Lament: A Powerful Prayer Blueprint That Brings Comfort in Times of Trouble

by Kelly Roberson, MA, LCMHCA, NCC

In times of trouble, we seek out safety and security. There is safety in being heard; we feel a bit more grounded and understood when someone listens to our pain. First let me say, it would be fair to maintain that most individuals have not been taught effective skills to process emotional pain. Well-meaning friends, family, and spiritual leaders stifle the process by encouraging others to “look on the bright side” and “focus on the positive.” Often, after a natural disaster, government agency leaders are quick to inspire the community by declaring, “We will rebuild!”

Although it is helpful to be optimistic, it is not necessarily the first step along the healing journey. In theory, we believe our Heavenly Father knows our thoughts, yet somehow, we hope he might not find out about the brewing resentment and deep sorrow we carry – because shouldn’t we just get over it? We mask painful emotions through duty, politeness, and productivity leaving us feeling numb, unsafe, and disconnected. In contrast, scripture offers a powerful prayer blueprint to process pain called lament. Mark Vroegop defines biblical lament as “a prayer in pain that leads to trust” (2019).

A Powerful Blueprint – the Elements of Lament

Biblical lamenting brings comfort by completing a type of communication sequence. Let me explain. We are not just laying down a complaint – we’re having a conversational prayer (healthy communication) that builds relationship with our Abba Father. The sequence includes four elements: (1) an address to God, (2) a complaint, (3) a request, and (4) an expression of trust and/or praise (Vroegop, 2019). Part of the human experience is the need to feel heard, understood, and known. Neurologically, feeling heard fosters a sense of safety. Aside from our basic physiological needs of food, water, warmth, and rest – safety is also a basic human need. After that, our psychological needs such as love and belonging bring a sense of connection. God created us for connection. It would then make sense that through lament we find safety and comfort. The practice of lament provides a blueprint for voicing our concerns and complaints to God with the result being a deeper trust in Him.

Finding Comfort through Lament

We find examples in scripture of finding comfort through lament. One example is from David found in Psalm 69:1-3, 16, “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is dry; my eyes fail while I wait for my God… Hear me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies.”

Even our Lord Jesus Christ gave us a chilling example in Matthew 27:46, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Then in verse 50 from the Amplified version reflects Jesus’ declaration of trust (element #4), “And Jesus cried out again with a loud [agonized] voice, and gave up His spirit [voluntarily, sovereignly dismissing and releasing His spirit from His body in submission to His Father’s plan]. There are times when we do not see, times when we will have to walk by faith, not by sight. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.

Voicing our complaints and concerns while binding them to God’s character provide comfort in times of trouble. Understanding the character of God brings confidence when we implement the fourth element of lamenting. Here are a few examples:

Elohim: Strong One, Mighty One

El Shaddai: Mountain

El Elyon: the Most High God

El Olam: the Everlasting God

El Roi: the God Who Sees

Jehova Jireh: The Lord will Provide (Genesis 22:14)

Jehovah Nissi: The Lord our Banner (Exodus 17:15)

Jehovah Shalom: The Lord our Peace (Judges 6:24)

Jehovah Raah: The Lore our Shepherd (Psalms 23:1)

Jehovah Tsidkenu: The Lord our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)

Jehovah Shammah: The God Who is There (Ezekiel 48:35)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, at times you feel so far away, my heart aches for those I have lost, my body grows weary; renew a right spirit within me, fill my cup with wisdom, joy, and energy. You are the Lord who sees me, you are the God who is there for me - you cover me with your banner of victory! You are the everlasting God and my Peace! Amen

By Kelly Roberson, MA, LCMHCA, NCC

References: Vroegop, M. (2019). Dark clouds, deep mercy: Discovering the grace of lament. Crossway.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

The Diamond Ring Effect

Hosea 2:19, "And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy."

For those who have experienced a broken engagement, suffered through a divorce, the death of a spouse, or feel like their current "diamond ring" does not measure up to what was promised on bended knee - or maybe you are still waiting for your ring... there is a word of encouragement for you.

