigger that gives deeper, inner, hidden parts of myself permission to spark to life.”  
 
Meditation is like a muscle that needs to be strengthened, start light, grow stronger. It’s your practice, there's only rule - make the effort to focus on God. Start by reading one verse and ask God to open it up to you. I Kings 3:9 and Jeremiah 33:3 can be helpful as you begin. 

Yes, you'll probably get distracted and your mind will wonder. But when you notice you’ve wondered, just gently bring yourself back. You'll likely get restless, it's ok. Try making a list of all the stuff you need to do, then set the list aside and begin again. When you get frustrated, use a word or phrase to give your mind a point of focus. Sometimes I use adjectives to describe God as I understand Him.  God is kind, generous, patient etc... use your own words. It might help to set a time limit - start with one minute, you can do more over time. 


Just as the water washes over you when you take a bath or jump in a pool. So are you engulfed by God's presence when you meditate. You become keenly more aware of the essence of God. You can feel His power, grace and love. It’s like meeting God where it’s just the two of you – the place beyond all the doors and walls, under the layers, to find the Him that rests in you.

Gratitude
I have kept a journal for years, each day listing at least 5 things I’m grateful for. As of late, I have asked the question, when did I feel God most today? This challenges me to really reflect and go deeper. It's an exercise that not only fosters gratitude, but also praise and humility as I recall God’s presence and power. 

The result is a rich and unique fellowship with God.

James 1: 17 says is nicely. "Whatever is good and perfect comes from God our Father." Look for the good and wonderful, big and small, divine details. Pay attention to the ways God injects himself and His grace in your life - parking spots, kindness of strangers, an unexpected gift. 

Think about all that’s happened since you’ve been up today.  Where have you felt God most? 

As you focus on God, you move you closer to him. Colossians 2:7 says it clearly.  "Let your roots grow down to Him and let your lives be built on Him, then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught and you will overflow with thankfulness." So even when unpleasant things happen, you can reflect on God’s power and His grace. Despite your situation you can be grateful, because you know God and His power always prevail. 

Lamentations 3:20 says it beautifully. "Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down within me. 
This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD'S loving kindness indeed never ceases, for His compassion never fails."
 
There’s a circular property to gratitude. The more grateful you are the stronger in Christ you become, the stronger in Christ you become, the more grateful you are.
 
Take it outside
Get out of your daily routine. Go for a walk, get around an ocean or a river. Sit on your porch or patio and find the stars. Spend even a few moments just observing how the breeze moves through the trees. Listen for the wind. Watch the birds as they glide effortless from the sky to the ground. Find a flower or plant, appreciate its delicate beauty and detail. Feel the sun on your face or the coolness of the moon at night. Let yourself marvel at the extraordinary colors in the sky at sunset.

Nature has a way of reminding us of God's presence and affirming His power. What better way to connect to God than to get around His creations? 

These practices are a recipe for fresh and deepened fellowship with God. Mix and match, personalize these practices for use in your private time with God. As you do, I pray they expand your capacity for Him and propel you closer to Him.  


​Get more on this and other topics:
Book Daneen as a speaker:

https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html

Connect and receive updates about Daneen's upcoming book:
https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html
​

Bring light to someone's life, share a card:
https://www.daneenjames.com/shop.html

​
Daneen James is an inspirational author, speaker and develops uplifting
​products and media through her company, 
SPARKSAFLAME. 
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In his absence

2/20/2020

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By Daneen James
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Why are there over three billion search results for "books written on love"?

​What makes the Bible, a book about God, the best-selling book of all time? 

Regardless of the issue, situation, person or circumstance, everything comes back to love.  


Here's a story that illustrates this point beautifully. (https://www.inspirationalstories.eu/?s=love)

A university professor asked his students a question, "Did God create everything that exists?" One student answered bravely, "Yes, God created it all." 

