A Becoming Journey

It's almost Resurrection Sunday! Do you feel like you need some things to be resurrected in your life? We have hope in Jesus, and because He rose, we can get up again, too!On this episode, I talk about 5 simple, practical tips for getting back up again when life keeps knocking you down. 

No one likes to suffer! In fact, we all do all we can to avoid it. However, pain is a fact of life. On today's episode, we talk about the value of suffering and some of  its important spiritual benefits:1. Suffering produces endurance.2. Suffering produces character & growth.3. Suffering produces maturity.4. Suffering teaches obedience. Your trial can become your testimony! Hang in there, my friend.Resources Mentioned on the Podcast:Article: 6 Rules of Pain and Pleasure (A Becoming Journey is not affiliated with this linked website in any way.)Scripture Passages:James 1:2-4Romans 5:3-5Psalm 119: 67, 71For More, Visit abecomingjourney.com

Inevitably, at various intervals in our lives we will encounter situations about which we feel powerless. Things will come at us that affect us that we simply cannot control. For me, a known control-freak, this is especially distressing! We love to imagine that we to be the designers of our destiny, but the simple-yet-difficult truth is that we are not. As is most-often the case, I am in the midst of a situation right now where I am having to learn this. I hope to be able to share details at a later time, but suffice it to say that my family is presently embroiled in a circumstance involving world systems and life-altering decisions. Yet, we have very little (if any) true influence in the outcome. I am learning again to lean on Jesus. Maybe I'm actually learning this really for the first time! As I pondered this thought today, I thought I'd share some encouragement on how to peacefully navigate a situation outside the realm of your control.My tips: 1) Relinquish Control2) Submit Again to God's Sovereignty3) Manage Your Emotions Through Prayer4) Refuse to be Consumed by the Issue5) Seek Godly Supportfor more, visit abecomingjourney.com

Are you insecure in relationships and you don't know how to get past it? Do you long for deep friendships and connections with other people? Today's episode will help! I am joined by my good friend, Andrea Mathews, for my first "Julie & Friends" episode. Andrea is gifted with people both personally and professionally, and she sheds light on how we can work to get past some obstacles that may be holding us back from having truly fulfilling relationships with others. Fore more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

Do you find yourself struggling in personal relationships (as I do)? If you dig deeply enough, you may find the root cause is undervaluing people. Today's episode is some much needed help for us all to remember why learning to truly value people is worth the effort.For More, Visit: abecomingjourney.com

Welcome to Season 3! Today's episode takes a dive into Romans 12 and the keys that it holds for us in having fulfilling, God-honoring relationships. It's never easy but always worth it! ResourcesLetting it Go -  Forgiveness Episode I referencedA Becoming Journey

Why is it so easy to become consumed with things? If you're like me, you tend to think that more is better. However, we know in our heart of hearts that this is not the case! Yet, why do we continue to accumulate? That's what today's episode is about: the battle to stop loving things. I'll also be sharing a brief life update and what you can expect from A Becoming Journey Podcast in the near future!Resources Mentioned on the Podcast:Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. WhiteOvercoming Distractions to Lead a More Meaningful Life - podcast interview with Joshua BeckerFor More, Visit: abecomingjourney.comFriend, if this ministry is helpful to you, would you consider leaving a review? I would appreciate it so very much!

Do you ever feel like nothing beautiful can come from past mistakes you've made? Well, I have some good news for you: our God is in the business of creating beauty from ashes! We are celebrating Easter this weekend and reflecting on Isaiah 61:1-3 and taking comfort in the fact that our Lord can make something remarkable from anything in our lives that we feel is beyond hope.For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

 I believe that this concept – truly becoming a living sacrifice – is one of the most misunderstood among Christians and non-Christians alike. How could giving up my rights, my desires, and all that I care about be good? And, yet, it's more than good.  Listen to the podcast today for more thoughts on Romans 12:1 and becoming a living sacrifice!What I'm Eating:Mixed Berry CrispFor More, Visit:abecomingjourney.com

Last time, we talked about several of the obstacles to forming close friendships. How then do we go about forming the bonds with people that will ultimately turn into a meaningful friendship? Well, I've got a "friendship expert" on the podcast today, my husband, Jason!For as long as I have known him, my husband has had many enduring friendships, and I'm thankful for the wisdom that he shares. On this episode, we discuss:how to value people and connectionslearning to accept others where they arelooking for opportunities to build a friendshipseeking to become a good friend to someone in need of onechoosing to investbeing the one to initiate or to take the first stepthe value of vulnerabilitydealing with conflictFor more, visit:abecomingjourney.com