All everyone can talk about is the Great Solar Eclipse and the path of totality. "The Baily's beads” effect (Diamond Ring) is a feature of total solar eclipses. As the moon "grazes" by the Sun during a solar eclipse, the rugged lunar limb topography allows beads of sunlight to shine through in some places, and not in others." At the moment of contact, the Diamond Ring will appear....whoa...what?!

There was a sense of the Lord saying, "I'm going to give you a diamond ring." It was intense. After a few days of pondering this, there was a moment of sitting down in silence. Then the words began to flow as the Lord ministered to the heart. May this encourage those who need it:

The Diamond Ring
"It is known that you have had more than one diamond ring betrothed to you throughout your lifetime. As you sit here in the quiet, you are well aware that you now are left with none. Some days it plagues you and the tears come as if straight through the cracks in your heart. A cruel reminder that love below the clouds is but mere mortal and weak. Not only yours, but many other hearts lay numb in the wake of broken promises and shattered covenants. Go ahead and feel the loss. Experience the longing for what was intended because something greater is about to be revealed.

There is a message from the Lord - His love is strong. There has always been something greater for you. A sign of His love is coming. A diamond ring hung ABOVE the clouds where love is pure. A grand display as a reminder that you are His and you are loved. Bought with a price. Called by name. He is loyal and true. He is the Great I AM. The Beginning and the End. He will never leave you or forsake you. You can always count on Him.

The Creator of the moon and the stars will now craft a diamond ring and hang it in the sky. A reminder of His expansive love for you. His reach is far and wide, yet intimate and safe. Within His arms, you will find all you need. You are His beloved. Let this sign be a covenant reminder that you are here for a greater purpose. Do not get locked down at ground level but come up higher. Keep the greater perspective. Zoom out and see. Use wisdom in all things. This symbol is placed in the sky. A ring is given because of His love. You are His: daughter of the King, protected, comforted, embraced, and shielded."

Matthew 26:28, "For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

May this message minister to you. The excitement for the eclipse is now greater than ever before. Receiving a ring from the King of Kings! Bring on the eclipse!

Kelly Roberson, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

A Stronger You

A Stronger YOU

It's been said, "Don't beat yourself up for what you didn't know." That's the beauty of time passing and seasons changing. Here we are rounding into the second week of June 2017. If you're feeling like me you are thinking, "WHERE has this year gone?!" 

It's easy to start to feel panic as you think about all the things that you haven't checked off your list yet. Or, a situation that has seemed to pull you 10 steps backward. I want to encourage you to PAUSE and BREATHE.Especially those of you who have just had a hard year. I believe breakthrough is coming!
 

"That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." Romans 8:28 MSG

I remember a gut-wrenching conversation with one of my mentors. As tears flowed down my face, I told her that I felt like the past season of my life was a waste. I had been deceived and stripped of most of my identity and dreams. I felt I had gone 10 steps backward. This wise woman looked across at me and gently placed her hand on mine and said, "Oh no honey, just look how much you know now." Mic drop! She was right! I wiped away the tears and sat up straight... 

"Look how much you know now." Difficult seasons are bridges, not barricades, which will bring much wisdom. Embrace each day with the new information and wisdom that you have from this past season of your life. There will be more seasons - more learning - best of all more WISDOM - and wisdom brings GROWTH.

[This Week's Prayer]
GOD THANK YOU for taking all the pain in my life and turning it into something good for your glory! Thank you for wisdom. I thank you that you are always working on my behalf to keep me on the path of my calling and destiny. What you have for me, no man can take! I praise you for being "Jehovah Nissi" - the Banner of Victory in every situation! Please protect me and those I care about as we go about our lives this week. Let the love of Jesus Christ demolish the evil in this world. ~In Jesus' name, Amen.

