When you were a kid, did you hate when your mom said, “Because I said so”?

Now that you’re an adult, do you find that new office policy ludicrous, so you’re not doing it? 

Do you get bogged down in the details because you just need a bit more information to make a decision? 

If you answer yes to most of these questions, you might be a Questioner! We’ve been talking about the 4 Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. It’s how we meet internal and external expectations. 

Today is for you if…

If you’re tired of people getting frustrated with your questioning.

If you desire to communicate more efficiently to get the info you need.

If you’re ready to stop getting hung up, needing more information and start making decisions faster.

Here are five ways to help you understand yourself better and communicate like a champ if you’re a Questioner.

1. Questioners Need More Information

A Questioner is a tendency that might appear to be a Rebel at first blush because they don’t always go with everyone’s expectations. 

However, in reality, they just need more information. 

2. If An Expectation Makes Sense, Questions Will Go With It

And, if that expectation doesn’t make sense to them, they won’t do it. So, that ridiculous new policy at work, yea, there’s no way a questioner will go along willingly with that one.

It’s okay to ask why, but be sure to ask without sarcasm or contempt.

3. Questioners Meet External Expectations After Turning Them Into Internal Expectations

Questioners question ALL expectations. The ones they make for themselves make sense, so they do it. So really, they only meet internal expectations and only meet external expectations after they’ve turned them into internal expectations.

Be sure when you’re sticking it to the man; it’s worth it or for the right reason. Sometimes you may need to choose to do something even if it doesn’t make sense because you trust the person asking you to do it.

4. Get Past Analysis-Paralysis With Deadlines

 You always want more information. But, sometimes, we must make decisions when we don’t have all the information. At a certain point, it’s no longer efficient to keep gathering information. 

5. Explain Why You’re Questioning

You can pre-empt the resistance to your questions by explaining why you need that information. People will appreciate knowing that you’re not just trying to get under their skin and are more likely to give you what you need with minimal fuss.

Communicating With a Questioner:

1. Give the WHY

When making a request of a Questioner, be sure to include lots of explanations such as, “We have to get the car inspected or risk a big fine.”

 “Because I said so,” or “because that’s what the they told me we had to do,” will never cut it with a Questioner. They need the “why.”

2. Give Them More Information 

Suppose you have a child that is a Questioner. You might get tired of all the questions. Questioner children, like their adult counter-part, need more information to make an informed decision. They, too, want to be efficient and don’t do it just because.

As you learn these 4 Tendencies, you’ll begin to understand yourself better and can give yourself more grace knowing why you think and react the way you do to expectations. You’ll also grow into your best self, whatever tendency you are.

Not only will you better your life through studying these 4 Tendencies, but you’ll also be able to learn to “speak another tendency’s language.” This enhanced communication also helps your relationships flourish because you don’t expect them to think or respond like you. 

Homework

If you’re a Questioner, what is one way you’ll implement to stop the analysis of paralysis and make a decision faster?

For us non-Questioners, what’s one thing you can change in how you approach a Questioner in your life now?

Thanks a bunch for listening! 

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

Do you accomplish those monthly reports with no problem while keeping up with your daily exercise routine and even tracking it? 

Are you that person that determines to write a book or accomplish a new goal, and you make it happen?

Do people secretly envy your ability to keep a routine? 

We’ve been talking about the Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. So far, we’ve learned about the Obliger and the Rebel. Today, in part 4, it’s time to talk–Upholder—those people who get all the expectations.

Today is for you if…

Oh, Upholder, how we envy you…That new client proposal–done! Exercise consistently every day while tracking all your food–check!

How do Upholders meet inner and outer expectations? 

The Upholder meets both inner and outer expectations with little fuss. They’re self-direct, and they keep their promises. These kids wake up on their own, make their bed, get ready for school on their own, and do their homework without continual reminders. 

1. Upholders Embrace Routine 

Upholders may struggle to adjust their schedule suddenly and can sometimes appear ridge or judgmental. 

It may be hard for them to understand why everyone can’t “get it done” like they can without drama or struggle.

Understand everyone is not an Upholder, and that’s okay. Allow for differences in people, situations and opinions.

2. Upholders Are Prone To Tightening

Most tendencies will start an expectation strong and then weaken over time. 

