Have you ever had a great day followed by a crappy day? Life can feel up and down.

Today I’m sharing scriptures to give us strength in the down days or in the middle of the storm.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

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

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

"The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." Ephesians 6:10

"For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory." Deuteronomy 20:4

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2

Find more scriptures and quotes at: https://heatherbunch.com/

Are you struggling with cray circumstances right now? Me too! When I’m in a bind and feel pulled down by everything happening around me, I remember the Father Factor.

"For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

"And Jesus answered them, 'Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.' " Matthew 21:21-22

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Faith (pistis) = God-given persuasion; He births His faith into us.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

"And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:22-24

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy," Colossians 1:11

"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you." Psalm 5:11

“And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you.” Luke 17:6

Faith (pistis) = God-given persuasion

Mustard seed = was the smallest seed in farming at that time. Grew to where birds could nest in it and receive shade and protection.

God plants the seed, but we need to use our faith by watering it so it can grow.

Speak it, then rest in the Father Factor so you can believe it and receive it.

Thanks a bunch for listening!

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

Could you use a little encouragement right now? Me too! How about hope? Do you need some hope?

When I’m feeling down and discouraged, I go to Father for encouragement and to hold me when things are hard. I want to bring that same hope to you today.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people," Ephesians 1:13

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:3

"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." Philippians 1:6

"I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5

"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:5

Day Two - Peace

Would you like more peace? I’m always looking for peace. But many times, I look in the wrong places, like trying to make others happy, so there’s no conflict with them.

shālôm – properly, wholeness, peace – preeminently, God's gift of wholeness, bringing His wellness and prosperity (internally, externally); sound because complete, at peace, in a state of wholeness; "perfect" because whole.

Shalom means wholeness and healing. Zoe means something very similar, which is the word used for eternal life in the New Testament.

“The past of least resistance is rarely the path toward true shalom peace.” True peace brings healing and wholeness to those touched by it.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."John 14:27

"The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

"But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." Psalm 94:19

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," Galatians 5:22

"Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory," 1 Peter 1:8

"So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." John 16:22

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11

"For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

How many of you have ever had a down day things that go wrong? Days we feel blah? Moments you feel like quitting? Me too! I had one of those moments this weekend. But God‘s got us! 

So today, I want just to encourage you with scripture. And for the next week, I’m going to share encouraging words with you so that we can keep moving forward, knowing we’re fully loved!

Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

John 16:33 - I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Psalm 34:4 - I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Do you ever feel blah and aren’t sure why?

Is it possible to pull yourself out of the blasés?

Would you like to continually have something to look forward to that makes you happy?

We’re closing out this series with a trick I learned to create happiness while going through a multiple-year depression.

Today is for you if…

We’ve been exploring how to live a happy life in a not-so-happy world.

You’ve learned:

I want to share one more powerful ingredient to living a happy life.

When I was going through a multiple-year depression ten years ago, I started a practice that was a key to help me pull out of it.

5 Questions that will change your life. #5 was

What five things am I looking forward to in the next seven days?

This is powerful because it gave me something to look forward to.

Give yourself something to look forward to.

When you have something you’re aiming for, it energizes you and creates happiness.

Like when you're going on vacation. Time seems to go faster. You enjoy the planning and the vacation itself and get more done at work leading up to vacation, etc.

Make a 100 Dream list

It pushes you to dream about the big and the small

Break them out into seasons too:

It can also break out into categories like travel, family, spouse, personal, etc

Now, go create some happiness and share it with others!

Today is the last day to sign up for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop tomorrow, Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.

Registration is only $47.

So If you’re ready to learn tools to help you live your best life with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.

Thanks a bunch for listening!

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

Are you waiting for happiness to come to you, but it seldom knocks on your door?

Do people ever randomly ask you if you’re okay, and you can’t figure out why they asked that?

Did you know you have more power to experience happiness than you may have realized?

Time for episode 4 of how to live a happy life in a not-so-happy world. As you go about your life, it’s easy to get caught up in all the to-dos and forget to be happy.

Today is for you if…

There’s a secret to happiness; if you can get a hold of it, it will change your mood forever.

You’re circumstances don’t dictate your happiness–you do. You dictate your happiness!

