The storms we go through change us. They’re supposed to. Our exterior may or may not remain the same, but our interior will undoubtedly shift. While change is imminent, it’s the condition of our heart that determines HOW the storm changes us.

Fresh Face: Best Face Forward! A Five Minute Refresher

When I get really depressed or upset about something, certain things that are important to me completely lose priority. One of those things is washing my face before I go to bed. It’s very rare that I succumb to my inner-laziness and rebel against my self-made rules. I hate waking up with yesterday’s makeup and goo still on my face. Even after I wash it the next morning, my makeup doesn’t go on as smooth and my eyelashes are still wrinkly or creased in wayward positions. It’s a safe bet that if my face is a mess, my heart is a mess too.

Why do I do that?

Girl, Clean Out Your Mind

Wouldn’t it be great if cleaning out our mind was as easy as cleaning out our closet?

Negative thoughts? Toss ‘em!

Feelings of judgment or hate? See ya!

Resentment? You’re outta here!

While it might not be as easy as throwing a blouse into a donation box, we can decide whether we are going to wear that thought, keep it hanging in the closet for another year or get rid of it.

Ask yourself- what thoughts do I have that lead me to experience negative emotions?

BAH-HUMBUG! Have you Misplaced your Hope?

We’ve all seen the live-action version of the movie, The Grinch? Do you know the part where Cindy Lou Hoo sings “Where Are You Christmas?” It pulls on your heart strings a little because it’s easy to relate. Trials can change who we are as a person and transform our perspective if we allow it.

How to Love Your Friend if Her Man is in Active Addiction

First and foremost, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 NIV) If your friend’s husband is in active addition, this is definitely a time of adversity. This is going to be one of the hardest things she ever goes through. Supporting her and letting her know you’ve got her back is probably the thing she needs the most right now. Don’t just tell her you’re praying for her, but actually do it. Get on your knees and pray that God will give her strength and guidance because she’s going to need it. While you’re at it, pray for her husband too.

Family, Understanding AddictionKara BenefieldDecember 2, 2018Grey Ministriesfamily members of addictsComment

He Isn't the Remarkable Man God Made Him to be...Yet!

"I don't know if I even believe in God."

The words out of my husband's mouth shocked me. He had recently returned home from a faith-based rehab that I "just knew" was going to purge his mind of all things addiction, and turn him into the husband I'd always dreamed of having. To be honest, his admittance made me angry.

"You shouldn't even be alive! How have you still not surrendered to God? Really? You got us to where we are now, and you still think you can fix this on your own?!? Ugh."

I Found My Life When I Laid it Down

We climb the societal ladder claiming labels along the way. We think those things will make us happy, but we’re disappointed when we realize these labels cannot fulfill our hearts. In other ways, we look for wholeness. We may criticize our spouses because of everything they aren’t doing because we think we’d feel better if they did. Or, we criticize ourselves and make plans to lose weight or buy something we think will fill us up. Our unending cycle of searching only stops when we find God. Being a part of the Kingdom of Heaven is where we find true love and wholeness that the world can’t give.

What Happens When You Can't Submit to Your Husband?

You know those people that speak their thoughts and react without even thinking, and even when they do reign in the strength to shut it, the look on their face tells it all? Yeah, that's me. I wear my feelings on my face.

Being submissive is not natural for me. As much as I try to be nice, my nonexistent filter interferes. This is why writing works better; there is a delete button.

"He's not going to boss me around."

"I didn't marry him to be his servant."

Don't Ignore the Elephant in the Room… Addiction Can Become an Abusive Situation- Fast!

It’s hard to love someone who hurts us over and over again; addicts hurt people.

When my husband was in active addiction, he made me feel like I was losing my mind. My intuition would kick in, and I’d sense something wasn’t right. I would ask him about it and he would turn it back onto me. Accusing me of, “Focusing on the negative” or give some overly-detailed, incredible story to explain the situation. As it turns out, most of the time my intuition was spot on! I had not let my imagination get the best of me. My husband was gaslighting me, one of many types of psychological abuse.

How to Use Essential Oils to Detox Your Life

When it comes to health and beauty, the Bible is a handbook that is often overlooked. Essential oils are repeatedly mentioned in the Bible for uses such as aromatherapy, healing, cleansing and anointing. Even the Apostles used essential oils! When God created the Earth, He gave us everything we would need to live a healthy life as well as the tools to keep ourselves feeling fabulous while doing it!

God's Daughters are Main Character Material… (can I get an, "Amen?!")

Once upon a time...

There was a girl. Her beautiful spirit and tender heart were qualities bestowed upon her by the King Himself. Like a rare bird, she soared through life never knowing what the day would bring nor worrying about it either.

She was free.

Encouragement for When Words Have Hurt You

“She is such a slut.”

“Have you noticed how much weight she’s gained? She’s gotten so fat.”

“She’s a horrible mom.”

“She thinks she’s so pretty, but she’s not. She’s ugly.”

“Her husband is such a loser. I can’t believe she is still with him.”

Ouch! Words really do hurt.

Past mistakes, debt, addiction and physical appearance are only a few of the factors that can influence our own personal self-evaluation, but our true value is found in the answer to this question: Who am I?