Hearts Not Troubled

Sunday, May 5, 2019

How to Stop Lying {+Free Printable!}

Posted by Rachel on May 05, 2019 in Printables,

The world celebrated National Honesty Day last April 30. It got me thinking about the truth spoken by others which greatly inspired me and my mind also opened a bucket of all the lies I’ve been told.

I have met so many people who have told me one thing but eventually; I found out it wasn't the truth. It's disappointing but I have to ask myself, am I like this too?

There are moments I am not completely honest with myself and with others. Why is it sometimes easier to lie than to tell the truth?

For me, it's much easier to lie than to speak the truth when I am hiding something or if I know telling the truth will embarrass me. When we are dishonest, we can create stories and make up excuses to our benefit. But by being honest, we become vulnerable and expose ourselves to the raw truth. It is still dependable that the truth will set you free.

Only very few people remain absolutely honest and live life with integrity. They bring inspiration for others to have the courage to live an honest life.

What is honesty? Let's see what some of the wisest men has to say about it.

“Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving.” ― James E. Faust

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” ― Albert Einstein

“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” ― Thomas Jefferson

“Honesty is of God and dishonesty of the devil; the devil was a liar from the beginning.” ― Joseph B. Whirthlin

Why is it important to tell the truth?

First, let’s look at who we worship.

Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John 14:6

God is not a man that He should lie. Numbers 23:19

Because he who is blessed in the earth will be blessed by the God of truth. Isaiah 65:16

The Lord detests lying lips, but delights in people who are trustworthy. Proverbs 12:22

Why does God hate lies?

Because satan is the father of lies!

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

Who are we serving when we utter lies?

Definitely not Jesus.

Now that we know the importance of telling the truth, let’s discuss the steps we can take to stop the lying habit.

1. Read the Word.

“Father, sanctify them by your truth, because your word is truth.” John 17:17

We start by filling our minds and hearts up with the Scriptures. Reading the Bible is one of the best life-changing decisions you’ll ever make. God’s Word is powerful. When you soak yourself in the Bible, you will see for yourself that it is a sin to lie.

I have designed a 15 day Scripture Writing Plan that focuses on honesty.

You can grab a notebook to write these verses daily and memorize them! Or you can just read and memorize. When you fill your mind with the Bible, you will have a weapon to combat temptations to lie.

2. Confess and repent.

Once you recognize the weight of your sins, you will long for a Savior. God will lead you to repentance. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us from our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

From this verse, we believe that God is FAITHFUL, JUST AND MERCIFUL. He has the power to wash away our filthiness and lies. God is able to give us a new heart.

3. Recognize WHY you lie.

Why do you lie? Are you ashamed, embarrassed, or protecting your pride? Is it a habit you inherited from your parents?

Once you know the reasons why you lie, it’s easier for you to design strategies to reverse your lifestyle. Be honest with God about the reasons why you lie. There may be underlying issues which cause you to be dishonest. Ask God to expose the root issues.

4. Practice telling the truth in every moment.

Ask yourself how you feel and answer honestly. When someone asks you a question, answer genuinely and see how it feels. Practice = progress. Progress is progress no matter how small.

5. Have the courage to be vulnerable.

Telling the truth will sometimes put you in a state of vulnerability. But there is strength in that. Would you rather protect yourself or please God?

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

You might not know it, but the way you live your life in integrity may secretly inspire others. The truth will set you free. (and others too!)

This is a call to make you live a life of integrity. It takes courage and faith to be honest. But God can provide those for you when you ask Him to. After all, “No legacy is so rich as honesty.” William Shakespeare

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Graduating Without Honors, How Does it Feel?

Posted by Rachel on May 02, 2019 in College,

Disappointing.

Not for me, but for the people who expected so much from me. I know I have disappointed them. And it hurts. A lot.

My name on the yearbook will forever be without a title, without an honor to remember. When people would look at me, they wouldn’t think of me as smart because I don’t have a badge to prove it.

Did I want to graduate with honors? I have never really thought about it. I was busy living in the moment and surviving from the crippling lures of anxiety that I never really thought about it.

I guess you can say, it’s not important to me. That’s okay. But when I go out of my head and into reality, I realize that it is very very very important to people and to society. Yikes! I didn’t make it. What now?

Sometimes I would sit and think to myself, am I intelligent? Because lately, I have been feeling that I am not. However, when I look to Scripture I see that I am made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27)

I am His child, whenever I ask for wisdom, He gives generously without finding fault.

(James 1:5)

True wisdom is not about gaining and storing facts inside your brain. “The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” (James 3:17) That's the wisdom I aspire to have.

It is hard to stay positive when you are the only one encouraging yourself.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Psalm 42:11

I don’t have any achievement that would amaze people. However, I am still proud of myself for pushing through.

I am proud of myself for spending hours in the library, for going the extra mile to make everything a learning experience.

I am proud of myself for trying.

I am proud of myself for fighting back though the darkness of anxiety and depression occasionally

whirled around my thoughts.

