We all know how it feels to be distant from someone we love and to have them stop by unexpected.  Yes, indescribable joy. What a refreshing sensation, so sweet we begin to wish it would linger , reclaiming time missed together; perhaps, squandered . . . overlooked busy doing life.  Likewise, God wants time with us. We were created by God for relationship (fellowship). Matthew 6:33, reminds us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.”Where have you been? The many sleepless nights, and countless day hours spent  chasing your goals?

All of what you are seeking is available for you. Easily attainable, if you consider scheduling time with God the master planner of life.

You can experience a lingering presence of the Spirit of God in “Quiet Time” as you listen to Solveig Leithaug new CD release “TIME” and ignite  fresh faith in God’s presence. Listen to her music, as you read your bible, pray and ponder God’s sovereignty.

I would like to introduce Solveig Leithaug to you to experience a Dove Award-winning recording artist an internationally loved singer-songwriter and masterful guitar player. Her gentle-yet-powerful gift for writing and communicating a song catches listeners by surprise and invites them into the joys and challenges that have refined her artistically and spiritually.

With fifteen solo recordings, including her newest release Time (spring 2017), and three best-selling children’s CD’s to her credit, Solveig consistently breaks new ground with each release. Her music is a brilliant blend of heart and art, fitting for a wide variety of events and venues of all sizes.

Award-winning songwriter Gloria Gaither comments on Solveig’s music: “Listening to Solveig singing is like the pure vibrations of an innocent soul. She bypasses our cynical scar tissue and stylistic prejudices and goes–like the laughter of a child–straight to the heart.”

An ordained minister since 1994, Solveig is a commentary writer for Thomas Nelson’s Women of Destiny Bible and contributed devotionals for Thomas Nelson’s 2012 Gaither Homecoming Bible. She currently serves as a founding board member for Compassion International in their Nordic region.

Summarizing her goal as an artist, Solveig states: “Whether performing with a band, full orchestra and choir, or alone with my guitar, my prayer has always been that my music will be an artistic bridge of hope, connecting the listener to their Creator.”In addition to her roles as an actively touring artist, and songwriter, Solveig is first a wife to Jim, a mom and a stepmom. Her family resides near Nashville, Tennessee.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

Crossroads are places where decisions must be made. The route one selects can determine the path directly to an intended destination, an interruption or perhaps an extended journey.  Similarly, the old year of 2016 and the New Year 2017 crossed paths in a split moment; as the years met, many reviewed past events and others previewed their future.

All too often, it is at this juncture that one embraces a sense of celebration along with a hidden presence of sadness and guilt. Why the two emotions?  There is relief that we are moving into a new year, but the heaviness of grief may often be apparent because of incomplete or never attempted resolutions during the previous year.

As Christians, some of the main resolutions we make from year to year are: “I will read my Bible and pray more consistently”; “I will exercise, rest, and take better care of my temple (body); etc.  Thus, those of us who do not have positive results from our intentions may become paralyzed by failure.

We all have responsibilities that are often re-routed or incomplete for a variety of reasons. In the areas of personal care of our spirit, mind and body, God does not “beat us up” because we didn’t keep resolutions such as reading our Bible and or praying for at least one hour each day on a consistent basis. We self-inflict pain of disappointment.

Spiritual Renewal

It is certain that God created us for worship and fellowship, but many of us can and do put restraints on our personal time with God. When this is the case, we grieve spiritually and emotionally, which inhibits the necessary physical energy to read and pray for even brief periods of time.

It also affect momentum toward other goals.  Don’t be too hard on yourself when this happens; remember that “His mercies are new every morning”

I would like to encourage you to start with the “trinity rule of thumb”: three minutes of prayer, three minutes of reading scripture, and three minutes of praise and worship; then reflect on the scripture passage one or more times during the day.

It is not the quantity of time, but the quality of time given to complete attention on building a relationship with the Father.  If you commit to this time sequence you will soon realize that three minutes in these areas creates a hunger/desire to extend your time as you began to linger in the presence of God through prayer, reading and worship.  The more intimate you become with the Father, the more you will become open and obedient to His leading regarding your spiritual , physical and mental well-being one step at a time .  What will you do to improve your life?

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
    The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”

  Proverbs 27:12  NLT

Health Moment Flashpoint

Caring for our temples (bodies) is important and essential for completing our journey toward purpose in 2017. Preventative health care of our temples mind and body are demonstrated in balanced living. I have found that the more consistent you are in building a relationship and learning to trust God, the more empowered you are to attain worthwhile and achievable goals, such as establishing/re-establishment of mental and physical health and other positive lifestyle changes.