Kelly Roberson, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

Spiritual Capital: Being Strong in Spirit

[This Week's Prayer]

GOD THANK YOU for our freedom and the ability to live life openly able to worship and seek Your face! I'm lifting my voice to you today to let you know that I love you as the King of Kings and Lord of all Lords. I love and care for my country. Father God, would you let us experience a fresh encounter with You - we specifically ask that You would protect us against the evil intentions that others have against our country and those that are followers of the cross. Protect all our leadership: those who live in the White House and those who aspire to. We pray for unity and compassion between all citizens. We thank you Father God that You hold the winning hand, and that it is Your desire that all may experience the deep love of Jesus Christ! 
~In Jesus' name, amen.

Coaching Tip:

According to Life Coach Tim Wiles, "Spiritual Capital is the foundation for how you live, move, and have your being." It is the "stuff" that makes you emotionally strong. It is an asset we possess. Praying and mediation helps BUILD UP your spiritual capital. It gives us LIFT! This allows you to be strong inwardly, helping you cope with stress and the pressures of life as you move from one life event to the next. You will be stronger for it and rise above others who don't understand this concept. Care for yourself and others by taking a few minutes to meditate on this prayer. Together, we can move mountains!

Kelly Roberson
Helping You With Transformation

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

Communication Tip

Ready to really add value to your daily interactions with people? Scripture says that we can "enhance the flavor" of this world by offering Godly wisdom. Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

We need the wisdom to know how to navigate situations and conversations. If you’re like me, this is sometimes really hard and I end up putting my foot in my mouth! Satan loves division and offense because it hinders us from relationship with each other and with Jesus Christ.

Think before you speak. Spend time in Christ’s presence ~ thankfully, Christ is right here to "season" our speech, but it takes time soaking up His presence in the secret place. He is the only one who can keep us “salty.” Mark 9:50, “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
 

[This Week's Prayer]

Father God, season our speech with love and wisdom today. Allow us to be a vessel for answers and strategies. Saturate us with your presence and guide us today in the way we should go. May we be a valuable and loyal friend. Proverbs 20:6, Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Kelly Roberson

For more on this topic, check out the "Royally Relaxing Workshop: A Journey Into The Secret Place"

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

Are You Stressed? It's Time for You to be Royally Relaxed!

In the spring of 2012 I boarded a 25 hour flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand. My friend, Tara Browder, was a missionary to the area, and I was excited to partner with her for this life changing experience. The ministry trip focused on the young women who were being trafficked within the sex trade. Also, we were there to support the leadership of the local ministry who worked so diligently attending to these delicate hearts.  

Part of the trip involved us hosting a women’s retreat for these tireless leaders. My topic was on the importance of rest for leaders. I would deliver my message, then I was going to love on the women by making some of my Royally Relaxing Body Scrub and then have them massage it into each other’s hands for a spa-like feel to our session for the afternoon. 

While waiting for my turn to speak, I sat in the stairwell looking out the window and going over my notes. As I stared out the sizable window thinking about how grateful I was to be in this place, the download started to happen... God began adding to my notes. If you’ve ever spoken, I know you know how sneaky he can be by revamping your notes at the last minute! Eeeek! Inspiration literally began to drop into my spirit like rain drops... He revealed that there was symbolism to each ingredient: salt, oil, aroma. 

You will learn how the different ingredients in the scrub symbolize the benefits that come when we take time for daily intimacy with Jesus. In this chaotic world, we can experience living out of a lifestyle of rest so that you can be your most powerful you. You are the King’s child and it’s time for you to walk in your authority while being Royally Relaxed! 

I believe God’s heart for us as a Father is one who wants to nurture us and protect us as we abide in His presence. We simply can’t do anything supernatural or extraordinary without Him. I am desperate for Him and refuse to settle for a life that is anything less than one based on being swept away in His arms as He reveals His plans and purposes for my life! I need His peace and direction. His healing and comfort. His sweet aroma in my life that only comes from time spent in His presence. I hope you will journey with me as we discover that rest is a weapon...

---

Click here to host a Royally Relaxing Workshop for your women's group! 
...or to learn more!

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

“A Journey into the Secret Place: A leadership workshop that reveals the divine benefits of resting in the presence of the Lord as you make your own take-home lavender bath scrub.