The professor quickly replied, "If God created everything, then that means God created evil, because it exists". The student got quiet after hearing that answer.  Then another student got up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?" The professor answered confidently, "Of course it exists, didn’t you ever get cold?  The young man said, "Actually, sir, according to the laws of physics, cold doesn’t exist. We created that word to describe what we feel at the absence of heat." The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist? Certain he was right this time, the professor responded, "Yes, it surely does."

"Sir, you are wrong again," replied the student. We can study the light, but not the darkness. People use darkness to describe what happens in the absence of light." Finally, the young man asked, "Professor, does evil exist?" The professor timidly responded, "Of course, as I have already said. We see it every day. Cruelty among people, crimes and violence around the world. These examples are nothing other than the manifestations of evil." The student paused and then said, "God didn't create evil. Evil – is the result of the absence of Godly love in a human heart. It’s like the cold, which comes when there is no heat, or like the darkness, which comes when there is no light." 

God is the very essence of love. Love prospers in His presence and fades in His absence. As the instruments of God, our task is to live so that others feel His presence and experience His love through us. Each time we are kind, patient, giving, and compassionate (with ourselves and others) love flourishes within us and floods into our world.  

Here are some ways to spark love daily: 
  • Do one random act of kindness, don't expect anything in return, if possible do it anonymously.
  • Give someone a hug (hold the embrace for at least 10 seconds).
  • Ask a stranger how they're doing, look them in the eyes and actually listen to their response.
  • Wave to the car next to you while stopped at the light.
  • Send an encouraging text, email or social media mime.
  • Be the first to say I'm sorry.
  • When faced with evil (in any form), don't stay silent. Find a way to stand up for what's right in a way that works for you. 

Get more on this and other topics:
Book Daneen as a speaker:
https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html

Connect and receive updates about Daneen's upcoming book: https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html

Shop the Sparksaflame Store:
https://www.daneenjames.com/shop.html

​
Daneen James is an inspirational author, speaker and develops uplifting
​products and media through her company, SPARKSAFLAME. 

​
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Success According to You

2/13/2020

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By Daneen James 
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 We often look at our lives and think we should be further along and have more than we do.

But, why?  Based on what?  The old anecdote, "Success is a journey, not a destination" is nice to say. But do we really believe it, is it true for us?

The world would have you believe that it only matters, if it matters to other people. While that might be true in part, as impact is important. Whether or not other people value our contribution (and how much) can't be our only metric for significance. We'll live hollow, shallow lives unless we determine and live by our own definition of success. 

Below you'll find stories of people whose "journey" to success encourage me.  I hope they encourage you too! (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/240492)

Arianna Huffington
Long before she founded, the now famous Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington was once rejected by 36 publishers before here second book was accepted for publication. Even once launched, Huffington Post wasn't immediately embraced. It was bombarded with criticisms and attacks about its quality and potential. However, Arianna persevered to create one of the most successful and
well- known outlets online outlets ever. 

Milton Hershey 
He had a dream of milk chocolate for the masses. But Milton Hershey wasn't an instant candy sensation. He started and failed 3 at distinct candy ventures. Until, his efforts finally paid off with Lancaster Caramel Company. The company experienced notable success and eventually led to the founding of the Hershey Company. Where he realized his dream of milk chocolate for the masses many times over and became one of the most recognizable names in the chocolate industry. 

Bill Gates 
Though generally regarded as one of the brightest people in the tech world. Bill Gates first started with a company called Traf-O-Data. The company's product was intended to process and analyze data from traffic tapes. Bill and his partner tried to sell the idea, but the product barely worked, it was an utter failure. But a few years later, he created Microsoft product. Well, we all know how that turned out. 

Steve Jobs
Admired by many for his innovation and resilience, Steve Jobs achieved incredible heights in his 20's on the heels of Apple's massive success. But at 30, he was fired by Apple's board of directors. So, he started Next, a new company, that interestingly enough was later acquired by Apple. Back at the company He originally founded, Jobs would again take Apple to unimaginable levels in the tech industry. 

Walt Disney
Can you imagine the man many of us believe to be synonymous with imagination was fired for lack of creativity? Well it's true. Broke, desperate and a having failed at his first attempt at an animation company. Walt Disney, head to Hollywood. Though extensively criticized, his films would eventually take off and lead to what is now known as the Walt Disney Dynasty. 

