By Kimberly Chastain
http://www.christianworkingmom.com/
This article is an excerpt from Kimberly Chastain's ebook entitled, "Pearls of Encouragement for Christian Working Moms" found on her website.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God. Can you even imagine being still? I think this verse was specifically written for the harried times we live in. You may be saying to yourself if I am still I will fall asleep. I have to keep moving to get everything done. Do you find it difficult in your quiet time to just be still and listen to God? Do you often start thinking of what you need to do tomorrow or get at the grocery? God is asking us to be still, quiet and know Him. We can't know Him if we don't spend time with Him. Have you ever noticed that you often feel closer to God when you are in nature? You take a walk in the woods or go to the ocean and you are in awe of His creation. I often think we feel closer to God in nature, because it is quiet. David was a shepherd, some of the disciples were fisherman - plenty of time to talk and listen to God. I remember several times in my quiet times that God continue to bring this verse to my mind and rest in Him.
Are you afraid of the quiet? As working Moms we are always busy and stopping to think is not always a luxury we have. It is almost if we slow down everything will come crashing down. Do you allow yourself those quiet moments with yourself and God? I know this is really hard if you have young children - you often don't even get to go to the bathroom. If you do get to go to the bathroom it seems you are hardly there alone. Make time to be still and know. Don't pray for others or yourself, take time to listen to what God has to tell you. You will be blessed by being still and knowing God.
Word of Encouragement: God knows we are busy, yet He patiently waits for us to talk with Him. I would encourage you sometime this week to take 15 minutes to 1/2 hour to just be still and know God. Listen for his still small voice. Don't be surprised if this is hard to do, but the rewards are worth it. Listen to Him.
Prayer Thought: Lord, you know it is hard for me to turn my brain off sometimes. It is hard for me to focus on you. Help me to take the time to just listen to you and bask in your glory. Help me to learn to depend on You and all your knowledge. Help me in this fast paced world to be still.
© 2005 Kimberly Chastain
Kimberly Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She was recently featured in the book the Myth of the Perfect Mother. She is the author of "Help My Preteen/Teenager is Driving Me Nuts!!!" To purchase a copy of this e-book please visit www.kimberlychastain.com/parenting. To schedule a free, initial coaching session send an email to free@kimberlychastain.com or visit http://www.christianworkingmom.com. Feel free to make comments on this article at the Christian Working Mom Blog, http://kimberlychastain.com/my-journal.
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Are You a Microwave or Crock Pot?
By Kimberly Chastain
http://www.christianworkingmom.com/
In our fast paced society we often want everything done quickly or your boss wants it done yesterday. In your spiritual life are you a Microwave or Crock Pot? I think often we want God to answer our prayers in Microwave fashion. I prayed a specific request today and I want it answered today. If our prayers are not answered quickly, we often wonder, "What is God doing?" We also decide to go it on our own and not wait for God's direction. Often it is difficult to wait on God's timing.
When we are in Crock pot mode we pray and rest in the knowledge that God's timing is best. Often, God may have to let several things simmer in our life before he answers our prayer. Many times in my life I have seen God's handiwork after the situation is over. If God had answered my prayer the way I wanted him to, it would not have gone well at all. God knows what is best for us and when it is best for something to happen.
I look at Scripture and see God works in Microwave and Crock Pot mode. When Daniel was in the lion's den God worked immediately to shut the mouths of the lions. I have to admit if I was Daniel I would want to know why God didn't act before I got thrown in the lion's den. Daniel being thrown in the lion's den was used to reflect God's glory and power. God also works in Crock Pot mode. Do you remember Joshua and the battle of Jericho? The people of Israel were marching around a wall for 7 days. Don't you imagine they asked God, "Why?" During that time Rahab was getting her family ready to leave Jericho. Could it be that God took seven days of marching around Jericho, to save one woman and her family? Could it be that God took that time for one woman who was faithful to God in spite of her lifestyle, in spite of her whole community being against God to show his glory? Most of the Israelites did not know about Rahab, but God did. In God's perfect timing he rescued the Israelites and Rahab, not in the way the Israelites would have wanted. God gave them victory in the battle in Crock pot mode.
So, I ask you are you in Microwave mode or Crock Pot mode in your spiritual life? Please remember God is always in control even when it feels everything is out of control. Trust God's timing and know he only wants what is best for you.
© 2005 Kimberly Chastain
Kimberly Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She was recently featured in the book the Myth of the Perfect Mother. She is the author of "Help My Preteen/Teenager is Driving Me Nuts!!!" To purchase a copy of this e-book please visit www.kimberlychastain.com/parenting. To schedule a free, initial coaching session send an email to free@kimberlychastain.com or visit http://www.christianworkingmom.com. Feel free to make comments on this article at the Christian Working Mom Blog, http://kimberlychastain.com/my-journal.
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What is Coaching?
By Kimberly Chastain
http://www.christianworkingmom.com/
Recently, I have received several emails asking me about coaching and what it is exactly. So, I decided to answer some of those questions in this article.
First, of all let me start with what coaching is not. Coaching is not therapy or counseling. Therapy tends to focus on the past whereas coaching is often more future oriented. Also, coaches are not paid friends. You certainly have friends that are all ready giving you advice. Friends are often cautious in telling you what they really think and don't want to hurt your feelings. Coaches hold you accountable for the goals you set and an action plan to meet those goals.
So, what is coaching? For years executives and athletes have had coaches to help them reach peak performance. Now, other people are seeing the benefits of having a coach. Coaches are a listening ear, listening to your goals and dreams. Coaches help you put those dreams into actions. You will find coaches are very action oriented and want to help their clients reach their goals. Coaches also hold you accountable for steps you plan to take. Christian Coaches in particular focus from a Godly perspective. Where is God leading you at this time?
Why would someone hire a coach? People hire coaches for many different reasons. Some people need help with time management. Others want to find a better balance in their lives. Some may be looking at a career change and want to research the alternatives. Some people may say, "I'm not enjoying my life and want to have more fun, how can I better use my time?" Others may want spiritual guidance in their particular situation. The reasons people hire coaches are as varied as the individual person.
What should you look for in a coach? Most coaches offer an initial free phone session. You should see if the coach understands you and really listens to what you have to say. Does the coach ask you what your goals are or does the coach set goals for you? Remember this is about you and your agenda, not the coach's agenda. Often, you can tell in one phone session if the coach is a good fit for you. Most coaching sessions occur over the phone. So, your coach could be thousands of miles away or in your city. Location really does not matter. Some coaches also doing coaching completely over the internet. When you do set up an appointment with a coach, make sure you have a list of questions you would like to have answered.
© 2005 Kimberly Chastain
Kimberly Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She was recently featured in the book the Myth of the Perfect Mother. She is the author of "Help My Preteen/Teenager is Driving Me Nuts!!!" To purchase a copy of this e-book please visit www.kimberlychastain.com/parenting. To schedule a free, initial coaching session send an email to free@kimberlychastain.com or visit http://www.christianworkingmom.com. Feel free to make comments on this article at the Christian Working Mom Blog, http://kimberlychastain.com/my-journal.
The Text Information Box above MUST be included for reprint privileges. You may reprint this article in it's entirety with the attached text box.