What Makes Us Tick ?

On our continued journey to developing and maintaining a positive self-image, we need to understand our nature as human beings; in other words, know what makes us tick.

We all have needs. As discussed in my book VALUABLE, a well known psychologist, Abraham Maslow, had a theory called “Hierarchy of Needs”.   This theory consists of five levels of human needs from one being the lowest, to five as the highest. In his model, physical needs serve as the base with the other category of needs building upon the satisfaction of prior needs.

In this hierarchy, the needs second to the highest, are esteem. These needs consist of: self-esteem, personal worth, social recognition and accomplishment. Feeling appreciated and valued is something all people want to experience and need. Unfortunately, the methods used, depending on what they are to meet this need, can cause more damage than the need going unmet by others. Even so, as air, food, and water are necessary to sustain the physical body, self-esteem is necessary to one’s mental well-being; but where does it come from? How do we attain and hang on to our self-esteem? The answer for some is total reliance on human willpower, natural ability, and external accomplishments. However, as we navigate through life, there are situations we encounter that are too big to handle with sheer willpower in our own strength.

I don't believe God ever intended for us to face these situations nor live life apart from Him. I have come to realize that, despite great human potential, exceptional ability and determination, we definitely need God’s help to actually reach our full potential.Everything that makes us healthy functioning humans, including our potential, desires etc., God our Creator placed in us to become our best selves. I am so glad He knows and understands exactly what we need and is willing to meet those needs when we ask Him. Let Him meet your needs today!

Be Refreshed! 

Discovering Your Value Part 2

Proverbs 12:18 GNB
Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.


Typically, when reading this scripture the assumption is that it pertains to the words that we speak to and about others. However, on the journey to discovering our value, it is worthwhile to take inventory of the words we speak not only to other people, but to ourselves as well. 

Words, whether orally or written are powerful! They create images in the mind, evoke strong emotions, and attach memories to good and bad experiences, past and present. Words guide the course of our lives in a positive or negative direction. They can build up or tear down; hurt or bring healing; instill hope, faith or fear.     (James 3: 2, 5-6) 


What are you saying and thinking about yourself? Are you building yourself up with your words or tearing yourself down? Are you speaking words of faith or fear?

Self-talk words convey the thoughts and opinions you have of yourself which equate to your self-perception. Our self-perception whether positive or negative affects the way we interact with others which in turn influences the way others see and treat us. So, as it is important to speak positive words to others, it is also important to speak life and blessing over yourself.

Remember,you have been fearfully and wonderfully made created in the image of God. (Psalms 139:14, Genesis 1:26-27)  He has nothing but good things to say about you, so get in the Word and find out for yourself. You are VALUABLE!

Be Refreshed

DISCOVERING YOUR VALUE PT. 1

In an earlier blog I wrote that we have seasons when we experience a great deal of problems. These problems are packaged in different ways. They can involve finances, health, career and relationships.  

Dealing with life's issues and problems can be challenging. It is difficult to feel good about yourself when it seems like you just can't get it right. The mistakes of the past still linger.

During those times it is important to know that your issues past and present do not diminish your value. No matter where you are in life, God sees you as a:
Victorious Accepted Loved Understood Affirmed Blessed Liberated Expression of His Grace. You are VALUABLE. 

Whether or not you do everything right does not not cause God to love you any more or any less. Know that you are valuable because God loves you and has spoken well of you. Get to know Him  and discover your value through His Word.

Be Refreshed

What Is Your Level Of Trust?

 At the beginning of 2013, I wrote about the significant role obedience to God would play this year in our experiencing His manifested blessings in our lives.

However, the Holy Spirit revealed that it is very difficult to obey someone you don't really trust. Then the trial of Job came to mind.

There are different thoughts regarding the cause of Job’s trials. One is that he opened the door to the devil (Satan) through fear. (Job 3:25 ESV)  For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. From this verse it is clear that although Job worshipped God, he definitely had issues with fear. Another is that God brought Job to Satan’s attention. (Job 1:8 ESV)  And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?"

From this passage God did indeed invite Satan’s scrutiny of Job, but as commendation to Job’s right standing with Him being unlike the other people of his time. God considered Job to be blameless because his lifestyle was one of reverence to Him.

Satan’s argument was that Job only worshipped God because things were going extremely well in his life and family. Satan contended that Job would turn away from God if all the blessing and prosperity were taken away. As a result Job encountered seriously trials. Yet, despite all of them Job asserted and maintained His trust in God. (Job 13:15a CEV)  God may kill me, but still I will trust him…. Job was not privy to the conversation God and Satan had. He was unaware that Satan contrived his misery. The only one Job was aware of was God. Job knew that God was sovereign. If you read Job’s account for yourself, you will find that Job rides an emotional roller-coaster. (I think we have all been there at some point in our walk with the Lord.) Still, through all of the horrendous events, Job’s stand was to trust God regardless of what his wife and friends thought.

To me, the point of our looking into Job’s life, is to be inspired to develop an unshakeable faith and trust in our Heavenly Father no matter what challenges we face. As demonstrated at the end of the book of Job, God rewards those who put their trust in Him. This is a recurring theme in the Bible. Satan’s purpose is to harm us, but God’s plan and purpose is for us to be well and prosper. So, what is your level of trust? Are you willing to completely trust in God’s sovereignty and absolute goodness in spite of what you see, think or feel?

I pray that you are.

Be refreshed