I am proud of myself for my accomplishments.

I am proud of the failures.

I am proud of myself for waking up, getting dressed and going to school though I only had 2 hours of sleep.

I am proud of myself for living even though

I felt so scared of the world.

I am proud of myself for learning how to be independent; for making friends, for understanding, forgiving, and making memories.

I am not going to apologize because I did not make the cut.

I will not think of myself less because I don’t have a medal hanging around my neck.

I will meditate on God’s Words of life instead of listening to what others say about me.

I am not enough. God is.

I am loved because God is love.

I could have tried harder, but I don’t want to live life with regrets.

I know I have learned so many lessons that cannot be contained

in pieces of papers.

I won’t let myself be defined by a grade nor a medal.

I won’t stop learning.

Monday, April 15, 2019

How To Declutter In A Christian Manner

Posted by Rachel on April 15, 2019 in

I heard about Marie Kondo's style of organizing and uncluttering years ago. Implementing her system of folding was useful for my closet's benefit. This year Marie Kondo became much more popular when she had her own show on Netflix.

However, there have been some speculations about her methods whether we as Christians should adhere to the steps she gives.
There is a Christian-friendly alternative to that. A book by Melody Carlson, Devotions for Clutterers, provides powerful insights about clutter, which are taken from a Biblical perspective.

When you are disputing with yourself whether or not to throw something out, she provides tips by asking yourself four questions։

1. Does anyone use this?
2. Do I enjoy having this in my life?
3. Does this have sentimental value?
4. I've got more than one of these, do I really need them all?

If you answered yes to any of the questions, then you should probably keep the item. Definitely so grateful for this book because it is like being taken on a journey filled with hope that I can fix the clutter in my home. I have started cleaning, simply by starting with my dresser. It's a small step but it did wonders for my spirit.

Whenever I see clutter, I feel stressed. The chaos and disorganization fill my heart with frustration. The clutter inside my room would often discourage me but when I took steps to organize and clean, it filled my heart with peace. For so long, I have wondered why but the answer lies in the Bible,

"For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." 1 Corinthians 14։33

A simple step taken to organize stuff can do so much for one's peace and happiness. Will you take a step today? What's your declutter story?

**This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase the book, I earn a small commission but with no additional cost to you!

Monday, April 8, 2019

Lessons Learned From Nature

Posted by Rachel on April 08, 2019 in

I love to spend my afternoons sitting at the porch; looking up to the blue sky, feeling the wind on my face and the grass upon my feet. Blooming flowers captivate my eyes and the sway of the sturdy trees gives me peace. The sound of birds singing makes me smile. As my dogs run around and play, I sense deep gratitude for God’s creation. These are pieces of evidence of God’s beauty and most of all, of His love

He could have created the world dull by making everything of the same color, but He filled nature with wonderful hues. He wanted us to see a glimpse of His majesty and splendor.

Whenever I spend time out in nature, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness in providing. He clothes the flowers, feeds the birds, provides sunshine for the trees, makes the wind blow for coolness, etc. He created each insect for a purpose and cares for them. If God can take care of animals and plants how much more of me, oh how little is my faith! (Matthew 6:26-34)

There are about 391,000 plant species in the world. And there are approximately 1.2 million known species of animals, but scientists estimate there are closer to 8.7 million species on earth. Scientists have only documented 14% of living species.

By having quality time in nature, I become much more aware of God’s beauty in creating variety. There is no need to compare. Each plant thrives on its own and blooms where it is planted. It trusts the purpose God has bestowed upon it. Reminds me of the song from Jewel, entitled What You Are.

The trees bear fruit in its season. It doesn’t always bear good fruit. For me, the fruits represent the consequences of our actions and the fruits of our faith. (fruits of the spirit) In Psalm 1:1-3 we are likened to a tree,

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

We blossom like a flower and then wither. (Job 14:2) What is our life but a breath here on earth? God is in control. He is our Father! Why not spread out your wings and fly for His cause? Why not give your heart out to serve people in the name of Jesus? Time is gold because I don’t have forever to do God’s work. This present moment is what I got.

Observing nature has taught me a valuable lesson about patience. Plants don’t grow in a second just like we don’t grow right away. Christian maturity is a process that we go through day by day.

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:45) Whatever weather (challenges) may come, as long as our roots are founded in Christ so will we grow in His knowledge and grace, and we will continue to do so until the end of time.

I hope we never take for granted, the opportunities we have every day to learn from nature.

I hope we take time to stop and stare at the blue sky or the twinkling stars, always in awe of God’s wonder.

I hope that when we see a breathtaking sunset; we bow our hearts in worship to God.

I hope that whenever we see a flower bloom; we whisper a prayer of gratitude to the Creator.

In a digital world, I hope you never lose sight of the precious gifts God has given us through nature.

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Amazed By A Relentless God

Along with the piling obligations and requirements of a graduating student, the stress is building up too. I can’t grasp how I turned to this place of desolation and despair.