Upholders, on the other hand, can experience “tightening.” 

Once you start an expectation, you can’t let it go. You might even continue making your “rules” more stringent. “It’s on my to-do list and now it’s never coming off.”

Here’s an example of “tightening:” 

Gretchen Rubin, the author of The Four Tendencies, is an Upholder. She’s chosen a low-carb lifestyle. She said when she started this routine, she was not very strict. But, over time, she has “tightened” her regimen and is now very strict with it.

Allow yourself some wiggle room. Not all of life is lived in Black & White, all or nothing. And that’s okay.

Ask yourself questions to be sure this tightening is necessary for your goals, dreams or health. Then make a conscious choice if you will tighten or loosen your “rule.” 

Feel free to let loose and have a little fun. It really won’t kill you.

3. Upholders Tend to Commit to Inner Expectations Over External Expectations

Upholders can be very committed to meeting inner expectations, even when inconvenient for someone else. 

“I know it’s your birthday darling, but we can’t go out until I go for my 12 mile run for that half marathon I’m running in two weeks.” This makes you seem cold no matter how you intend it to sound.

Again, question yourself. Consciously decide whether the external expectation is better than your inner expectation. 

If you still choose your inner expectation and it’s someone close to you, like a spouse, child or best friend, be sure to give your WHY. It helps people accept your decision. 

Knowing your loved one is an Upholder can help you navigate situations that might otherwise bother you. Awareness is half the battle.

Knowing you’re an Upholder can help you keep from unconsciously tightening up on yourself too much. It can also help you navigate relationships so you don’t alienate your loved ones.

Homework:

If you’re an Upholder, how can you keep yourself from “tightening” up on your expectations too much?

For the rest of us, knowing a loved one is an Upholder; how can this knowledge help you navigate your relationship better?

Thanks a bunch for listening! 

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

Let me ask you, does someone “telling” you what to do, make you want to run the other way? 

What about when you’re friend insists you should read “such and such” book? 

Do you purpose never to pick it up if it killed you? 

If your spouse asks you to do something more than once, do you label it as nagging? 

Over the last two episodes, we’ve been talking about how we meet expectations, internal and external. We’re continuing with part 3 - Rebel Without a Cause. 

Today is for you if…

So, let’s talk Rebels. 

Rebels will rebel against both outer and inner expectations. Yes, even internal expectations. 

How can you make your Rebel Tendency work for you if you’re a Rebel?

1. Give Yourself Choices

2. Remind Yourself of the Consequences

An example might be, “Do I sleep in and feel lethargic for the rest of the day, or do I get up early, exercise and then feel fully awake to take on the day?”

Communicating with a Rebel:

First, if you’re married to a Rebel or have a Rebel child, don’t take their rebel tendency personally. It has nothing to do with you. 

1. Rebels Need Choices

The key to communicating with a rebel is choices. If you back them into a corner with “should’s, have to’s and must do’s,” they’ll naturally go the opposite direction. But it’s not personal; they still can love you. 

2. Lure a Rebel in With Curiosity

Use curiosity to intrigue them into wanting to do what you want them to do. Now, be careful you don’t do this to manipulate your Rebel to get what you want for selfish purposes.

Curiosity wins a rebel over faster than needs, musts and should. And it still gives them a choice to do something or not.

3. Rebels Need Consequences––Then Leave Them to Choose

Rebel Strengths:

As a Rebel, knowing your tendency can help you accomplish your internal and external expectations more effectively. And for us non-rebels, we now have some tools to communicate more effectively with our Rebel friends. 

Next up, we’ll explore the uniqueness of the Upholder tendency. Gretchen Rubin, the author of The Four Tendencies, is an Upholder.

Homework:

If you’re a Rebel, I have a question for you. You can answer it if you want or leave us in the dark; we’re good either way. Just curious, how can non-rebels communicate more effectively with Rebels? Email me if you want to at [email protected].

For us Non-Rebels, what’s one thing you can try to communicate with the Rebel in your life better?

Thanks a bunch for listening! 

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

Have you ever called yourself lazy or undisciplined because you can’t ever seem to get your goals accomplished? 