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7”

---

Created by Kelly Roberson

---

CLICK HERE TO purchase A ROYALLY RELAXING devotional gift bundle!

Includes 1 lavender salt scrub, 1 workshop devotional, and the Royally Relaxing prayer bookmark. Perfect for Mother's Day or any time!

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

These 3 Things are Your Lifeline

Over the last week, I kept hearing the Lord whispering, "and these three remain: faith, hope, and love." {1 Corinthians 13:13} I finally stopped and leaned into what this really means. I heard the Lord say that it means when you feel like all is lost or when you feel stripped of everything you know.... These three will ALWAYS be in the recipe: faith, hope, and love. Circumstances may seem bleak - "all stripped away" or lost, BUT there are ALWAYS the core ingredients to rebuild & refuel your life and dreams! Always. How amazing is that... !! 

Interesting how God knows that. In my coaching sessions I use a tool called "Spiritual Capital" - these are 33 life drivers that renew and fuel our lives. Faith, hope, and love are one of the 33. God designed us to incorporate these "drivers" into our lives because they give us strength when going through transitions and stressful situations. Our trust is not in the process, it's in Christ. 

[This Week's Prayer]

Father, thank you for the assurance that even when I feel lost or like my dreams have been snuffed out by "man" that your word says that there is always divine HOPE. Thank you that this experience will help me to be more compassionate. I pray that you blow fresh energy and wind upon my dreams and stir a fire in my gut that would inspire me to move ahead today knowing that the best is yet to come! I thank you Father that according to Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Holy Spirit blow fresh upon my dreams - ignite, fuel, and strengthen me in Jesus' name, amen! 

Kelly Roberson

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.
 

Your Brain on Multitasking

**WARNING** What I'm about to say may give you a brain cramp.... I know you're probably in the middle of something, but just hang with me for a second (wink). Did you know that according to the newest studies in neuroscience, "the oft-admired 'talent' of multitasking is a joke!" (I actually heard this at a conference and almost fell out of my chair!) Dr. Henry Cloud states in his new book, Boundaries for Leaders, that "our brains run in a hampered state when we multitask - reducing an astronaut's brain to that of a hamster...The brain craves attention in order to work. You need to attend to what is relevant and inhibit everything else." 

We multitask because we think we are getting more accomplished in a shorter amount of time. Unfortunately, studies prove that this simply isn't true ...and it can harm relationships and actually hinder our goals.

According to Larry Kim, a writer with Inc. Magazine, "A study from the University of Sussex (UK) ran MRI scans on the brains of individuals who spent time on multiple devices at once (texting while watching TV, for example). The MRI scans showed that subjects who multitasked more often had less brain density in the anterior cingulate cortex. That's the area responsible for empathy and emotional control."

Here are 3 things that you CAN do to save time and be more productive: 

1. Guy Winch, PhD, author of Emotional First Aid: Practical Strategies for Treating Failure, Rejection, Guilt and Other Everyday Psychological Injuries says, "Do things in batches. Pay your bills all at once, then send your emails all at once. Each task requires a specific mindset, and once you get in a groove you should stay there and finish." 
    

2. As sure as your iPhone will lose it's charge by lunch today, the minute we sit down to complete a task, other important "to-do's" flood our brain. Keep a random thought pad handy to write things down. Then, you can go back and do those things later after you've completed what's in front of you.
    

3. Prioritize. Write down the top 3 most important things you absolutely must get done for the day. It's amazing how accomplished you will feel when you check them off! Success begets success. Small victories lead to larger ones just like a domino effect.

Prayer

 Dear Lord, I need you to help me in this area. I ask that you would first of all give me YOUR priorities for my life - make them clear. I am standing not in my own power, but standing firm in your power to accomplish the things I feel you have for me to accomplish for your kingdom. I understand that "unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1) I ask you to help me build! Give me the self-discipline to prioritize and manage my affairs according to your standards. I pray that everything I do will be filtered through love. I lift my schedule up to you Father God and according to 1 Corinthians 14:33, "you are not a God of confusion, but of PEACE..." Seal these things upon my heart in Jesus' name, amen! 

