By Daneen James 

“Live by grace, not perfection”, the words of the sign posted on the back wall of my office. I have a tendency toward overthinking and perfectionism. The sign reminds me not to take myself too seriously and to extend myself grace.  Whenever I obsess over something being less than "perfect" or I'm paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake. I look at the sign and literally breathe a sigh of relief.

The Good News
Though it's taken me some time to understand. No matter how hard we try, our talent and effort aren't enough. They were never intended to be. Our role is contribution. We can choose how to focus our energy, effort and attention. But God controls the outcome, He's responsible for the results. When we try to operate in God’s territory, we get frustrated, feel stressed and become overwhelmed. Anytime I feel myself drifting into God’s realm, I laugh. It helps me release and reset. In fact, I’ve found humor to be a wonderful tool for maintaining balance in my life.  

When did you last laugh?
Do you remember the last time you laughed? I don’t mean a giggle or a smile. But the kind of laughter that erupts from a place deep within. Forces you on to your side. Tears come down your face. Your stomach muscles hurt and your cheeks ache, but afterwards you feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted. Everything seems just a little better, a little brighter. Do you remember, was it recent?

The research is clear, laughter offers a host of mental and physical benefits (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm):

• Fosters efficiency and innovation. Laughter reduces stress. Less stress equals more energy. We can focus longer, get more done in less time and are likely to respond to challenges with more creativity and effectiveness.  
• Stimulates perspective. Humor disarms our defenses. Helps creates psychological distance. So, we don't feel threatened and difficult situations are less likely to escalate or overwhelm us.  
• Promotes heart health. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
• Burns calories. One study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year. Not quite the same as a trip to the gym, but definitely could be more fun.
• Extends your life. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.

 
Here's a little encouragement...

1. Before you react, try to see the humor a situation. Not saying to make everything a joke. But generally speaking, most things just aren’t that serious.
2. Watch funny videos on YouTube. Have a favorite comedian? Look for comedy specials on cable.
3. Do something silly and playful. Just because you’ve grown up, doesn’t mean you have outgrown fun. Try a water gun or pillow fight, wrestle, frisbee, jump rope, dance (who cares what it looks like.) 

Explore and experiment.  Do something every day that lightens your mood, then repeat. 
 

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Daneen James is an inspirational author, speaker and develops uplifting
products and media through her company, SPARKSAFLAME.
​
You might also enjoy:
https://www.daneenjames.com/blog/live-your-light

By Daneen James 

God sees you.

He knows the adversity you have overcome. He understands that you’ve endured things you didn’t deserve. That you’ve had many reasons to give up, but you found the courage to keep going. Despite the heart break, challenges, and disappointments that threatened to overtake you. You are still standing.

But sometimes what we use to survive in one season can create patterns that keep us stuck, restrict our heart and stifle our spirit in another season. Nothing makes God happier than to see you living the life that He created you to live. He wants to help you reach your full potential, in every area of your life. He wants to help you. He’s extending His hand. Will you take it?  
 
Begin by answering these 3 questions (inspired by Dharius Daniels):

Where’s the hurt?
What was done that shouldn’t have been (feelings of grief, loss and unmet expectations offer clues)?

Where’s the hole?
What wasn’t done but should have been?

Where’s the hazard?
What thought or memory keeps tripping you up? What video plays in your mind that you find it difficult to escape?
 
Will you allow God into these areas?  Will you choose to accept Christ as the answer to bring you wholeness and peace?
 
Here’s a prayer:
Father, there are places where I am stuck. Regrets and resentments cloud my perspective. I have done things for which I'm ashamed. Made areas of my heart unavailable to you.  But I want to know your freedom. I invite you into my life, nothing is off limits. Help me give you my broken pieces. Strengthen me to expose my wounds. Give me the courage to be honest, withholding nothing. Then God do what only you can do.  Let your love wash over me and lead me to healing. Father, when it gets hard, help me look to and lean on you.
 

For more inspiring messages:
Book Daneen as a speaker:
https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html 

Sign up for Daneen's newsletter and receive updates about her 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. 

You might also enjoy:
​https://www.daneenjames.com/blog/live-your-light
​

By Daneen James 

By Daneen James 

"When we were utterly helpless, God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. We have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ. Our friendship with God was restored by the Son." Romans 5:6-11 (NLT)

I read that scripture and I am overwhelmed. God, what made you do it? How can you love me like you do? What am I that you consider me?