Do you ever feel like you have time to help everyone else, but when it’s time to invest in yourself, there’s no time left? 

How about those New Year’s Resolutions? Did you give up on them years ago, knowing you’ll never do them?

It’s time for part 2 of Revolutionize Your Life With These 4 Tendencies. Let’s talk about Obligers and how to get those internal expectations working for you instead of against you. And if you’re not an Obliger, how can you support those reaching for their dreams?

Today is for you if…

If you’re tired of beating yourself up for not getting it done…again.

If you desire to fulfill your God-given purpose but struggle to make progress.

If you need the key to keep you on the right path to accomplishing your goals.

Now, let’s tackle each tendency individually. You’ll understand yourself better and how your tendency relates to others. This will help you fully express who you are, engage more effectively with others and ultimately help you fulfill the life Father’s called you to.

Let’s talk Obliger.

Obligers never seem to accomplish their personal goals, yet always get that report to their boss on time. The kids can count on them to get them to their sporting event, even though they originally planned to have some “you time.”

If any of this hits home, you, my friend, might just be an Obliger. Obligers are great at meeting external expectations but not internal ones.

As Obligers, we must create EXTERNAL accountability to achieve those internal expectations. 

Knowing this is freeing. You can now create a game plan to help yourself meet those internal expectations that you’ve been putting off for years!

1. Enlist Accountability Partner(s)

In her book, The 4 Tendencies, Gretchen shared an excellent example of how two Obligers managed to be each other’s accountability partners to work out at the gym. They would each exchange a shoe when they left the gym. Now they must show up, or their friend can’t work out. Brilliant!! Cut, print, check the gate! 

Get creative and find those accountability partners to help you meet those internal expectations.

2. Employ Apps to Hold You Accountable

I use the Lose It app to track my weight and exercise. It helps me make better food choices. I know if I’m maintaining my weight and can take immediate action if I’m not. The app holds me accountable because I will gain weight if I don’t use it. 

3. Use a Planner to Hold You Accountable for Your Goals and Tasks

It can be paper or virtual, or a hybrid of both. I do a hybrid of my digital calendar and paper planner.

Use whatever works, but try something.

How can others help an Obliger?

1. Don’t take advantage of an Obliger

It can be so easy to continually go to the Obliger for help because you know they’ll say, “yes.”  Please don’t take advantage of their helpful Obliger nature.

2. Watch out for Obliger Rebellion

Obliger rebellion is when Obligers have had enough and rebel against the external expectations coming at them. It may look like it’s coming out of now where, but it’s been building my friends. So, please be sensitive to not push your Obliger friends to the point of Obliger rebellion.

To my Obliger friends, you can watch out for this by learning to say “no.” 

3. Ask how you can help the Obliger to help them meet their internal expectation.

Ask–don’t tell. 

Next time, we’re going to delve into the Rebel! 

Homework:

If you’re an Obliger, what’s the best way you’ve found to employ external accountability to get done your internal expectations? Or, what will you use now to hold you accountable?

For non-Obligers, what’s one way you think you could help your fellow Obligers with accountability?

Still need to take the quiz: https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/

Thanks a bunch for listening! 

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

How do you meet expectations?

Do you find it easy to meet that deadline for that proposal at work but can’t ever seem to get the house clean until you’ve got dinner guests coming?

Maybe you get annoyed by expectations like New Year’s Resolutions.

On the other hand, are you the one we all envy because you always get it done?

Or are you thinking, “I don’t care what they need me to do, I’m doing my own thing!”

Expectations; we all have them. Day in and day out, we’re fulfilling whether we created them ourselves or others are counting on us to do something. Today we’re starting a series on expectations.

Today is for you if…

If you struggle to fulfill your God-given purpose but manage to do everything for everyone else.

If you desire to understand others better so you can communicate more effectively.

If you’re ready to find solutions to what’s holding you back.

For decades I called myself lazy and envied everyone who set and achieved goals. What was wrong with me?

I want to introduce you to something that revolutionized Bob and my marriage and parenting. It’s called the Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. As Gretchen studied she saw four patterns of people’s tendencies and out of it created the Four Tendencies. 

Each tendency has different ways of meeting expectations both internal and external expectations.