Kelly Roberson

 Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

Feeling Hidden?

Happy New Year's Eve! Maybe you're on cloud 9 right about now - or maybe you are feeling lonely and hidden away... let me share a little story with you.

Swiss Rolls. Have I got your attention? A few years back I was visiting a friend for a few weeks. There were teenagers in the house, and it seemed that everything I bought was quickly eaten. Well, this was just not working for me so I devised a plan. First of all let me back up. I have this dirty little secret... yes, it's true. I really LOVE Swiss Rolls. You know those plastic, toxin-filled, chocolate cake rolls.... ohhhhhhh yeah baby!! Now right now you are either cheering or you are shaking your head.

Anyway, once a year I'll buy a box. I decided to buy some on this particular visit and wasn't in the mood to share. I hid them in the bottom cabinet behind the pots and pans. (yeah, I know pathetic really!) Ohhhh, but it was so great having them all to myself because I loved them so much... They were hidden - not discarded.
 
About now you're asking, WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING?? Do you ever feel hidden or discarded? Most people do along their journey. I hid the box because they were my FAVORITE! God is actually working during our seasons of hiddenness and the truth is that you are not discarded, just hidden, tucked away with a special purpose that is unfolding.

Here are 3 practical things you can do when you feel hidden: 

1.  Work through any rejection issues that you have. We all have had them: past failures, hurts, abandonment, deaths, and losses of any kind can lead to a root of rejection. These will leave soul wounds that can skew our thinking and derail our destiny. Repent where you have given place to your own personal pity party and where you have judgment against those who have hurt you and forgive them - and also very importantly, forgive yourself. Ask God to come in apply the healing oil of the Holy Spirit. Ask him to renew a right spirit within you. There is nothing like peace that comes from a healed heart. Psalm 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."

2. Embrace the Truth. Most likely, you are not being rejected or cast aside.The truth about your situation is that according to God's Word, you are a royal priesthood, a chosen generation - you are a child of God! 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." He loves you and absolutely will NEVER forget you! If God is FOR you WHO can be against you? The truth of the matter is that God SEES YOU. He sees every time you help someone in need without it being posted on Instagram. He sees those things that you do for others that no one will ever know about. Ask yourself, "Have I done all that I can? Have I loved as I should?"  If the answer is yes then be grateful because you are storing up treasures in Heaven. Ask God to show you how you matter and that what you are doing matters. I will be praying that for you too. 

3. Trust the process. Yep, there's a process. According to Dr. Bill Hamon, prophetic evangelist, "God makes the man before he makes the ministry." After graduating from seminary back in the '50's, Dr. Hammond told God he wanted to take the nations for the kingdom! He was ready to preach along side of Billy Graham and the rest of the great evangelists of the time. Guess, what? God put him on the backside of the barn in a little church in the middle of nowhere for six years. Over the six - long - years, God molded him and shaped him into the mature instrument he needed. He recounted that it was HARD, but there was fruit. As he was faithful with the little, God began to give him more. There are seasons of being hidden and tucked away for all of us. Sometimes the seasons of hiddenness cycle back through when God is doing something even deeper in our lives. Trust the process. You are God's beloved. 
 

[This Week's Prayer]

Father, thank you for the opportunity to be hidden and loved by you so much that you would take time to mature me and make me complete for every good work! I am thankful that you love me far greater than a favorite dessert! I renounce in the name of Jesus any root of rejection that I may have in my heart. I ask your forgiveness where I have hurt others out of my own pain. I receive your love and forgiveness. Wash the blood of Jesus over me and cleanse me from my sin. Fill me with a fresh filling of your power and heal all soul wounds associated with rejection. Flood every cell of my body with acceptance, love and divine mercy. I choose to live a life that is un-offendable. Father God I ask that you give me your powerful grace to accomplish the assignment you have chosen for me. I choose to trust you with my gifts and talents because you gave them to me. I ask you to take all of me and empower me to be used by you in 2016. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen! 

