How's Your Heart?

While today was another fantastic day filled with love, laughter, growth, new friendships and bonds, I had quite an AHA moment- in a moment. Don't you just love those?

I came home this evening, got settled in and took out my paper and pen to write in my journal and out of what I wrote I came up with a blog post.

I asked myself, "Lizzy how is your heart?" I opened my Word (bible) and began to search for scriptures that speak of 'the heart'.

I came across Proverbs 4:20-27: 'Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.'

We, especially women, are so quick to keep our homes spick and span, our clothes ironed, our cars smelling sweet and our hair and nails done! But how much attention do we give our hearts? Like really?

When the bible says that the heart is to be guarded because everything flows from it, it means that it is from our hearts that the rest of our attitudes get their cue. Feeling depressed? Stressed? Frustrated? Check the contentment quotient of your heart. Once we really check our hearts we know why things are happening in our lives- the way they do.

Rather than cleaning up the other parts of our lives, we'd be wise to pay attention to the deeper parts of ourselves. Our minds. Our hearts. Our words. By running a vacuum through a few ventricles, we may discover a layer of jealousy, anger or envy that we've stuffed out of sight. When it comes to cleaning up, most people stick the surface; what others can see with their eyes.

There's no use to try and trick the world by putting on a happy face and a fake positive attitude in public for others to see, if our hearts are stuffed with hidden issues. What's cluttered in our hearts will eventually spill over into our daily lives with our friends, children, co-workers, neighbours and God!

Yes your house looks good and ready for a gathering, but how's your heart?

Lizzy



































































































































































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Love Is Not Jealous Or Boastful Or Proud

1 Corinthians 13:4 tells us clearly what love is and what it is NOT.

If we want our lives to increase and get better than we need to help improve somebody else's life. When we help others to become successful, God will make sure that we become successful.

Believe me, when you recognize people as assignments- everything changes. If God is putting someone's needs in YOUR care, than I want you for a moment to think of how special you must be to God. Because every person that comes into contact with you- with a need (emotional, mental or spiritual) is Gods child, and for Him to give you that responsibility, than He knows 1. You can handle the assignment and 2. He trusts you will care for Him/ Her. We are all assignments to one another. Some are just for a season, a reason and others you will grow old with. Whether it is family (blood related) or not. 

Most people will not reach their full potential without somebody else believing in them. That means you and I have an assignment. Everywhere we go, we should be encouraging others, challenging them to overcome addictions and bad habits. Inspiring them to believe and achieve. Our lives must be a walking testimony. When people come around us, they are suppose to leave feeling inspired and encouraged to be better.

How many people's lives are you inspiring today? Is there at least ONE person you know that you can encourage and empower to reach new heights? Do others feel joy while in your presence? Would you want a friend like yourself?

Take time to make a difference. Don't judge people for their past and keep them captive for things they've done. We all have a past. Some of us, many of us, aren't even healed from that past but yet we're so quick to point in the other direction. Know who you are and know your role.

Every morning before my feet touch the floor, I lay in my bed and thank God for waking me up and then I tell Him, "Lord, use me today. Whatever you need me to do today for someone else, I surrender to your Will" Then I normally end off my prayer by saying, "Whatever is in my life that is not of You, remove it. Make me a better person today than I was yesterday."

Remember, you have something to offer this world and others- that no one else can give.

Love, Lizzy

He Saw Me Before I Was Born

 

'You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.' - Psalm 139:16

 

I believe what most of us fail to realize is that God could care less what we look like externally. Our external appearance means nothing to Him. It doesn't even matter how many weaknesses we have. We were all made in His image; meaning we are perfect. We all come from a long line of perfection.

 

From day one, just like Daniel who spent an entire night in a lion's den unharmed, divine protection flows through your bloodline. Just like Nehemiah who built the walls of Jerusalem when all the odds were against him, I made it through 'my playground' when everything around me was crumbling to pieces. Yes that's my Father's bloodline. Resilience and persistence.

 

You're unique and you are not ordinary. Despite what you're going through in this moment or what you've been through in the past, He knows you by your name and there is purpose in your pain. Inside of each of us-flows the blood of a winner.

 

You and I are winners. Yes we are! Don't think for a moment that you're being punished for something or that you have what people call 'bad luck' because there is no such thing. It's called purpose. Your blueprint was designed before you were conceived and you're going to have to go through things to get to your final destination. Discovering and fulfilling your purpose takes work and focus. Above all it takes FAITH! Believe and you WILL achieve and receive.

 

Don't rush to get to the final destination when you still gotta go through the growing stages. Remember when David said, "God, all of my days you ordained before one of them came to be" In other words, no matter what age you're at, God has been working on you for a long time. From day one.

 

You've been destined to be a winner. To overcome. To build a legacy and leave your mark in this world.

