Here’s to Your Mental Health: Desire a Peaceful Life?

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4

As I read this verse, I thought of the many comments on social media from Believers who are distracted by the annoying things of life that we have no control over. The annoying stuff has sticky fingers that will grab our minds, and before we realize it, we are entangled in a web of nonsense and stressed out. Most of the time, we are unaware of how and why our lives are in disarray. We cannot control time, but we can use it well. Nor can we restrict other people’s words, actions, and behaviors, but we can choose to eliminate unloving, toxic relationships.

Yes, each new day brings challenges. Even so, we possess the resilience to handle those challenges. We simply have to teach ourselves to overlook the petty [little] things and reserve our brainpower for tackling the essential issues. Expenditure of our time and energy on matters of priority results in mindset changes, chaos disappears, and we transition into peaceful living.

Honest reflections: Say a prayer of commitment to identify and develop strategies to eliminate all distractions and nonproductive habits. List the little things that wreck your inner peace. Then list your habits [habits are not considered little things] that must change, such as setting things down wherever and then when the item is needed you cannot find it. Always rushing and arriving at work with 1-2 minutes to spare? One of the most important habits that sets the brain in motion for an organized day is to make your bed every day. 

For families: Insist on everyone making their bed. No, the little ones will not get it right, but it is a vital teaching moment to establish a life-long habit. Also, every person cleans up after themselves. Expect resistance from children, but meet resistance with the no-option approach. You are teaching structure and discipline that will be required in every aspect of their lives. Think about your employer and their policies–there is minimal leeway on the expectation to adhere to the workplace rules. Your home is not a military base. But it should reflect cleanliness and a neat appearance.

Time to implement the action plan: With the advancements in technology, we rarely use our hands to write. Purchase a journal with an artful cover and identify a quiet place where you can relax in solitude. Taking the time to journal awakens a tired brain–thinking clearly produces deep thoughts. And writing enhances eye-hand coordination. Take a large desk calendar and make it a wall-hanging. Write in your daily goals, eliminate the guesswork, which provides a sense of control and empowerment to accomplish as much as possible. Remember to be flexible.

Sources of contention: Always running late? When working, I commuted at least 40 minutes from home to my job. I allowed 60 minutes just in case the unexpected happened. My clothing was prepared for the week and left-over dinner was packed along with other goodies in my soft cooler the night before.

If you have ever wondered how organization, structure, and discipline could change your life, read the Creation story in Genesis. God does everything with intent and purpose. Since we are created in His image, we have the innate ability to actively pursue a lifestyle that reflects godly habits. Our spiritual health is greatly impacted when we cannot overlook the annoying stuff. Without organization we invite chaos and confusion into our homes, which should be a safe haven and comfort zone.

The mind-body sympathizes with each other. If we expend all of our energy for unimportant issues, when life-changing events occur, we completely fall apart mentally and emotionally, and experience physical exhaustion–total burnout. How does this happen? Our relationship with God has weakened. We did not have time to study the Bible, our prayers were fast and meaningless, and we assumed responsibility for too many cares and burdens.

Pray, make a plan, present your plan to God in prayer asking for His divine intervention. Also, take frequent mini-mental breaks throughout the day. A short walk during the work-day or lunch alone in your vehicle can boost your energy level. We have five senses. Look around your environment at the trees or flowers, even look up. Are the cottony clouds hiding the sun? When you need to regroup, take a day off to have fun. Whether you make plans for your day or you desire spontaneity, ask yourself, “What can I do besides sleeping in for most of the day?” Find a reason to laugh, and most importantly, thank God for His blessings of grace, and mercy. Here’s to our Mental, Emotional, Physical, and most importantly, Spiritual Health!

Bible verse: And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Prayer: God, we need your divine intervention to restructure our lifestyles. We have neglected our worship with you and for that sin, we ask for forgiveness. Thank you for the ability to incorporate change into our lives. And thank you for fearfully and wonderfully making us in your image. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

The Freedom to Worship

SHOUT the Cry of Freedom!

Religious Liberty

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

It is a blessing to enjoy reading the Bible, praying, and singing during praise and worship to the Most-High God in my home or church. In fact, I can go outside of my house, read the Bible, pray, and sing on any public domain I choose without repercussion. People may not like it, but the First Amendment is our platform for exercising religious freedom.

Unfortunately, many individuals never consider those who will never own a Bible or secretly worship God at the risk of exclusion from their families and society. Even worse is facing long-term imprisonment for renouncing the prevailing traditional or pagan worship and proclaiming belief in God. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

The history of persecution for serving the “Christian God” is recorded in the Bible. Who can forget Saul, the hunter of Christians? Only God could redeem such a diabolical man and transform into the Apostle Paul. This devout Man of God actively wrote instructions for the churches and encouraged Christians to keep moving forward as they strive for the mark.