How we handle expectations is vital for communication and fulfilling our God-given purpose.

Let me give you an overview of each tendency, and then over the next four episodes, we’ll delve into each one deeper.

1. Obliger

Obligers place a high value on meeting other’s people expectations. We excel at meeting outer expectations. 

When someone counts on an Obliger, we’ll get it done. But we’re naturally lousy at meeting personal or internal expectations.

If you’re an Obliger, never fear; I’ve got a trick up my sleeve that’ll help you get those internal expectations done so you can do what God put in your heart to do.

2. Upholder

Upholders meet both inner and outer expectations. They’re self-direct. 

Upholders embrace routine. 

But they can struggle if they have to adjust their schedule suddenly. 

If they’re not self-aware, Upholders can be judgmental because they don’t get it when others can’t just “get it done” as they do.

Upholding is incredible; however, it can cause you to miss out on the beauty in spontaneity and joy available in the moment.

3. Questioner

Questioners need more information before deciding whether to meet an expectation. 

They place a high value on research, reason, and efficiency. 

They can suffer from “analysis of paralysis.” 

Questioning is excellent, but there are many times you can miss out on what God has for you because you have waited too long with all your questioning.

4. Rebel

Then we have the Rebel. 

Rebels place a high value on freedom, choice, and self-expression. 

These are the people who resist being told what to do. 

Rebels fight back with repetitive tasks, schedules, and routines. 

Life has to be on the Rebel’s terms in their timing.

But if you’re a rebel, it can stop you from fully stepping into Father’s call on your life and cause severe rifts between those you love. If you’re willing to grow through your rebellious tendency, you can get what you want in life.

The 4 Tendencies are designed to show you the box you put yourself in and help you better understand yourself and your needs. And help you communicate more effectively with different tendencies. It’s kind of like learning to speak another person’s language.

Are you curious now about which tendency you might be? Click the link to take the quiz. https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/

Over the next four episodes, we’ll dig into each tendency and how you can use your tendency to your advantage and how to use the tendencies to communicate more effectively with others.

Thanks a bunch for listening! 

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

Have you ever felt like something was missing in your walk with Christ?

Do you feel like you’ve been given so much and want a way to give back the blessings you’ve received?

Would you like to know a trick to the mind of your pain and gain perspective?

It’s Good Friday! Now, all Fridays are pretty awesome, but as a believer, this one is extra special to us. It’s the moment Jesus gave up His life for us. It was the ultimate service to humanity. His death and resurrection changed everything for us. I want to share a way to show your gratitude for His gift. 

Today is for you if…

If you’re tired of feeling stuck in your own circumstances.

If you desire to deeply impact those around you and your world.

If you’re ready to live a fuller life of significance.

During the Easter season, we’re reminded of the importance of serving others. There is power in serving others. By volunteering our time or donating to a charitable cause, we live out the message of love and grace that’s the heart of the Easter story.

I think of the disciples and how they volunteered for Jesus, which eventually became their full-time job. That small band of outcasts changed the known world, and we still preach the gospel because of what they’ve done. That’s a life of significance, don’t you think?

Here are three ways you can serve others:

1. Volunteer 

Find an organization that aligns with your interests and values and donate your time. Volunteering is a great way to give back to others, whether it’s serving meals at a local shelter, cleaning up a park, or working with your church or a nonprofit organization. 

It doesn’t have to look one way, either. I’ve volunteered at conferences, cleaned a friend’s house, and just spent time with someone who needed encouragement. You can even get the kids involved.

My husband and I are celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary next weekend and are getting a hotel locally. My kids are staying with my parents. Mom called me and had forgotten they’re going to be volunteering at the animal shelter with a team of their church volunteers when they’re going to be watching my kids and asked if it was okay for them to come too. When I told my kids, they were super excited to get to help the animals. 

2. Practice Small Acts of Kindness

There are many small things you can do every day to help others. 

For example, holding the door open for someone, paying for someone’s coffee in line, or offering to help carry someone’s groceries. These small acts of kindness can make someone’s day and spread positivity and kindness.

My kids and I were at Taco Bell a couple of weeks ago and waited forty-five minutes for our food. Many other people were waiting, too, and we heard all the comments. I shifted our kids’ thoughts to think about the poor employees who were clearly working hard but were short-handed. 