It may not feel like it right now, but you have the power to create happiness whenever and where ever you want with Happy Triggers.

Triggers: sets off an action or response.

You’re purposefully creating a happy response by finding what sets off happiness in your life.

Happy Triggers TRIGGER a happy response.

Happy Triggers can be thoughts or actions that make you laugh or smile.

What can you THINK about that makes you laugh or smile?

What can you DO that brings you happiness?

Homework:

Figure out 3 to 5 Happy Triggers.

Then write them on a 3x5 card or sticky notes and stitch them where you can see them regularly.

Anytime you need it, whip out a Happy Trigger and create more happiness.

Here are a couple of Triggers to get you started:

Smile - Have you ever noticed it’s hard to think about something negative when smiling? Try it.

Thankfulness: Thankfulness is one of the quickest ways to experience happiness.

When you wake up, write down five things you’re thankful for, or start a daily gratitude journal.

Here are a few more ideas:

So go choose what triggers your happiness now and trigger it anytime you need for a quick pick me up.

Today and tomorrow are the last days to sign up for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.

Registration is only $47.

So If you’re ready to learn tools to help you live your best life with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.

Thanks a bunch for listening!

You got this, and Father’sFather’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

What’s the one thing that brings you the most joy?

Do you ever want to spend more time with loved ones, but life seems to get in the way?

What’s the most important thing on this earth to you?

We’re talking about how to live a happy life in a not-so-happy world.

In part one, episode 186, you asked yourself, “What do you enjoy right now?” And “What or who makes your life meaningful in the long term?”

Next, you dug into myths of happiness and what’s the truth. You also decided what myths about happiness you might be hanging onto.

Today we’re talking about the #1 thing that will significantly impact your happiness.

Today is for you if…

Stats show as most people, as they get older, actually get happier. You would think that it would be the other way around as you get closer to your mortality date.

Why? Age can give you a perspective that helps you shift your priorities to what you care about the most.

In episode 186, I shared with you about the Harvard Study of Adult Development that began in 1938 and is still going strong. “For over eight decades, this study has tracked the same individuals and their families, asking thousands of questions and taking hundreds of measurements—from brain scans to blood work—with the goal of discovering what really makes for a good life.”

Through all the years of studying these lives, strong relationships stand out because of their impact on physical health, mental health, and longevity.

Waldinger and Schulz, the current director and assistant director of the Harvard study, boil it down to: “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”

So if relationships are the key to happiness, then it makes sense that your priorities should be your relationships. What do you think?

1. Set priorities

You get to choose your priorities. If you don’t, someone will choose them for you.

2. Be Intentional

We’re all busy, but if we’re not intentional, time will slip away from us, and then we’ll only have our regrets to live with.

You must intentionally set aside time to spend time with the people you love the most and develop new relationships. Please put it on your calendar.

3. Be consistent

Do something every day to reach out to others. I have on my planner, “reach out to today.” And I pick people I will text, call or email.”

Consistency will feed and nurture your relationships.

Ideas to nurture relationships to get you started:

Homework:

Set Priorities:

Where do you need to shift your priorities?

Be Intentional:

How do you want to invest in your relationship?

Be Consistent:

What’s the first step you can take today to make that shift?

How can you be consistent? Do you need to set a reminder in the calendar or alarm on your phone?

There are only two more days to sign up for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.

Registration is only $47.

So If you’re ready to learn tools to help you live your best life with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.

Thanks a bunch for listening!

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

When you finish scrolling through social media, do you feel happier or a twinge of jealousy?

What do you believe is missing that will make you happy?

How often do you think you should be happy?

It’s part 2 of How to Live a Happy Life in a Not-So-Happy World. Today we’re discussing happiness myths and uncovering the truth to live happier lives.

Today is for you if…

We’re bombarded all day with messages telling us what will make us happy. There are ads that tell us this kind of gum will make you sexy, to this kind of car will make you a conscientious consumer to this vacation will bring you the peace you’ve been looking for. Much of social media gives us snapshots of people’s lives and businesses that create feelings of happiness envy, but of course, they only show the good parts.

What you think makes you happy doesn’t always make you happier.