 

Love, Lizzy

How to Lighten Your Heart

Over the past couple of months I have tried my hardest to practice 'mindfulness' to a deeper degree. Although I felt as if I understood what it meant to be mindful, I in fact did not. I challenged myself to a 30 day gratitude journal this month and today is day 16. Well, this challenge has opened my eyes to just how mindful we tend NOT to be. Believe me, when we become more aware of being mindful in every moment, everything suddenly becomes love. Everything is peace. Everything is growth. It's a beautiful feeling.


Mindfulness is being aware of yourself, others and your surroundings 'in' the moment.

When we consciously focus awareness on our lives as it unfolds moment by moment, we are able to take in and appreciate each experience. And the bonus is, when we do so, it gives us the opportunity to change painful or negative feelings quickly. Believe me-it works.

In my most deepest 'mindful' moments, I feel the presence of God all over me. It's absolutely  amazing to be in that space.

Like how often do we really pay attention? Usually when someone is speaking, we're unable to pay attention because were busy trying to think of what we want to say next or on the other hand we're constantly jumping in. I am at fault for this and it has to do with childhood experiences. Not being heard as a child- so we bring that into our friendships and relationships as an adult. But I've learned through my relationship with my kids; that almost every person to whom we pay close attention gains immediate value in our hears and minds. Truly listening to someone and 'hearing' them, adds depth to the relationship. Whether it's a child or a stranger.

Imagine if athletes did not stay present while playing sports? It would be a matter of life and death.

Paying attention results in valuing and enjoying what you're paying attention too. It often leads to living them more fully. Seeing others as God sees them. No matter what. When you practice mindfulness, your heart WILL be lightened.

Love, Lizzy

Is Quitting An Option?

 

I gotta tell you, what I love most about what I do, is that I get to use my pain to serve the world. What a gift..

 

But for me, life wasn't always this way. Growing up as a young child I couldn't see past my pain and couldn't even imagine a future. I often prayed and asked God to get me out of that pain so that He can use me but I barely understood what that meant. But I do know that I wanted Him to use me to make this world a better place for other girls who like me; were hopeless. I knew deep within my soul, that I was born with a purpose and one day I'd be free.

 

Today, I have discovered my purpose ON purpose.

 

How did this happen? Well, faith the size of a mustard seed- like this one seen in the picture below, is ALL you need.

 

 

All of the legends and hero's that you look up too and admire discovered their purpose in their own pain. People like:

 

Michael Jordon who got cut off his high school basketball team.

 

Walt Disney was fired as a newspaper editor because he lacked imagination and had no good ideas (mind blowing huh).

 

Jerry Seinfeld was booed off stage many times.

 

Oprah was continuously rejected, born into poverty, sexually abused and was told many times she was unfit for TV.

 

Steven Spielberg got rejected from film school three times.

 

Thomas Edison was told by his teachers that he was "too stupid to learn anything" and he went on to invent world-changing devices- like the electrical lamp.

 

Vera Wang failed to make the U.S Olympic figure skating team. She went on to become the editor at Vogue and was passed over the editor in Chief position.

 

Yes they were embarrassed and shut down, but look, they didn't make it because they had riches, that came long after. They became successful because they knew and understood that there was purpose in their pain. They refused to quit. Quitting never became an option for them. Did it cross their mind? uggg yeah I am sure it did. But they were determined to build a legacy.

Some of the greatest authors were rejected over 1000 times. Like, Theodor Seuss Geisel better known as Dr.Seus- who had his first book rejected by 27 publishers. He went on to become a legendary author for world classics like 'The Cat In the Hat' and 'Green Eggs and Ham'.

 

So yes rejection comes and yes it's not a good feeling, but it's apart of your journey. Their lessons that we absolutely need.

 

You will do what you have been born and called to do. Stop trying to be somebody else because everyone else is already taken. Your job right now is to set yourself FREE.

 

When you're not focused on what that 'purpose' is or what your passions are, you will get caught up. You will get pulled into things and people that have nothing to do with your purpose.

 

What do you have to let go of TODAY?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



What Are You Rooted In?

Roots make all the difference in the health of a plant, and their presence or absence ultimately becomes known to ALL.

The plant  either flourishes or fails, thrives or dies, blossoms or withers. The health of anything- whether a garden plant or a heart devoted to God- reflects what is going on (or not going on) under ground.

What is first in your life? What is it that you put first-always? Well, for me, it's God. Now don't think I am saying I am perfect here- I am not saying that- YET. I know I can be though but I am not there yet. I believe we need to develop a root system anchored deep in Him. Just like a plant with it's roots hidden under ground, you and I out of the public view and alone- are to draw from Him all that we need to discover our purpose and live this abundant life He has promised us (John 10:10).

As we seek a deeper life and love in Christ, we discover facts about our roots.

Our roots are unseen. Our spiritual roots are underground and invisible to our friends, family and others. Our desire is make those roots strong and fruitful.