It's no secret that most of us are struggling in the relationship category, these days. Perhaps your marriage or family relationships are good enough, and you seem to be content with that. But what of friendship? Do you have any deep, loyal, and honest friends with him you regularly interact? If you do, you are blessed…and unusual. Most of us find that we are severely lacking in the true-close-friend category. How is it that a society can be both more connected and more lonely than ever before? Yet, we are. We have scads of Internet friends and we tell ourselves that it's good enough. But is it? I don't think so, and neither do recent studies. The Bible has much to say about friendship and community (Proverbs 27:17, 17:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, etc.). It is clear that we are not meant to do life isolated and alone. So why is it that we lack so much in the way of meaningful friendships? Today we are talking about obstacles that can prevent us from having close friendships. What I'm Eating:Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, Bacon Salad My alterations: omit onion, blanch broccoli & cauliflower, and layer ingredients to preserve freshness. For more, visit: abecomingjourney.comIf this content is helpful to you, would you consider giving this podcast a rating and writing a review? I would be so grateful!

Dreams, goals, ministries, vocations, or callings create excitement in us at their inception. The Lord may drop something into our spirit, we may get a phone call, an unexpected opportunity presents itself, or perhaps as we are going about our daily lives, a God-honoring idea comes to us and immediately begins to take shape. However these dreams begin in us, almost always, they arrive with anticipation and energy. We can't wait to begin!….And then….What? Where oh where has the passion gone? What do we do now? Hours were flying by before and the work was effortless, but now? Is this like just another job? Just another goal? I'll fail or give up? Reality hits. Hard. Inspiration disappears. Energy wanes. Other things get in the way. In other words, it just gets hard. This episode offers some encouragement and how to persevere when that God-given dream gets hard to follow. Resources Mentioned:Every Plate Meal ServiceFor more, visit:abecomingjourney.com

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:12)The very first lesson that Jesus taught upon His birth was humility. We've all heard it said that humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less! This goes against our natural inclinations. We think to be happy we must continually put ourselves first, but this simply isn't true... And this was one of Jesus' first lessons. A lesson from the manger. What I'm Drinking:Bigelow Earl Grey TeaBigelow English Breakfast TeaFor More, Visit: abecomingjourney.com

Things don't go as planned for your holiday event and you find yourself teetering on the edge of depression. Certainly, you're disappointed, discontent and sad that the holiday didn't live up to your expectation. What happened? And more importantly, what do we do to restore our sense of peace and joy? Today I'll talk about my own recent experience with disappointment and 5 ways that I was able to overcome it with God's help!For more, visit: abecomingjourney.comFriends, if this podcast ministry is encouraging to you, would you mind leaving a rating and a review? Thank you!

In our journey to become someone better than what we currently are, sometimes it's helpful to consider those beliefs and actions that will NOT take us toward our goal. Like...Here's what we're NOT going to do! In our quest to grow in wisdom, let's consider some of the characteristics that the book of Proverbs attributes to the foolish so that we can be sure to avoid these! What I'm Reading: A Voice in the Wind: Mark of the Lion Series Book 1For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

Gentleness is not something that we often associate with strength in Western culture. Jesus, Himself, says that He is gentle at heart and humble in Matthew 11:29. We like for power to roar and aggressively exert itself, but if we peer intently into the Law of the Lord, we see a very different picture. Those people who are given the honorable title of wise are meek, gentle and lowly. And the truly wise arguably wield the most power among us. For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

Last time, we talked about where the foundation of wisdom in our lives. So...we have a starting point, but how do we continue to grow in wisdom? We know how valuable it is to become wise, yet we somehow think that merely desiring wisdom will bring it to us. Not so! The tide of our culture is strong and flowing in the opposite direction of godly character and virtue; if we don't actively fight it, we will be swept along in it. As we are actively fighting against things that are against God, we are also actively fighting for things that are of God. What I'm Reading:The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten BoomFor more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

I wish that I could say that wisdom was something that is highly sought after these days. Sadly, I find an insatiable thirst for knowledge, for wealth, and for fame, but not one for wisdom in our present cultural climate. However, wisdom is needed in this present age as much as it's ever been needed. We need wise leaders, wise teachers, wise pastors, wise parents, wise children...everyone needs wisdom! But how do we go about getting it? We will talk about wisdom over the coming weeks. Resources Mentioned:openbible.infoFor more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