Crossroad Questions

Imagine you are at a railroad crossing, a train is coming, and the  scripture above from Proverbs 27:12 crosses your mind: what decision will you make, what route will you choose? How will you determine to move beyond resolutions to positive results? The New Year positions us at a “flashpoint” to adopt healthier lifestyles, accept or reject new opportunities to complete or start new goals, dreams, and chances to fulfill callings, destiny, and responsibilities. Share your comments with TWM.

In addition to  implementing the “trinity rule of thumb” for spiritual renewal, begin physical self-care by scheduling a physical exam.  Sisters practice monthly self-breast exams and if age appropriate get your mammogram. Lastly, take a 20 minute walk every day for a “Fresh Start in 2017”.

Based on first-hand experiences and observations during health coaching    sessions with clients I have observed that Spiritual Wellness is an internalized individualistic stance based in your values and beliefs. These values and beliefs become the core of a person, whether learned at home, church or other religious settings. Values can be retained consciously and subconsciously having positive or negative impact on the purpose of one’s life.        Karynthia  Phillips

How you persevere is a reflection of the status of the health of your spirit. How often do you check the status of your spirit’s wellness? How often do you ensure appropriate development of your spirit? Are you exposed to positive influences for spiritual maturity?  The health of the spirit is based upon one’s spiritual core values in relationship with God, with self, and with others.

Self-care of the spirit provides the mind and body refreshing fortitude throughout the day by reflecting on scriptures and similar positive affirmations that become embedded over time. The spirit is like a repository for the mind, providing meditation, reflection and reminders to sustain and often guide you on your journey. During the daily self-care of your spirit embrace what is wholesome and let go of what is detrimental.  Hopefully, you gravitate towards things that are positive and helpful for your spirit.

The practice of self-care of the spirit also empowers the mind to engage the performance of the body. Think about it; have you ever desired to lose weight, change careers, or make a major decision? You probably were demobilized until you reached deep inside of your spirit, and identified a hidden word or phrase that reversed your attitude of doubt and unrest, stimulating strength to activate your faith. This change of focus enlivens your mind to strategize ways in which you can be physically strengthened to take positive action.

There are many voices on the topic of  spiritual wellness; however, I am approaching this from a biblical perspective to affirm that a healthy spirit requires daily maintenance to ensure stamina for the journey of life. Spiritual wellness is foundational to one becoming mindful of their entire body. Remember our body  is the temple of the living God (I Cor. 6:19), which includes mind,spirit and body.

Jesus himself took time to steal away to be spiritually refreshed to continue his work on behalf of God and humanity (Mark1:35).

Look with me at a story of change. A client of mine desired to lose weight, and she spent massive amounts of money on different diets and procedures, yet found herself back to point A: obese and unhappy. During our first consultation I listened and wrote down what she said; I then showed her a list of 20 negative statements she had made. Long story short, we started lifestyle modifications with assessing the health of her spirit, then journaling to document and rid toxins of the spirit.  This was followed by regeneration of spirit with scriptures and positive affirmation, renewal of the mind, and changes to food and exercise options.

She lost weight and maintains what is optimal for her, with a sense of happiness; more importantly, she realizes that the challenge was centered on what she was feeding her spirit. She understands now the importance of balanced living. The source of achieving any positive goal begins with a healthy spirit, which affects one’s perspective like a magnet that unifies spirit, mind and body.

“Self-care is not by CHANCE it is a CHOICE.”

– Karynthia Phillips

Strength for the journey is not purchased. It requires identifying the importance of self-care of your spirit as a part of your daily routine. It requires you to slow down and giving time to yourself. Understanding the connection between spirit, mind and body will open new dimensions of hope and renewal in your life.

The first step is learning to love yourself as you love others, realizing that healthy self-care is not selfish.

Karynthia Phillips is an ordained minister, health coach and family practitioner

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You can request a checklist and affirmation brochure from Karynthia@Trinitywholenessministries.com.  *Watch for Part Two of this blog, which will contain suggestions on how to embrace self-care as women of influence.

Karynthia Glasper-Phillips     

We are all confronted with ordeals that steal our peace and ability to reflect on the promises of God to sustain us through the moment. Some examples might include: arriving at home after work and realizing a collection notice is in the mail; receiving a late night emergency call;or having a discussion that suddenly changes into a “heated argument”.  What is your plan of action when responding to a crisis that steals your peace?

The impact can consume your every thought and overwhelm your emotions. Restless nights, fatigue, loss appetite and time with family and friends may result in your attempt to resolve the problem on your own. The moment you step into this trap, your perspective is easily cluttered as you relinquish your power of peace.

Those scenarios are examples of some of the oldest schemes of the devil to distract you from the promise of peace. However, in the Bible, you can find answers to overcome these schemes. You may know the familiar passage in Isaiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (ESV).