Kelly Roberson

 Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

Life Coaching 101: Brain Science and Your Thoughts

Many years ago I was watching an episode of Oprah where she told everyone to keep a daily inventory of the thoughts that floated through our minds. I thought cool! I've got this! So I took inventory. It wasn't "cool!" It was a labyrinth of cobwebs constructed by personal accusations, toxic thoughts, stress, and self defeat. Although I was generally a very optimistic, faith-filled gal, I had just gone through a painful betrayal in my marriage that had me saying things like, "I'm so stupid!" ...feeling stupid for allowing myself to be fooled - not seeing the signs. My outward portrayal of hope and resilience was not in line with my thoughts. Can you relate? And so began the long journey - and process - of truly renewing my mind. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Because our thoughts can change our DNA! Let's take a look at what God has to say about our minds and how science backs up what scripture says! 
 
Neuroscientist, Dr. Caroline Leaf, explains: 

• “What’s in a thought? More than you probably know. Every thought has a corresponding electrochemical reaction in your brain. When you think, chemicals course through your body in magnificently complex electrochemical feedback loops. These chemicals produce electromagnetic waves which, if you could hear them, would sound like the most exquisite orchestral symphony.” 
   

• Body, soul and spirit are linked. When we have a thought it will result in a physical reaction in the body – for better or for worse.
   

• 87% - 95% of illnesses come from our brain (our stinking thinking!) You can see why it’s important to fill our minds with grace, love, beauty, peace and joy.
   

• Every thought builds a nerve cell - scientists call these the “magic trees of the mind.” We have 100 trillion magic trees in our minds! They create loops of thought. This is why rehearsing old traumas can be just as harmful to us emotionally as the day it occurred.

Neural Pathways

Magic Trees of the mind

• Did you know that the brain doesn't know the difference between an actual memory and an imaginary one! So, if you can't come up with a "good memory" to draw on for healing and peace, you can actually ask God for one! It will release the same happy chemicals! Wow! This is something I use in my coaching methodology! 
   

• Scientific evidence shows that prayer and meditating on God’s Word releases these “happy chemicals!” This is just another reason why meditating on God's Word is SO powerful. Why do we want “happy chemicals”??? We can rewire our minds! When we think about pleasant things, our bodies release happy chemicals like endorphins and dopamine which actually melt toxic nerve cells!
   

• Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical in your brain that is responsible for influencing a number of behaviors, including pleasure, cognition and motivation. The feelings associated with increased dopamine levels can also be euphoric, creating a desire to release dopamine naturally in the body. You can release dopamine in your brain through a number of methods from the foods you eat, to the exercise you perform. Remember, they MELT toxic nerve cells!
   

• This is why prayer and meditating on God’s word (Hebrews 4:12, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 16:24) are so good for you! Here are some other things that can release "happy chemicals" like dopamine and endorphins:  
  - laughing
  - touch
  - sex
  - games that are competitive
  - visualizing a happy scene
  - healthy food
  - dark chocolate
  - exercise
  - deep breathing
  - massage
  - watching a beautiful sunset

YOUR TURN! 
Take some time to reflect on some of the items above and see which ones really speak to you, chemically. This week, incorporate these things into your daily/weekly routine and see how your life will begin to transform for the better!! It's scientifically proven - and encouraged in scripture! 

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

[This Week's Prayer]
Father God, thank you for the power of my brain! I praise you because you are so amazing that you created me with the innate ability to heal and thrive! Through you all things are possible, I am able, I am wise and have wisdom to accomplish what you have set before me! I will slow down and tend to the "magic trees" of my mind. I bind up in the name of Jesus thoughts that do not represent your heart for me. I plead the blood of Jesus Christ over my mind and ask that your thoughts of God will penetrate every cell and membrane. My mind will be aligned with your word, Father God, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Amen!

Kelly Roberson

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

Keys to Ignite Your Creative Divine!

A few years ago, I was commissioned to transform two white kitchen columns in a beautiful lake home in North Carolina. As was my usual custom, I prayed and asked God to guide my hands and inspire my work. I was especially nervous because this was being filmed for a special segment on a local interior design television show. 