George Steinbrenner
Who knew that the now owner of the New York Yankees, bankrupted his first sports franchise, a basketball team called the Cleveland Pipers. Though there have been ups and downs, The New York Yankees has a record as one of the most profitable teams in major league baseball. 

Michelle Pfeiffer 
An actress with a resume of over 60 movies and a career that spans over four decades is crazy about "scents". Who knew? She wanted to make a the most 'natural' and safest fragrance possible. But it also had to smell great. Pfeiffer defied the conventional wisdom of the fragrance industry to create her own path. Though, it would take nearly 10 years to overcome what seemed like insurmountable odds to bring her fragrance to life. Henry Rose, a line of fragrances named after her children, represents two things in her life of which she is very proud. (https://www.allure.com/story/michelle-pfeiffer-henry-rose-perfume-interview)

Yes, success 
is a journey. Delays and disappointments happen along the way, but don't have to derail you. Failure is only final when we fall back, then refuse to move forward. For more inspiring success stories https://suninme.org/true-story.


Get more on this and other topics:

Book Daneen as a speaker:
https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html

Connect and receive updates about Daneen's upcoming book: https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html

Encourage someone, share a card:
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https://www.daneenjames.com/shop.html
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Why RELATIONSHIPS MATTER

2/4/2020

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By Daneen James ​
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Sometimes we hesitate to emotionally engage beyond a surface level. Life without genuine connection can be hard and lonely. But it can feel safer not to extend ourselves and risk the disappointment of unmet expectations.  Good thing relationship has its benefits... 

Better Together
Humans are wired for connection. Studies by The Health and Human Services Department consistently link social isolation to higher rates of depression in men and women. They also report findings that getting and staying married contributes to decreases in heavy drinking and other drug abuse. Whether because there's someone to hold you accountable, someone cares for you or there's someone you care about. It's clear that people who connect with other people and actively engage in relationships, where they feel connected, a sense of belonging, respected and valued are healthier. They experience fewer diseases and feel less overwhelmed, burdened and anxious. 

Quality Matters
According to a study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, the best blood pressure rates are found among happily married couples. Followed by singles who have strong, supportive social networks. Conversely, evidence suggests that relationships with frequent emotional fluctuations or instability create stress that undermine health. While, positive, long-term relationships are shown to create less activation in the area of the brain that produces anxiety and more activation in the part of the brain that registers pain. In effect, study participants (with positive long-term relationships) experienced fewer headaches and reported less backpain. Not to mention, increased activity in the brain's "reward center" and the area associated with bonding, which creates a sense of overall life satisfaction. The better the relationship, the greater the effect. 

The link between life and love
We've seen that positive relationships contribute to increased health and wellbeing. But, perhaps even more striking, is the evidence that connects being loving to faster healing rates, stronger immune systems and increased life expectancy. Not only that, ever notice that kind people are genuinely happier? They live with a sense of appreciation that elevates others and radiates throughout every aspect of their life. Subsequently, they attract goodness and tend to live richer and more fulfilling lives.  While hostile people tend to repel others. They are often lonely and look for ways to fill the void in their life. 

Regardless of type, loving relationships powerfully impact our lives. Giving and receiving love is the link to wholeness. 

Give it a try. 
  • Every day, look for a way to be kind - hold the door, give a compliment, send an encouraging text. 
  • Do one thing, each day to make sure those you value "feel" loved. Find their language and speak it. 
  • When tempted to judge or react harshly, take a moment. Count to 5. Do your best to see the situation from the other person's perspective.  Before you respond, think about the response you'd want to receive.  
  • Tell your internal critic to be quiet. Extend yourself some compassion. Just because you still have work to do, don't discount the work you've done and are doing. 

Get more on this and other topics:

Book Daneen as a speaker:
https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html

Connect and receive updates about Daneen's upcoming book: https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html

Extend love, share an encouraging card:
https://www.daneenjames.com/shop.html

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