The other day I was in conversation with a colleague who had become emotionally involved in a situation that was out of her control. In retracing steps to redirect her behavior as one without hope, we agreed she needed to “Step Back” away from the situation. In order to reclaim her peace she needed to identify when she gave it away. This allowed her to regain power through the Holy Spirit to reflect on the promises of God, replacing the negativity of the situation. By focusing on God’s word, her trust in God to resolve the situation was strengthened.  Then her thoughts became de-cluttered enabling her to strategize and navigate the situation peacefully.

Stepping back is an action of “letting not your heart be troubled” by the situation. It is a time to allow your spirit and mind to access truths to refuel your faith. There are two accounts in John 14 where Jesus admonished the disciples to let not their hearts be troubled. Jesus clearly told his disciples that he spoke the Word so they might have peace in him. So, in the midst of adversity remember we will have tribulation; however, we can be victorious in Christ.

You can resist the temptation of becoming emotionally engaged because Jesus said we can be happy, knowing he has overcome the world (John 16:33). Consider your choices the next time you encounter the peace thieves.  If you enter into their trap, immediately “Step Back” and reclaim your focus on the promises of God.

In moments of quiet time, you learn how to maintain your peace. Then you are better able to stay focus on your daily assignments in the middle of any situation.

“Step Back” reflect on the provision of peace.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement, anxiety, and disappointment. Perhaps, as you were starting a new journey, you had similar emotions of those who were convinced that Christ was the Messiah and filled with all power.  Like the disciples they were sure, until hearing about the crucifixion. This news was disturbing as read in the passage Luke 24:12-35.  The 2 distracted disciples did not recognize Jesus Christ as they walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus.

We are about to embark on a journey like the disciples, some certain about who God represents in their lives and others not so sure. Listen to the still voice, answering questions you have longed for and experience God at work in new ways as you journey.

On this pilgrimage refuse the urge to make mental U turns when you see, hear, or feel something that disrupts your peace – step out of your comfort zone.   Stop, look and listen to God teach you life changing lessons on your journey of spiritual formation. On a faith journey you learn to listen, trust and yield as you are guided to the other side. It is on these journeys’ the spirit rejoices saying, “Did not our hearts burn”.

Reflection: The disciples had an intimate relationship with Jesus but they did not discern readily the man on the road with them – the man Jesus.  Did Jesus look differently? Were their minds so clouded with the news of the crucifixion? When we are not in our traditional space how can we discern the presences of God more readily?

Prayer:  Lord, touch the eyes of our hearts, to help us discern your presence in our midst on our pilgrimage of spiritual formation. Help us listen to your voice as you teach us about your diverse creation. We embrace you on this journey with gratitude.

Pray for the Women’s Leadership Initiative students of Central Tennessee, director, Dr. Sally Holt, and Dr. Eileen Campbell-Reed for a safe and spiritually enlighten pilgrimage in Thailand.   

A word of caution, regarding falling into the trap of a humdrum prayer life.  A habit that is  . . . powerless. Are you experiencing a spiritual outage? Have you lost your connection? It has been proven that basking in the presence of God you can always expect expressions of power manifested daily. Pray and experience the . . . impossible, miraculous,  and watch the Word in Action. Stay grounded!

Comment on how you stay ground in prayer and Bible reading?

We are living in a culture that has embraced communication in various capacities such as: Blogs, Face book, Instagram, Pinterest and the list goes on . . . neither of them are vehicles that enable you to communicate with God.

Often music is substituted as a measure to communicate with God in good and bad times, but the best form of communication with God is by faith in prayer . . . moments of dialogue with the Father.

Pray daily, it is the energizing force of the believer. How honorable it is to talk with God personally.  In this New Year remember the first line of defense is praying the Word.

Let’s join faith for global change.  PRAY!

In a local greenway, the other day while walking, God allowed me to experience a relevant word . . . regarding self-care and multitasking. It was a beautiful day; citizens were on the trail taking preventative measures toward optimal health.Some were walking, jogging, running or biking, as they enjoyed nature; however, 99% simultaneously were either talking on the phone, listening to an iPod, or something similar.

There was one lady that caught my attention; she was overweight, elderly, and barely jogging who passed me. When I finally, approached my 3rd mile, she passed me again on her way back to her starting point. Her pace had not changed nor were there any visible distractions. It was funny because other citizens turned back to look at her in amazement.

In real time, God reminded me that the race is not given to the swift, or the strong, but to him that endure until the end. Sure, society has trained us to multitask. Are distractions schemes that interfere with your private time with God? Are those distractions impacting your progress? Are they impeding your attempts to take care of your health, time for laughter, launching your business, and focusing on ministry?

Take some uninterrupted quiet time to reflect on what is important, as you run the race of life. To be successful, you must practice balance. Limit distractions and enter into to moments of uninterrupted refreshing.

Blessings, Karynthia

Trinity Wholeness Ministries’  Virtual Discussion presents:  Minister Cheryl Mitchell

Join us on Tuesday nights during virtual experiences; women empowering one another in grace, wisdom, and knowledge. Sister serving together in motherhood, as wives, singles, diverse careers and ministry.  For more information follow us on Facebook or  website: Trinitywholenessministries.com

Minister Cheryl Mitchell is an evangelist, bible teacher, mother, daughter, and friend who possesses a passionate desire to lead God’s people, expressly women, to a place of mental and spiritual wholeness. She currently serves as the Director of Women’s Ministry at Stones River Church in Murfreesboro, TN and is an active member of the Nashville Chapter of the National Consortium of Black Women in Ministry.

God Guards His Deposit: Your Promises are Safe.

As Christians, saved by grace and sanctified through Christ Jesus – we each have been given a precious gift that has been placed inside of us. His spirit inside of us is what gives us Purpose. His spirit inside of us is what gives us Power. His spirit inside of us is what gives us Provision. These valuable possessions must be guarded for safe keeping until it is time to fulfill their intended purpose.

Paul writes, in 2Timothy 1:12, “But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.”(ESV)

In spite of the suffering that might have caused Paul to despair, he affirmed his confidence in God’s protection.  This was not a claim to strong faith; rather, it was a trust in one so powerful that even in his weakness he knew he was guarded by the strength of the Lord. It is through our experience with the Lord – joy, sorrow, pain, frustration, persecution, prayer, ministry – that we learn more about who God is and what is available to us through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We must develop a relationship so secure in Christ that nothing can break the bond of love between us and Christ.  Like Paul, we must trust God to use us regardless of our circumstances knowing that God will guard our faith and all we have entrusted to Him until the day of His return!

It is not over, remember to trust  God to manifest what He has entrusted you with.

There are many temples with architectural designs that are stunningly picturesque. However, to  keep their structural beauty they are  maintained …both from the outside and inside.

One question I often ask my patients is “What are you doing to maintain your temple (health) physically, emotionally, and spiritually?”  Some respond that they walk, eat balanced meals, drink water, etc., and another common response is “I care for my temple by resting.”That statement prompts another question: How do we rest?  One patient in particular said, “I lay down early, but my mind is wide awake all night.”

  There are 5 tips for mental wellbeing you might want to practice.  Mental Wellbeing

Karynthia Phillips Healthcare Professional

 

This month’s blog is to urge  you to think about activating  lifestyle changes that will help you and your family become stronger and healthier. There is no question the benefits of praying and participating with communion together in religious traditions.

Consider the added benefits  of optimal health if you combine  spiritual and natural activities  by scheduling family time for physical activities. Take a walk, bike ride, or a cooking class together and experience  restoration with laughter as you begin to enter rest.

Remember 1)  Connect (in relationships);  2)  Be Active;  3)  Keep Learning;  4)  Give to Others;  and 5)  Be Mindful (of your blessings and surroundings). I like reading scripture, meditation , stretching and exercise as modalities to help with resting.

Readers, how do you “turn off the noise” to enter  rest? 

June has always been a month of renewal for me , as spring says good bye and the summer enters with a burst of sunshine and heat. June is like the second New Year (in the same year) . . . it energizes me to action with the reminder of goals, visions and dreams not yet completed. The reminder is not one of  defeat nor condemnation, but of grace and mercy from the Father to regain focus to persevere through the next six months.

The month of June has the longest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, so what will you do with this extra time?

You are invited to join me in a time of rest . . . exhale. In this moment, interrupt your schedule for a time of strategic planning . . . just you and God in prayer. Nope! Don’t wait to call a meeting. Please don’t verbalize one excuse.

Reschedule your calendar by deleting 50 minutes of social media activities per day and replace the time with a spiritual siesta. This is a call for you to slow down, read your Bible, pray for guidance, and to listen deeply as you write what you hear.

Finally, stretch your body and  fill your mind with thoughts of faith for the manifestation of goals. Now drink some water and take a praise walk.

Testimony:I am so excited about what happened in June. Especially, how powerfully God revealed Himself at the conference with the women of AWSA (Advance Writers and Speakers Association) in Orlando.   I can hardly wait to see what God is going to do in July, as we all operate in the Spirit of Christ . . .  free!

Share your spiritual siestas of freedom (comments) with us on: Facebook@ Trinitywholenessministries and Twitter  Karynthia Phillips @QT_HisTime