Drawing upon my previous training and practice, I moved forward to lay down the first brush stroke with anticipation of something beautiful. My purpose when creating art is to partner with God to fill the earth with creative things that glorify Him. In essence, to leave a lasting aroma of His love and joy that flows from the piece long after I'm gone. What was truly shocking to me was just how beautiful it turned out.

I say this not to crow about me, but to illustrate that there was something truly "divine" going on - and it was fun! I stepped back and remember saying, "Wow, there you go again, God. I'm just not that good...!?" My heart was full; my client was delighted! In fact, she broke out the champagne and we celebrated! Joy and love were in the air. 

View fullsize

Partner With Him In The Creative Flow

I'm not limiting this to just painting. All artisans... writers, inventors, painters, innovators, thought leaders, musicians, engineers, and problem solvers... I would argue that we are all artisans.

• Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

• Genesis 1:27, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."  

• Exodus 31:3-6, "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you."

God absolutely wants to shape things on the earth through us. We are his hands and feet to get stuff done - to partner with him in his purposes! Isn't it so COOL to know that he actually downloaded wisdom into the "gifted artisans" to build the tabernacle?! I can't read this section of the Bible enough!! I love to pray and ask God to download ideas into my heart, and you can too! God has been co-creating with his people since the beginning of time! God is the idea generator and the beginning of all things. We were created in his image and out of Him we create. Wow! We actually get to fill our realm of influence with His creativity - to shape the atmosphere for his glory! 

So What Can You Do?

1. Get Training: First, get practical. If you have a special interest, take a class, read a book, and begin to hone your skills. Practice. 
    

2. Prepare The Atmosphere: Ask God to download into your heart all manner of wisdom for the project. Ask him for innovation, ideas, and wisdom. Pray over your space and invite the Holy Spirit! Ask him to flow through you. Listen to your favorite worship music and get ready to receive all that he has for you. He is the originator of all things. 
    

3. Receive from God & Speak Life Over Your Project: Prepare to receive from the Lord! He is such a good and loving Father! Scripture tells us he will not give his children a stone when they ask for bread. It is his heart to flow through you to minister his love to others. Prepare to receive his love as you simply can't give away what is not in your heart. Guard your heart and forgive offenses: Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
    

[This Week's Prayer]

Holy Spirit, come. I invite your amazing presence into my life this week! I ask that you would fill me with the Spirit of God: in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. I want to partner with you so that this world would be filled with the things that you want on display for your glory. So that people will be drawn to you and come to know you as their King! That the atmosphere would be changed as I lean into your creative problem solving. I anticipate abundance, innovation, and joy to flow through me and follow me this week! In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, amen! 


Kelly Roberson

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

The Secret Ingredient to YOUR Resilience

Isn't it true that the best story-lines are filled with regular 'ol citizens who turn into heroes by overcoming "never-saw-that-coming" plot twists, uncertainties, and evil villains? 

WELCOME to the first installment of weekly posts that are intended to rekindle HOPE and ignite FIRE within a woman's soul! 

Everyone has a story. So, where do we find you within your story today? Is this a harvest season of abundance - or a long, winter season of quiet waiting? Some of you are struggling with your purpose and direction. Some with health and financial challenges. Some of you have dared to take hold of a life long dream, only to hit a brick wall. Some are celebrating as the door of abundance has finally been unlocked! The truth is, there are seasons. There are times of lack and there are times of plenty. How do we navigate them and keep our sanity?  

If you pulled back the curtain to my life's show this year, you would have seen a roller coaster of emotions: fear, panic, joy, praise, denial, hope, trust and peace. This summer I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Also this summer, after thirteen long years of waiting for God's choice of a husband for me, I was engaged to the love of my life! Talk about plot twist! WHEW! You see, life happens. It's how we cope with things that makes us resilient - or not. Resilience is how well we "bounce back" from tough circumstances. My sweet friend, do you want to be resilient? The secret ingredient is to first place all your hope and trust in Jesus Christ - this is the FOUNDATION of resilience. 