We are ending our series on anger with a victorious trumpet call! We will overcome in Jesus name! We don't have to live our lives under the oppressive control of anger. The Word tells us that whom the Son sets free, is free indeed! We can walk the path to freedom by the help of the Lord.In the past three lessons in the series, we talked about how anger is not always a bad thing, we looked at the deeper roots, and we talked about how our thoughts create a life of anger or a life of peace. This time we will be discussing how we can overcome anger through both biblical and practical wisdom.What I'm EatingLarabar Chocolate Chip Cookie DoughFor more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

 In our series on anger thus far, we have discussed how anger, itself, is not always a bad thing, as well as some of the deeper root causes of anger in our lives. In this third installment of the series, unsurprisingly, I'm turning my attention to the vital role that our thought life plays in perpetuating anger in us. What I'm Reading:The Hobbit - JRR TolkienThe Way of Kings - Brandon SandersonFor more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

The second episode in our Confronting Anger series.  Listen to the first episode in this series here. Perhaps, you, too, have a desperate need to be perfect or to please others; undoubtedly, there are situations in your life that have hurt you and over which you had no control. These wells of deep sorrow can so easily manifest as anger. So, I know I'm not alone. And….neither are you!Over the coming weeks, we will continue to probe this topic together. It might be a little painful! However, I am so confident in the Lord's ability and willingness to turn all things to work for good! That's why I'm on this journey. I know that He has a more abundant life for me – and for you – and controlling anger has no part of that.What I'm EatingBanana Oat Pancakes - *Disclaimer* This is a YouTube video for a very similar recipe to the one I make almost every day. This is the cookbook that has the exact recipe!For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

Today's episode begins our series on Anger. We often hear the word "anger" and automatically associate it with negativity. However, as we begin discussing the topic, we will find that there are at least a few positives reasons for anger! In a way, it is a bit comforting to realize that anger is not always a bad thing, that it can be a force for good. Over the next several weeks, we will dig deeper into this topic, confronting it in our own lives, and learning how to overcome its control by the power of the Holy Spirit! What I'm Reading:The Pursuit of Holiness   by Jerry BridgesFor more, visit abecomingjourney.com.

Do you ever just feel stuck? Do you feel like sometimes your emotions hold you hostage and you are unable to do anything productive? If so, today's episode will give you some encouragement and some simple tips to get out of a funk as  quickly as you can! What I'm EatingEl Milagro TortillasScriptures Referenced:2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 103:13-14For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

The idea that we always have a choice to act or not to act is not a new one. The Bible is replete with stories and themes of free-will and choice. In fact, this concept is the source of much controversy. We all like being able to freely make our choices, but we do not always like having to accept the consequences for those choices!Today on the podcast, we explore how God often provides the place and opportunity, but we still have to make the choice to act!Welcome to Season 2! This season, we will begin including a What I'm Reading  or  What I'm Eating  segment. What I'm Reading: Celebration of Discipline by Richard FosterFor more, visit: abecomingjourney.comScriptures referenced:Esther 4:14

Psalm 119 is verse after beautiful verse extolling the virtues of God's law. That perhaps doesn't sound exciting or even like something that would be “beautiful” at face value, but let me tell you, the Psalmist is truly inspired as he lifts up the Law and the one who follows after it with all of her heart! The inspired Word brings revelation like nothing else. Bonus: At the beginning of the episode, get a final update on how my summer goals are going!Resources mentioned on this episode:Social Skills Activities for KidsFor more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

Do you struggle to accept the love of God? Do you fear being fully known by someone? Continuing our "Summer of Psalms," this episode delves into the beauty of Psalm 139 and reminds us that God knows us fully, and yet He still loves us fully. At the beginning of the episode, you'll also get a brief update on how my summer goals are going... (Spoiler-alert: they're not going too well!)Scripture References:Psalm 139; Luke 12:7For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

This is the first installment of our "Summer of Psalms" series. We'll be taking a Psalm each episode and digging into the nitty-gritty of how to apply it to our lives! What does it take to flourish and be fruitful in our walk with God? Psalm 1 really spells it out, and we will take a deep dive today and look at 5 characteristics of the godly life. BONUS: At the start of the episode, I'll give a 10 minute update on how my summer goals are going!  Mentioned on this episode:- The first book of the new series I am really into: The Naming- The kids' cookbook that Grayson and I are really loving this summer: Kids Cook!For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

We all know that what we feed our bodies has a very direct and nearly immediate effect on how our bodies function and feel. It's also true for our mind and the thoughts we think. If our thoughts are the food of our minds, then we can be sure that the thoughts we feed our minds throughout the day really do have a direct and immediate effect on how we feel and our mental well-being! Today's episode is perhaps a new way to think about our thinking!Scripture reference: Philippians 4:4-9For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