As we left, my kids called out, “Thank you… I’m giving you five stars! You’re all awesome!” They all replied thank you! I’ll bet none of them heard anything of the sort that day. At that moment, my kids showed a small act of kindness that went a long way in making several people’s day.

3. Donate

Whether donating money to a charity, clothes to a shelter, or supplies to a school, donating is another excellent way to serve others. 

I used to have a cash envelope where I put $5 to $10 to give something whenever I felt led to help. I need to start that back up again now that we have a good spending plan.

You can research different organizations that you are passionate about and see how you can make a significant impact. 

Serving others can also look like sharing life-giving messages they may need now. So, if this podcast has been life-giving to you, please share it with a friend or two or three.

Thanks a bunch for listening! 

Happy Easter!

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

Has anyone hurt you, and it’s still haunting you?

Do you feel a surge of resentment when a particular person or event is mentioned?

Do you find the person you struggle to forgive most is yourself?

It’s Easter week, part 4. Today, we’re talking about what Easter means for us, not just humanity but also for us individually.

Today is for you if…

If you’re tired of reliving the pain and hurt regularly.

If you desire to be free of your offender’s grasp on you.

If you’re ready, live the life of grace Father’s designed for you.

Another way to receive this amazing grace of the cross is through forgiveness. 

As we reflect on the Easter story, we’re reminded of Jesus’s ultimate forgiveness to those who persecuted him. “Father forgive them because they do not know what they do.” That’s a lot of grace that I don’t inherently have.

By learning to forgive and let go of grudges, we can experience greater peace and cultivate more compassion in our relationships. Forgiveness frees us up to live the life of grace Father calls us to.

Here are three ways to forgive:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings 

Forgiveness is often difficult because it requires confronting our hurt and pain. However, it’s essential to acknowledge and accept these feelings if we want to move forward. 

Take the time to understand the emotions you’re experiencing, and acknowledge that it’s okay to feel hurt or angry. 

Stuffing your feelings never leads to anything good except usually a volcanic explosion.

2. Practice Empathy 

Try to understand the other person’s perspective and acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes. 

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and consider why they may have acted the way they did. Hurting people hurt people. 

And just because you’re practicing empathy doesn’t mean you’re saying what they did wasn’t wrong or didn’t hurt. It also doesn’t mean you have to reconcile that relationship. We’re called to forgive just as the Lord forgave us, but you don’t have to hang out with the offender. What you are doing is practicing giving the same grace God gave you.

Empathy helps make step three easier. 

3. Let Go of Resentment

Forgiveness often involves letting go of resentment and bitterness toward the other person. This can be a difficult process, but it’s an important step if you want to move forward. 

Resentment is like an infectious disease that doesn’t just hurt you but also the innocent people around you.

I imagine myself holding the hurt and resentment in my hands and offering it to Father. I speak out my mouth, “I forgive…so-and-so for such-and-such.” Let Him take your hurt and pain. 

1 Peter 5:7 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Focus on the positive aspects of the situation, and consider the lessons you’ve learned from the experience. Practicing gratitude can also help shift your focus away from negative emotions and toward a more positive perspective. 

Again, you’re not saying what the other person did was okay; you’re not justifying them. You’re releasing yourself and permitting yourself to move forward into a better life. You’re practicing giving the same grace God gave you.

This includes forgiving yourself. Some of us…me included. We have an easier time forgiving others than ourselves. Use these same principles to forgive yourself and give yourself grace. Jesus does, so we need to also.

If you know someone that needs more grace in their lives, can you do me a favor and please share this podcast with them?

Thanks a bunch for listening! 

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

What do you think of when you think of grace? 

When you see the world, is it a dark place or a beautiful place full of possibilities?

Are you thankful for what you have, or do you find yourself pining for something just out of your reach?

It's Easter week, part 3 - What Easter means to you and Jesus + Nothing = Your Freedom. Today, let’s talk about the key to receiving God’s grace that he gave us through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Today is for you if…

Easter is a time of reflection, renewal, and rebirth. As we contemplate the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us, we remind ourselves of the power of grace in our lives.