How can we pray? Do not pray by looking at the problem - pray looking at Jesus. When you pray towards your problem or challenge you are making it an idol. What we focus on enlarges - it expands. We want to enlarge and expand JESUS and all His might power! Set the problem to the side and set your face toward Jesus. From another perspective, according to James 1:2, we can also consider it "great joy" when we face various trails because these things are maturing us so that we lack nothing.

[This Week's Prayer]
Father God, I pray this week that I would come to experience the vast, incredible power of your majesty. I lay all my life's burdens and plot twists at your feet. I ask that you show me How mighty you are in a tangible, real way. I ask you to show up in my life as the King of the Universe - and the Lover of my soul. I pray for your supernatural resilience as I put my hope in you alone. When I think about the fact that the train of your robe fills the whole temple, I fall on my face to worship your majesty! (I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1) You are worthy to be praised because you are a good Father and it's in your nature to provide for me! I anticipate your miraculous ways in my life this week! Let my life be a beacon of light for other's to see that would glorify you! Amen.

Kelly Roberson

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.

Never Forget - His Covenant

It started out as a good day - a day without drama. We were living in the hill country of San Antonio in 2001. I had just dropped off Leigh at her safe, sheltered, Christian school environment and was headed to my first ever "professional faux finishing" class. I was so excited to be trained by a master artisan from Rome, that my mind was swirling with anticipation! However, like most families, we were hiding our on secrets and trying to stay afloat. I was listening to K-love cruising down highway 281 into the city from the Stone Oak area when suddenly the dj stopped the music and said, "We need to pray right now, it looks like a plane just hit one of the twin towers." By the time I arrived at the studio, he announced a second plane had hit.

I sat in my car paralyzed in fear. Like most married women, my first instinct was to call my husband, and then I called my parents reaching out for some sense of reality and assurance. It was surreal... I collected myself and made my way into the studio with the others. We were in shock, but decided to "carry on" in some kind of feeble attempt to cope with the current unknown.  And so we painted samples... I began to trowel Venetian plaster and pray. Layering and troweling with the radio in the distance set to low.

In just a short time later they would announce a third plane crash and things began to literally collapse - NYC was on fire. All airlines were grounded. I was called to come pick up my daughter. As a parent does, I kept calm and assured her of her safety - all the while wondering if we were "next." As I prayed and glued to the TV non stop throughout the evening, I was compelled to share hope with my new friends the next day. I scrambled together a teaching on the different covenant names of God - I had been clinging to these names in my quiet time. I was attending a study called "Prayer Portions" by Gloria Gunter - what most of my close friends have come to now know as my purple binder.  A study that I would eventually bring back to SC and share with others who needed the same hope I did as we were quickly moving towards divorce - a time that seemed to parallel current affairs of shock and betrayal. Even in the midst of my own pain, it was a privilege to share hope with my fellow artisans from different backgrounds and different parts of the country. We gathered around the table with paint on our hands and looked up to God that day. We came together as one. 

Incredibly grateful to all the first responders - saddened by the horrific loss of so many - our country changed forever that day. Who do you turn to in times of grief or anger? God will always be our first responder and we can count on him in these times. "Our covenant with God was established in the once- for-all-sacrifice of the lamb. The New Testament reveals his fulfillment of these in action." So, when your world is rocked upside down, never forget His covenant names with you. If you proclaim Jesus Christ as your God and your savior you are in a beautiful covenant relationship - and that is something never to forget! 

 El Nissi: God is our Banner of Victory
 El Rohi: He is our Shepherd
Jehovah Jireh: Our Priovider
Jehovah Shalom: Our Peace
Jehovah Rophe: Our Healer
Jehovah Tsidkenu: Our Righteosness
Jehovah Shammah: God Who is There
Jehovah M'Kaddesh: Our Sanctification 

...never forget...  

-Kelly Roberson

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide clinical care for any physical or mental health condition. Reading, viewing or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship or a contract for professional counseling services. If you are experiencing distress or need mental health support, please contact a licensed professional in your area.