Our life's primary purpose should be to want what others see of our lives- the public parts of it- to stir up awe and curiosity. Our integrity and strength in public should be explained  by what goes on in private between us and God. If we nurture what we are grounded in, people will marvel at what they see of God in us. They will desire whatever it is we are carrying and more of it. Everyone is attracted to light, and that is what you become, the light of the world.

Now this doesn't mean having the Martha Spirit. Being busy doing doing doing.... even if it means doing Gods work and being busy with ministry duties. This is being too busy-period. Whether it's ministry or work or family duties. I am sometimes- too often-guilty of this.

The truth is, the more time we spend in intimate study and worship, the greater the effectiveness, the power of your life that shows.

We've got to be still and be alone. You cannot be surrounded by people ALL the time and be as effective. In order that our roots grow deep in Him, God calls us away from the world. When we spend that time with God, we are able to hear His voice- clearly and more than the voice of others. This is where He makes the impossible-POSSIBLE!

Jeremiah 17:7-8 tells us that the person who trusts in the Lord shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out it's roots by the rivers. Can you imagine having roots collecting life-giving waters...and the qualities one would exhibit...?

My pray for you is that you (and I) will bear fruit faithfully! That you will be like a tree of life-producing in and even out of season.

When we develop this strong root system, no matter what may come our way, what trials or crisis we may face, we WILL have the strength needed to stand firm in spite of the pressure.

Own Your Story!

Let me the first to tell you, that owning and sharing your story is going to be a huge part of your healing.

It happened. It was real. It happened and you've got to feel the emotions and share them Now!! I didn't say "dwell on them" - share them and then let it go.

Share your story with someone who deserves to hear it. Someone whom you can count on to respond with compassion. Shame hates being shared. It hates it because 'shame' cannot survive being shared. It's no longer alive when it's shared. It loves secrecy. It manifests into anger, guilt and depression when it's kept a secret. The most dangerous thing to do- is hide your story. It's crippling.

Hiding my story is what led me to make most of the negative choices I made. It's what kept me living in guilt. You've got to be brave. You've got to talk NOW!

But here is the thing about sharing and letting it out; you can't just talk to anyone and you shouldn't. You've got to reach out to someone who you KNOW 100% is filled with true compassion for life, for others and for the world. It's hard to share a 'shame' story with someone who is still living in their own 'shame' story. If you're looking to heal and get past your shame then reach out to someone who is deeply rooted. This person will be open to listen and not judge. This person should be one who will listen and then share her own vulnerability stories. This will also be a person who won't feel sorry for you, rather she will empower and uplift you. She will walk you through your emotions and ensure you that tomorrow is and will be a better day. She will not entertain a pitty party with you. That's not compassion.

You've got to be courageous. You've got to reach out and ask for help. I see courage in myself all the time. When I open up to students and women from all walks of life; willing to be vulnerable enough to share my faults and the life choices I made that held me captive in my own frame of mind.

The less you talk about - what you call and think is your 'shame story' is the more that story of yours has control over you. Shame is the fear of being 'un-lovable' - it's the complete opposite of feeling worthy and owning our story.

Shame is all about fear.

Today, I challenge you to take off the mask and be YOU. Whoever that is, dig down and find her. Let people know who you are and what your story is. Your story is your power, Embrace it. Love it and share it. The world needs YOUR story!

Do What Feels Right!

For most of us, as children, we had no idea what we wanted to be or do when we got "big" enough to do something. I know for myself I knew that there was more to my life than the pain I was living in, but I had no idea what I would end up being or doing as I got older.

Many people ask me, "Liz how do I find my purpose?"

The only way to know what to do in life is to pay attention to the life you're living right now. You can't be listening to others regarding your purpose. You've got to "BE STILL" in order to listen and hear the voice of God for direction. He will always direct you to your passion. Whatever you end up doing is going to be something you WILL be passionate about. If you believe there is something more to your life than the one you're living, than you've got to listen to your spirit and be guided by that- NOT people. Set yourself apart for some time to figure it out. How much alone time are you spending with YOU?

You deserve and are worthy to live a life filled with passion and purpose. The reason you are here-living- is to figure out what that calling, that purpose is. Everything that happens to you in life is a lesson and everyone you meet is a teacher. Even if you're partner has cheated on you, or your child is locked up in prison, maybe you're in a dead end job...whatever is happening is there to teach you something. Your job is to pay attention.

If you've already discovered what your calling is but you're struggling with receiving it or starting that first project, then you've got to start living and walking in it. Write it out, see it and than move in the direction of working towards it. It all starts with that idea and then the first step you take to bring that idea to life. You will NOT fail if it is indeed your passion. I am not saying it will be easy. But easy is not an option. Easy come- easy go. Come on, we've all heard that saying before.

What do you believe? Because you WILL manifest the life you believe. All it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed. That's all. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? Well, take a look at this mustard seed (below), study it and realize how tiny it is. Now if that's all you need to bring your visions and dreams to life, than it's time to get up and start moving.

'Life Inside of Me' With Suzie Correia Rego