 While summer brings a lot of excitement, it also can bring feelings of apprehension! Today, I share 4 simple goals that I have for my summer in hopes that it might help you think through and have more confidence going into your summer! For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

Are you aware of spiritual and physical triggers that might affect you emotionally? Do you want some help learning how to clean up the negative loops in your mind? This episode of A Becoming Journey Podcast is Part 2 of a series where I talk with my podcast guest, Wanda Chavis, about the topic of emotional health. Some things we discussed on the podcast:Accepting the love of God is foundational to self-acceptance and mental well-beingLearning to speak kindly to ourselvesHow social media can affect our emotional healthThe lies that we believe about ourselvesHow to protect what you "feed" your brainThe power of the Word of GodBeing intentional and setting boundariesHow your body talks to youSpiritual and physical triggers, and how they affect us emotionallyScriptures referenced on the podcast:Psalm 139:14For more, visit: abecomingjourney.comAbout Wanda Chavis:Being raised in a UPCI church planter's home - and serving as a pastor's wife forover 40 years - Wanda has a heart for the parsonage woman. She has developedseveral resources for women in ministry and hosts an online coaching group called“Leading Ladies." Her passionate mantra is: To educate and inspire women to becourageous and proactive in their spiritual, physical and mental health. Wandaholds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Alternative Medicine, and a Master's inPublic Health Administration with a Concentration in Complimentary Medicine.She owns a Thermography clinic in Spring Lake, NC. A published author, speakerand songwriter, Wanda currently serves the North Carolina District as Ladies' MinistriesPresident.Connect with Wanda at chavisministries.com.

Do you struggle in the area of emotional health? Do you struggle to love and accept yourself? This episode of A Becoming Journey Podcast is Part 1 of a series where I talk with my podcast guest, Wanda Chavis, about the topic of emotional health. Some things we discussed on the podcast:How our emotional health concerns GodWhat emotional health looks likeWarning signs regarding our mental / emotional healthHow physical, mental and spiritual health are connectedHow emotional struggles in adulthood maybe related to dysfunctional people from our childhoodTaking our shame to God in prayerResources cited on the podcast:Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi EldredgeScriptures referenced on the podcast:1 Thessalonians 5:23; Isaiah 61:1; Jeremiah 31:13; Matthew 9:35About Wanda Chavis:Being raised in a UPCI church planter's home - and serving as a pastor's wife forover 40 years - Wanda has a heart for the parsonage woman. She has developedseveral resources for women in ministry and hosts an online coaching group called“Leading Ladies." Her passionate mantra is: To educate and inspire women to becourageous and proactive in their spiritual, physical and mental health. Wandaholds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Alternative Medicine, and a Master's inPublic Health Administration with a Concentration in Complimentary Medicine.She owns a Thermography clinic in Spring Lake, NC. A published author, speakerand songwriter, Wanda currently serves the North Carolina District as Ladies' MinistriesPresident.Connect with Wanda at chavisministries.com.For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com

Do you struggle with feelings of guilt? Do you somehow always feel that your efforts are inadequate? Today's episode is in honor of Mother's Day but can apply to us all: it's all about going "Guilt-Free!"  We will go over some reasons why we might have unwarranted feelings of guilt and how to combat it. For more, visit:abecomingjourney.comBlog mentioned on the episode where some of the material was derived from:theoldermom.comScriptures mentioned on the episode:Acts 17:24-28, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, 2 Corinthians 2:11,  2 Timothy 1:12, Isaiah 26:1-3, Romans 8

 Virtue, knowledge, and self-control are the first three components that we are instructed to add to our growing faith. As we deepen our relationship with the Lord and mature in these areas, God calls us to even more. (Listen to or read the first part here.) This week, we take a deep dive into patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love according to 2 Peter 1:5-7.Scriptures mentioned on this episode: 2 Peter 1: 5-10, 1 Corinthians 13Resources mentioned on this episode:Respectable Sins - by Jerry BridgesThe Practice of Godliness - by Jerry Bridges

Have you ever heard of the Peter Pan syndrome? In essence, this is someone who simply refuses to grow up. Do you know any spiritual Peter Pans? Someone who has come to God but hasn't grown up in Him? This is not God's will for us! In this episode, we will delve into the richness of 2 Peter 1 on how to grow in our faith. Part 1 of a 2-part series. For more, visit: abecomingjourney.comScriptures referenced: 2 Peter 1:1-10; 1 Peter 2; Hosea 4:6; Galatians 5; Proverbs 25:28