Despite my best efforts, I’m not always good or righteous.  I disobey and disappoint God. I know better but don’t always do better. I mess up and miss the mark. Yet every day God shows me new mercy and extends His grace and gives me another chance. 

God sees us and knows our inner thoughts, nothing is hidden from Him. He sees the ugly, the selfish and the dark. Yet it’s in our darkest places that He shines His light. His Spirit won’t let us be. It works with His grace to refine us.

Even when you walk away, God never does. He wants you. He decided long ago that you are worth it and won’t throw you away. He offers you life, the chance to change and grow. Oh, the possibilities when you listen for and obey His voice. Each time we choose Him, every move we make toward Him, we stand more in His power. This was God's plan all along.

There's a song I remember singing as a Kid in church, “I Just Want To Thank You Lord.” Though I haven’t thought about that song in years, this morning I woke up with its words on my lips. 
 
“Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. You’ve been so good.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. You brought me out.
Thank you, Lord.  Thank you, Lord. You saved my soul.
I Just want to thank you Lord.”
 
I even watched a performance of the song on YouTube. As I listened to the lyrics, my eyes began to water. On Good Friday, the day we commemorate the death and crucifixion of Christ. I am overcome with awe and appreciation. Father, I just want to say, THANK YOU. 


For more inspiring messages:
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. 

You might also enjoy:
​https://www.daneenjames.com/blog/in-his-absence


​

By Daneen James

This is an interesting time in our world. Even if you’re not experiencing financial hardship, or facing a health challenge. It’s not business as usual. Your life has likely been altered in some way. Many among us have real and immediate concerns about the days, weeks and months to come. What will happen to their lives, livelihood and families?

None of us can predict when we’ll return to work or control the government’s response. No matter how many models or trends we use, there’s no way to anticipate the global impact of the COVID -19 pandemic.

​But there is something each of us can do. Fight.

When feelings of doubt, fear and dread flood your mind and threaten to overwhelm you. Fight to stay expectant of positive outcomes. Resist the urge to be overtaken by despair. Challenge every negative, nonproductive thought and feeling, don’t let them go unchecked. Push yourself to recall positive moments and experiences. Use them as encouragement to keep going.

Inherent in every situation is opportunity, this one is no different. Is there a lesson to be learned, perspective or growth to be gained?  Take a step back. Regardless of circumstance, look for and embrace the opportunity to learn and grow. It builds character and fortifies faith.

Some days you’ll feel stronger than others. Yes, there’ll be moments when you won’t be motivated to move forward. Days that you won’t want to be encouraged. You’ll certainly encounter circumstances that cause you to question and doubt. You’ll likely have instances where you want to blame others and throw yourself a pity party. You might want to throw in the towel.

But even when you face situations that drain your energy and tax your spirit. Faith falters and you're caught up in a sea of negative thoughts and emotions. Don’t just give in and throw your hands up in surrender.

Reach for hope.

Remember nothing in life lasts for all time. You have faced crisis before. You’ve overcome adversity in the past. Though pressed on every side you were not defeated. You’re still standing. You will get through this. Not just survive but thrive.

Encourage yourself daily. Every day act to feed your faith. Overtime you’ll create a reserve that feeds you when you need it most.  You may sink, but not as low as before and you won’t stay as long.

Here are a few ideas to help feed your faith:

• Write down each of your concerns. Determine what’s in your control to address the concern. Take whatever action you can. Whatever is outside of your control, tell God about it and ask for His help and peace.
• Read a scripture each day, be reminded of God’s power and promises. Consider: Philippians 4:6-7 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-10. 
• Look for reasons to be grateful. Small to big - write them down, say them out loud, share them with others.
• Watch videos that affirm your faith – sermons or messages on YouTube.
• Listen to podcasts that inform and inspire you.
• Pray privately for and with family/friends.
• Send encouraging texts 
• Look for ways to help or uplift others 
• Post or share uplifting messages on social media.
• Give yourself an outlet - journal to express your feelings without judgement.
• Get up, take a shower, fix your face. Get dressed, comb your hair, shave, paint your nails. Ready yourself for the day. Your outside positively impacts your inside. 
• Tell God Thank you – regardless of what it looks like - thank Him for what He’s doing and how He’s working.

Faith feeds faith. The more you do the thing you know is right. The more you’re convinced that what you’re doing is right.


Get more on this and other topics:
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​
Daneen James is an inspirational author, speaker and develops uplifting
products and media through her company, SPARKSAFLAME. 


You might also enjoy:
​https://www.daneenjames.com/blog/keep-it-fresh