Grace is God’s favor; it’s Him leaning toward us to give us His best offer.

One of the quickest ways to receive this amazing grace is by focusing on the gifts that we’ve been given. Often, it can be easy to take our blessings for granted and overlook them. 

By adopting a daily gratitude practice, we can see the world through a lens of abundance and appreciate the small things in life. We get more of what we focus on.

Here are five ways to cultivate gratitude:

1. Gratitude Journaling

Spend a few minutes daily writing down a few things you’re grateful for. This simple practice can help shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right in your life.

2. Express Appreciation 

Take the time to thank someone who has done something kind for you or supported you somehow. Whether it’s a simple thank you note, a text, or a phone call, expressing appreciation can help cultivate a sense of gratitude.

3. Mindful Living

Cultivate a habit of mindful living by paying attention to the present moment rather than worrying about the past or future. We’re more likely to notice the small things we’re grateful for when living in the moment.

4. Volunteer or Give Back

Giving back to others can help us develop a sense of gratitude for the blessings we have in our lives. Volunteer at a local church or charity or donate to a cause you care about.

5. Practice Positive Self-Talk

Don’t forget yourself! Show yourself gratitude by practicing positive self-talk. 

Instead of criticizing yourself for what you haven’t achieved, focus on what you have accomplished and are grateful for.

How can you find more gratitude? What’s one thing you can do today to cultivate gratitude for the good stuff in your life?

If you’re grateful for this podcast, can you do me a favor and please share it with a friend that could use some encouragement?

Thanks a bunch for listening! 

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

Do you ever feel like you’re not enough?

Have you thought, “if only I could get this Christianity thing right? I always seem to fall short.”

It’s Easter week; are you excited about it or prepped to feel like a miserable sinner?

Today is for you if...

I’ve got the Waffle House voice going on today. My kids were worried about me. “It’s okay, just allergies,” I told them. This isn’t my real voice. It’s just temporarily altered my voice. It’ll go back to my original soon, but it made me think we can look at what we do and feel; that’s who I am, my identity. 

We can think, I’m not good enough, don’t read my Bible enough, don’t pray enough, or I always make the same mistakes and then feel guilty.

But Father says something different about our identity.

It’s Easter week and how many times will you hear, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Or worse, some will listen to, “You’re just a sinner in the hands of an angry God.” 

Many believe we’re broken sinners, and that’s what we’ll always be. Yes, they believe in Jesus and that He died on the cross, but they’ve somehow got to live up to a certain standard to be righteous all the time. There’s more to be done and keep doing to keep the sinful nature at bay.

It’s not about what we do but what Jesus did. 

“Jesus + nothing = My Freedom.” 

This is the gospel! My righteousness is based on Jesus and Jesus alone!! This is the “good news”!!

Romans 10:4 NRSVA

“Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes”

Galatians 3:1-3 NASB

You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Paul clarifies the believer’s relationship to the law:

“The law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” — Galatians 3:24–25

Galatians 3:26–27 Mirror Study Bible

26 What Jesus Christ believes to be true about you is the final confirmation of mankind’s redeemed sonship. His faith is the only valid reference to your belief! 

27 Whoever is immersed in Christ is fully clothed with him! He is your brand new wardrobe confirming your sonship!

Question 1: How were you saved?

* by observing the spiritual to-do list?

* by believing what Jesus did for you?

Paul is urging Christians to continue like we began our relationship with Father by faith. We started by believing and by opening ourselves up to the Spirit’s work in us. Salvation had nothing to do with the law. Likewise, we achieve growth in Christ through our human effort either.

Colossians 2:6 NASB

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

You received Jesus by faith, so walk in Him by this same faith.

Growth comes from abiding in the Vine (John 15), not by human effort. The Spirit produces fruit in us.

Question 2: How can you rest in Jesus and what He did for you on the cross today?

Thanks a bunch for listening! 

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

It's Easter week, Holy Week, Passion week.

We're supposed to be reflecting ahead on what this week means to us, but I’m better at reflecting in reverse than ahead. 

Today I reflect on Easter and what it means to me, past and present.

I’d love for you to spend a little time journaling and ask yourself, “What does Easter mean to me?”

Thanks a bunch for listening! 

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!