 Moses had a staff in hand….This same staff was probably one of the ones he had used for the last forty years in his job as a shepherd. Nothing special, right? God didn't give Moses the staff. It was something Moses already had and that he had learned to use. God then took it and used it for His much greater purpose. Today's episode explores how we can bring glory to God in learning to use what's in our hands. For more, visit: abecomingjourney.comScripture References: Genesis 4:1-5; Colossians 3:23

After living almost forty years , I've learned that some sometimes you can just make a good decision, right now, because you know it's right, and just go for it. No pondering, making a pros vs. cons list, no reaching out for advice… No. Just do it.  Today's episode goes over 10 good choices that we can all make today for a better life!For more, visit abecomingjourney.com.

We all face suffering and trials at points throughout our lives. Looking to the wisdom of the Bible and to our supreme example, Jesus Christ, today's episode will help us all find ways to be joyful and to glory in the difficulties of life!For more, visit: abecomingjourney.comResources mentioned on this episode: A Hiding Place - Corrie Ten Boom, Biodome Experiment ArticleScriptures referenced on this episode: Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Hebrews 11, 2 Corinthians 4:17, James 1: 2-4, Hebrews 12:5-12, Isaiah 61:3, 1 Peter 1:7, 2 Corinthians 12:6-10, Isaiah 53

 Do you struggle to act out your faith? Do you have ideas that you think would honor God, but you are afraid to make a move? Friends, we are supposed to use our imaginations, do, and create. We are supposed to have bold and godly dreams and to pursue them! We are to be in a partnership with Him...collaborators with Christ.For more, visit: abecomingjourney.com.Resources mentioned in this episode: The Circle Maker by Mark BattersonScriptures referenced: Matthew 18:18; Hebrews 4:16; I Corinthians 3:9; Genesis 2:19; Genesis 18.

Our spiritual heart is the seat of our emotions, our deepest thoughts, desires, and feelings; some might even call it the “spirit” of a person. I believe it's the essence of who we really are, and it seems natural to call this place the “heart” since the physical heart is so central to our physical bodies.  It's no wonder that Proverbs instructs us to guard our hearts above all else! An ignored and unprotected heart is a prime target for an attack from the enemy of our souls. This episode is a look at what it means to protect our spiritual hearts, how to do it, and how to recover when we fail prey to an attack. Visit abecomingjourney.com for a blog post about this topic, as well as other information and resources, or to connect with me!Scripture references: Proverbs 4:23, Ephesians 6:14

What is a "good" fight? If there are good fights, there are bad fights! Bad fights waste our time and deplete our energy; rarely is there a true winner; there are definitely no rewards; and perhaps worst of all, they distract us from the truly important things in life.The truth is, there are only a handful of really good fights: the fight for your marriage, for your children, for safety and freedom, for those who cannot fight for themselves, to name a few. But the greatest “good fight” of all is the fight for our faith.I'm happy to have a co-host for this episode: my husband Jason. He greatly enriches our discussion on why and how we need to fight for our faith!Scriptures mentioned in this episode: Hebrews 12:27, Joshua 24:15, 1 Peter 5:8-9, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 4 For more information, my blog and resources, please visit: abecomingjourney.com

Do you struggle with a social media addiction like I did? In this episode, I give you 8 tips to help you to get unstuck from the social media quagmire, rethink your free time, and become more intentional about this area of life.  For more information, or to follow my blog, go to abecomingjourney.com.

On this episode, we're hitting a few hot topics like negative thought loops, "guilt-inducing" thoughts vs. "grace-filled" thoughts, and forgetting the past! We all desire to lead joyful, peaceful, God-glorifying lives, but sometimes we need help getting past the past! Listen and be encouraged. For more information, the blog, and more resources, go to: www.abecomingjourney.com

Do you find it difficult to have time to read and study the Word like you want to? In today's episode, Psalm 103 - a favorite passage - will be taking center stage. Let's meditate on His word and hide it in our hearts. 

Do you feel weighted down by hurts or offenses that you've received by others? Tough time forgiving them? It's time to LET IT GO, forgive, and get the freedom you need! Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

Do you ever feel swept up in the current of comparison? Like you don't measure up? Like you're failing in every area of life? Today we look at what God has to say about who we are called to be in Him and how to be at peace with our weaknesses. Scripture reference: 1 Corinthians 12:9.For more like this, visit my blog at: www.abecomingjourney.wordpress.com