Will we experience persecution for serving God? Yes. Currently, some individuals are facing exclusion and isolation in their homes because they have chosen Christianity over their traditional or cultural religions. Consider the expansion of diversity that causes conflict between God’s standards and the world’s acceptance. What about the office parties or gatherings that we cannot attend because of the godly standards we uphold?

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:12-14

We must take advantage of the freedom we enjoy: studying the Bible, praying without ceasing, witnessing to others, attending church, and watching virtual services without censorship. Please pray daily for those suffering because they accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 12

Prayer: God, we thank you for the ability to serve you in freedom. But we pray for those who are excluded, isolated, and persecuted for accepting Jesus as their Savior. We ask you to give them strength, and hope to never give up because you love and care for them. We pray for perseverance as we await the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. And we ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

The Betrayal

How would you react to betrayal from someone that you loved? Anger is usually the first response. The emotional pain runs deep, almost to the point of your breath being taken away. But you come to realize that retaliation is not the answer to moving forward.

Let’s add a twist: How would you react if you found out ahead of time of the plot of betrayal? Again, this situation would require logical and rational thought processes, not an emotional reaction.

In the late 80s, I accepted a position as a Medical Terminology Instructor at a Vocational school. The requisite of the position was to develop a syllabus that the State Education Department would approve for the accreditation of the Medical Secretary course. In addition, I included learning tools and study plans. The syllabus was approved, and all was well. After four months on the job, on Wednesday, one of the other male teachers asked me to stay after class. He assured me that it was strictly business. Mr. Jones [name changed] relayed that Friday would be my last day because the school’s owner was bringing back the former [older] instructor who was unemployed, and since I was younger, it would be easier for me to find another job.

I was devastated but knew that I had to develop an action plan. So on Thursday, after the work day ended, I gathered all of my study plans and teaching tools [not part of the State’s approval syllabus] along with my personal effects. When I arrived Friday morning, the former teacher sat in the lobby. I had never seen her before that morning, but I knew it was my replacement from the description. I was told by the secretary to see the Administrator immediately.

When I sat down, the owner simply told me that I was being terminated because of complaints. I asked for clarification, to which he responded that he did not have to provide that information. I handed him the keys to the building in an envelope. The look on his face was priceless. But the story does not stop there. I received a call within one hour from leaving the building with a threat to report me to the State if I did not return the additional teaching materials. The expectation was that they would have all of my supplemental teaching plans and student learning guides. 

Knowledge of the betrayal gave me time to call the State and explain the pending situation. I was not required to provide the school with any materials that they did not provide or pay for outside of the syllabus packet submitted for their approval. Divine Intervention: Unemployment hearings were conducted via conference call with both the employer and former employee on the phone. The Adjudicator asked the owner two questions: 1. Why was I terminated? 2. Did I receive any disciplinary actions or warnings for the alleged infractions? Not only did I receive approval for unemployment, but God also provided additional monies for all of my necessities until I found employment. 

Just when we think that our suffering is too great to bear, the scriptures remind us of the suffering that Jesus went through for humanity.

When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” John 13:21.

Jesus washed the feet and ate the Last Supper with His disciples including Judas, the disciple who would betray Him. Which one of us could have possibly known a betrayal plot like this and allow it to happen? Not one of us! Reading the stories of the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we recognize that Jesus is so much more than we realize.

It is my prayer that one day each of us will receive our reward of Eternal life. I want to meet the Savior who suffered, bled, died, and was resurrected, so I can bow down on my knees and say, “Thank you, Jesus!” I can only imagine.

Bible study: John 13

Prayer: God, we just want to thank you for the Plan of Redemption. And, Jesus, we thank you for giving your life for us that we may have eternal life if we so choose. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Here’s to Your Health: Grades A-D

My career as a nurse mainly consisted of employment in non-traditional settings with two positions in the Criminal Justice system. The NJ State of Corrections had a minimal correctional facility in Trenton, where I served as Health Administrator. In my initial interview with Mr. Oliver, the Director was pleasant enough with only one warning, “If you get involved with any of the residents, your nursing career is over.” No chance of that ever happening!

The most interesting information he shared during the interview was that the Food Services Director was a chef. Mr. Oliver gave two reasons: 1. The foods you eat impact the spiritual, mental, and emotional components as well as the physical body. 2. The chef was also contracted as his personal chef and prepared his daily lunch and dinner.