Myth: Being rich or famous will make you happy.

A 2007 survey of millennials asked about their most important life goals.

76% said becoming rich was their #1 goal.

50% said a primary goal was to become famous.

A decade after the millennial survey, as they got some more time being an adult, they were asked the same questions. Famous was now lower on the list, but money was still one of the top goals, along with a successful career and becoming debt-free.

Truth: Pursuing something bigger than yourself brings more happiness

90% of people on their deathbeds have regret, and it wasn’t not being rich and famous.

You may not want to be rich or famous, but are you suffering from happiness envy? Do you see others have what you want, like relationships, vacations, time, family, perfect home decor, etc.?

If you’ve felt this way, There’s an old saying, “Don’t compare your insides to other people’s outsides.”

One of the top deathbed regrets is, “I wish I’d had the COURAGE to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” Another top one is regret about missed relationships.

You’ll never experience happiness envying others, but you may regret not enjoying fully being yourself, pursuing something bigger than yourself or missing out on important relationships if you’re not careful.

Myth: You can be happy 100% of the time if you do everything right.

We all face challenges, and it’s unrealistic to think you’ll always be happy. It sets your expectations up for failure.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

1 There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Truth: Happiness comes when you meet and face challenges.

When you meet the stressors and challenges of life, it makes you stronger, happier and more satisfied with your life.

You’ll surprise yourself when you see what’s possible for you. You’re stronger than you think.

Homework:

Write down anything you believe is keeping you from being happy.

Pray for Father to show you the truth.

Then journal about what you discover.

Now, shed the shoulds’.

There are only three more days to sign up for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.

Registration is only $47.

So If you’re ready to learn tools to help you live your best life with confidence and courage, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.

Thanks a bunch for listening!

You got this, and Father’s got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!

Have you ever felt like a heavy cloud was following you? Think Eeyore.

Do you think happiness is a fleeting specter, floating in and out of your life, but you can't count on it?

Do you try to be happy, but the weight of the world or responsibilities squishes your happiness out of you?

We're starting a new series on Happiness–How to live a happy life in a not-so-happy world.

Today is for you if…

What is happiness?

Do you call it joy or happiness or good life, the best life?

I believe true happiness isn't always based on your circumstances. But don't discount your happy circumstances either.

I remember when I first went full-time in my business and shared with my husband that I was not feeling successful and wasn't really happy. He asked what would make you happy. I declared a paying client.

Well, a few weeks later, I had a paying client, and you know what…it didn't make me feel happier.

I didn't really understand what made me happy in that area of my life.

To be clear, I'm not talking about toxic positivity where you can't face up to the challenges of life or just cover over them like slapping a coat of paint on a rusty car.

We're talking about real happiness, enjoying and living your best life.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development started a study in 1938. They followed the same individuals and family, some of which are still alive and in the 90s and even 100s, to see what makes a good life. What really makes people happy? They're now in the second generation to study the effect of childhood experience on midlife health.

They came up with two kinds of happiness or well-being. I'm going to put their fancy terms in everyday language, though.

Two kinds of happiness:

1. I'm having fun right now

Happiness in the short term.

Moment-to-moment happiness.

2. I'm living a meaningful life

Happiness in the long term.

You're giving yourself to something greater than yourself.

Happiness creates a more meaningful and satisfying life.

However, happiness is in the eye of the beholder.

What does happiness look like to you?

I feel like my happiness is a mix of both.

My happy place is Disney World, yet investing in others' lives brings me deep joy and satisfaction. I've also learned that I'm happiest when I'm moving forward. I'm working towards my goals even if I haven't achieved them. It's both kinds of happiness for me.

And both short-term and long-term happiness comes down to relationships. It's not just the stuff I do that makes me happy but who I do it with or impact.

Now, the happy, best life is different for everyone.

Homework:

So what does happiness look like to you? Define it for yourself.

What do you enjoy right now?

What or who makes your life meaningful in the long term?

It's the last week to sign up for the Your Fearless Journey virtual workshop Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm CT.

Registration is only $47.

So If you're ready to learn tools to help you live your best life, go to yfjpodcast.com to register.

Thanks a bunch for listening!

You got this, and Father's got you!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!