Thought Bubbles: Holley Gerth says it Again!

I think that God has sent this lady to help many. Here are her words

On the way to a crazy 50 mile bike ride with my husband I text back and forth with my wonderful friend. Our conversation sounds kinda like this: Me: Why am I doing this? Friend: I have no idea. Me: Because I like a challenge? Because my hubby wants me to? Because there will be free snacks along the route? I can’t put my finger on the motivation. I turn from texting to the screen of my Kindle. These words from Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard jump off the page at me… “We essentially ask ourselves three questions when we have a decision to make: Who am I? What kind of situation is this? What would someone like me do in this situation?” –Chip and Dan Heath We think we make decisions based on facts and rational thinking. It turns out a lot of times our decisions are based on our identities–both who we believe we are now and who we aspire to be in the future. I was doing that 50 mile bike ride because I wanted to be the kind of wife who does stuff like that with her husband. Huh. That identity push was powerful enough to get me up at the crack of dawn and take me through 50 miles of riding. Why does understanding this matter? Because it means if our identity is based on untruth then we will make decisions that are out of line with God’s best for us. If I believe I’m someone with nothing to offer then I’ll hold back. If I believe my life doesn’t have a purpose then I’ll be more likely to live without intention. If I believe God should have made me different than I will be hesitant to use the strengths and gifts He’s placed within me. On the other hand… If I believe I’m who God has created me to be and He’s given me what I need to accomplish all He’s called me to do then I will make decisions that move me forward in His purpose for my life. Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Heb. 12:1-2 What hinders us? Often it’s what we believe about who we are. Do we all struggle with this? Of course. And we will until the day we’re home in heaven forever. But we can stand at the starting line of a new day together and say, “This is who God says I am. And because of that, I will be different today.” Let’s persevere in our race, friend. Are you ready to move forward together? You just finished reading Why who you think you are matters ! Consider leaving a comment! Would you like to subscribe by email? {yep, it's free} Book: You're Already Amazing {e}coaching: I'm the girl to know when you're ready to grow.

Thought Bubbles: God in the New Year

Some of these lines come from Heart to Heart with Holley: Whatever You May Face:
There has been intense times just past and will be intense times in the near future. What with the increased depression, hospitalization, changes of meds four different times and my need to produce income, I need internal spiritual help. Then I open up my email and find this wonderful blog written by Holley:

Hello Friend!

I’m thinking of you today, staring at that calendar of blank days on your wall or your screen. What will they hold? I’m not sure but I do know this—there’s One who will hold you through them all.

Our world seems to be in love with uncertainty right now. But there’s One who loves you and dares to whisper, “No matter what, you will be okay. More than okay—you’ll be victorious.”

Maybe you see some challenges you’re not sure you can handle. Maybe you’re standing just outside your comfort zone and wondering what in the world you’re doing here.

So let me whisper that there’s nothing in heaven that won’t be yours if you need it. And God has made you all you need to be to complete his perfectly planned to-do list for you.

And you’re beautiful. Just as you are. Not because of what people see when they look in your face but because of what God sees when he looks at your heart. A child of his who is willing to trust, to live with courage, to give him all of your days.

2012 is going to be a good year for you. Maybe not easy. Maybe not what you expected. Maybe more than you think you can handle. But somehow, someway you’re going to look back and say, “Whew, God was there and He’s good.”

In the mental hospital, I asked the tech to print me out Hebrews 13:5 and Psalm 23. Then I had my husband bring in my Bible. To read those beautiful words gave me strength and hope. Those words are over 2000 years old and bring me peace as they have to millions over the years.

Thought Bubbles: Holley's blog

I take inspiration from where ever I can get it. Here is a blog that I read almost every morning: It Is by Holley Gerth

I don't know exactly where you are at this moment.

But I know this...

You are loved.

You are surrounded by grace.

I'm not sure what's ahead of you in the days to come.

But I'm sure of this...

You will not face it alone.

You already have victory in the ways that matter most.

I may not see every detail of your circumstances.

But I see this...

You have a God who watches over you with tender care.

And wherever you are, He is already there.

As you begin your week, my friend, know that you're in my thoughts and prayers!

Who in your life needs to hear this today too?

--Holley

She says things so lovingly and graciously that I am hesitant to write anything afterwards. But  I am reminded that the world does go on around me as I struggle with the battle within. To pull myself up out of the stifling, overbearing river of depression and breathe again the breath of life, that is my goal! How can one do so without the guidance of a God, of friends, of family.