Upcoming finals, deadlines, and the constant replaying of my first job interview rejection, broke the shell of the sleeping anxiety inside my core. It has been ages since I read my Bible. I am certain I compromised somewhere down the road. I prioritized other things until my mind concluded that reading the Bible wasn’t so important.

For months, emptiness continues to fill my life as I search for fulfillment. I lay in bed so desperate for God. I want to find Him, run to Him and sink into His arms but I can’t make myself do it. My days bear nothing but exhaustion, so I fall asleep without even praying.

To be honest, I am a miserable person standing in this desert longing for living water. This experience, made me realize what life is without Jesus. Loneliness overtakes your soul and your heart is being crushed to pieces day by day. Hopelessness overtakes. My only hope is God.

The closest I could get to keep my faith going are my two prayer books. These days, whenever I open it each morning, the prayer is perfect for the plight I am facing! I trust God orchestrates moments such as this. You might say it’s a coincidence but I know otherwise.

Again, a YouTube video popped up about the case I was pondering on. Scriptures may not attract me anymore, so He approaches me in different ways. I want to cry because of His love and faithfulness. I am such a fool for putting anything else above the Lord. He is the One who can satisfy my soul. Others may give temporary relief at the surface, but it is Jesus who can perceive through the depths of me and grant healing.

At present, my spirit asks for conviction and strength to read the Word of God. I trust that the Holy Spirit would ease my soul. God is love. This is so true. He is so merciful enough to make His presence known.

Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD’s wrath, until he pleads my case and upholds my cause. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.

Micah 7:8-9

Saturday, March 16, 2019

The Beauty In Showing Up

Posted by Rachel on March 16, 2019 in Faith, Personal,

Colds and a painful throat.

I splashed water over my suffering as I took a shower. My stomach churned and hurt but distractions came by praying and letting my thoughts tumble until I forget the pain, lost in a daydream.

The commute to church was a challenging moment yet an opportunity to exercise my faith. I got nauseous, but I kept asking God to sustain me until I arrived at my destination. I had a part at the Divine Worship Service, which was Scripture reading. The notion of not coming was tempting, but I knew I could still do my duty if I persist.

When in agony, whether emotional or physical, I pullback because I am unacquainted with endurance. I’d rush to a safe place; I gave up right away.

I saw the value in pressing through the pain. There are times we are required to show up in spite of the discomfort. We need to depend on our Father to take care of our health, believing that we can survive and be tougher than whatever is waging war inside our bodies.

It sums up to a matter of faith in Jesus. Time and time again, I have proven He never fails. My repeated declarations of “God I trust You,” ever produce fruit of His amazing fidelity. That’s the beauty of showing up: experiencing God’s power and faithfulness. He is greater than everything we encounter.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Worship As A Lifestyle

Posted by Rachel on February 16, 2019 in Church, Personal,

I know that God is powerful, great and so much more. That is what the Bible says after all and I believe it.

But how often do I stop and meditate on His goodness?

Why does hardship always seem to be bigger than the God I serve?

Why do I forget God exists when I go out into the world?

It is because I am not worshiping God.

Last year, the Holy Spirit brought to my attention my lack of worship for God. I was convicted of how self-focused I am. I was always seeking to improve myself. I wanted to know what the Bible says about ME leaving God behind. I'd only listen to Christian songs I could relate to. Worship songs were boring. I focused so much on who I am and what God says about me I neglected knowing who He is.

This world seems to promote “self” too much. Self-love, self-care, self-confidence concepts are everywhere. Self-help books are booming all around. I went in for the ride. It never satisfied my soul. It left me with a mind full of facts but an empty heart. I wanted God. I wanted Him so much more than anything else.

I found out that what can truly satisfy my soul is to worship God; praising Him for who He is and shifting the focus of my life on Him. For so long I have always looked to myself. But now, I want to lock my eyes upon my Savior. I want to know Jesus more. I want to love Him more. I want to build my life on Him.

It's like my heart keeps running towards Jesus. He makes me full yet always leaves me longing for more. I want to worship God. But I don't want to worship Him for once a week only. I don't want to think of Him just in my quiet time every morning. I want to be constantly aware of His presence. Constant connection is what I crave. My heart is set out on having worship as a lifestyle.

This is not a blog post where I share the answers or the “secret hacks”. Because honestly, I don't have the answers. This is me being open and honest about my struggle of focusing on Jesus. I can feel that my body and spirit are waging a war for my attention each day. I'd love to have my attention fix on the existence of Jesus at all times. Worship is a constant connection with my Creator.

I hope if there is anything you can get from this post, it's that we need to worship God more than ever. I pray we take our eyes off ourselves, off our glory or sins and focus on Him. When we open our Bibles let's ask ourselves the question, “What does this say about God?” instead of trying to take verses and using it as an affirmation (not that this is wrong, but you get the idea). Let's give God the spotlight on His Word. I desire to know Him more until my heart overflows of His love, and I am in the deep ocean of His mercy. I yearn to be cradled in His arms until myself is lost and all that's left in my eyes is the reflection of the Almighty Savior.