Truthfully, I had never encountered a man like Mr. Oliver, who was always in a good mood but strutted around the facility on his rounds like a peacock. So, the other nurse and I dubbed him “The Peacock.” We accused him of being arrogant and decided that we would never marry a man like that. Keep this thought in mind. We will refer to it later.

One morning, I overslept. It was my habit to take my lunch, but I did not have time. Because of the re-entry process, the medical staff did not leave the facility during their shift. Lunch for the residents was from 12-1 pm, and for the staff from 1-2 pm. At 1 pm, I went to the dining area to ask for a plate [residents also had kitchen duty]. But then I heard the chef’s voice, “I will take care of the nursing staff.” 

Our conversation:

“Sister, how are you? What can I do for you?”

“I am hungry, overslept and did not have time to fix my lunch.”

“Sister, you do not want to eat this food.” I gave a blank stare and remained silent. “You know that I am a Chef?” “Yes,” I replied.

“Food is graded from A-D with D being the lowest that is not fit for human consumption, it is usually fed to animals, and our food is grade D.” I ended up eating a peanut butter sandwich and drank bottled water.

Fast forward 20 years, and 98% of my food is organically and responsibly grown. Many argue that organic food is a waste of money, and that’s okay. Nor do I eat food from fast-food restaurants, as the majority of individuals frequent. I am not here to judge. But this is what I know. At 62, I am in optimal health. I have several diagnoses that are stable. The Grade A nutrients that I feed my body, along with the power of God, have healed me mentally, emotionally, and physically and have resulted in increased cognition and energy. My spiritual relationship with God has reached a deeper level because my total health is optimized.

Back to Mr. Oliver, I was wrong. It was not arrogance that made him strut around like a peacock, nor did he take happy pills or drink energy drinks to make it through the day. No, this was self-love that honored God for creating him in His image. Twenty years later, I fully understand Mr. Oliver’s enthusiasm about life. I also enjoy happiness [inner joy], the high-energy level, increased mental acuity, and the knowledge and wisdom of taking care of one’s temple. In fact, I, too, find myself doing the “Peacock strut.”

Bible verse: I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14

Prayer: God, we thank you for making us in your image. Help us to start and maintain the journey to achieve optimal health. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

© 2021 Sonya Johnson 

Following Your Heart?

SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 Days of Prayer Day 16 Happy Sabbath!

Pursue happiness. Go for it. Follow your dreams. Live well. You only have one life. Look out for yourself.

Self-seeking gratification is at an all-time high. This behavior is the standard for most unbelievers, but are you aware that when believers make plans without seeking God’s approval, we are also guilty of pursuing our desires? For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. Romans 8:7

I can recall looking for a travel bag. I went to my favorite store first, and there it was the perfect bag. As I walked toward the bag, another person picked it up. No! I wanted that bag. But then something happened that I have only seen one time in my life. The woman bowed her head, prayed, placed the bag back on the rack, and walked away. Greedily, I grabbed the bag off of the shelf and thanked God for my blessing. But was it a blessing? I missed the message that God was sending to me. At the time, I had a serious problem with impulsive spending. I had three other travel bags, but I desired something new.

The story may seem insignificant. But following our heart’s desires always leads us in the opposite direction of God’s plans for us. Our goal is to always stay in sync with God by following His directions, which keep us on the Path of Righteousness. Even Jesus placed God’s will above His own. Everything He did pleased God. Saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42.

Part One of Surrender and Submission: Incorporate Jesus’ prayer before planning your day-to-day activities, pursuits, and schedule. Present your short-term and long-term goals to God in prayer. We can rely on God to always answer our prayers with, “Yes, No, or Not Now.” Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. Pray and wait for God’s answers. Imagine living your life and never making another mistake because you seek God’s will first.

I developed an action plan: Every day, I pray, “Not my will [which only seeks to please myself], but your will for my life. God, help me to recognize your answer to my prayer.” Amen.

Part Two of Surrender and Submission: We wait until God gives us the answer. “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:6. How will I know? God never makes us play the game of chance. When He speaks, you will know. Our position is to remain passive. We do not have to keep praying about the same situation. God never forgets.

Every aspect of our lives is a test to build our character and keep us humble, obedient servants of the Most-High God. Remember, it was our choice to make a covenant vow with God. And His expectations will always place us in the position to prove that we love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind.

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character hope. Romans 5:4

Bible Study: Proverbs 3

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for the never-ending pursuit to please ourselves. Our prayer is, “God, not my will, but your will be done.” In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson