Enter The No Fear Zone

A few months ago I delivered a speech entitled Just Do It in honor of a women's day service. I took the time to share with the congregation one of my testimonies and how God has blessed me with a "Just Do It" spirit. Sitting back several months later and having spoken to many of my friends and even contemplating on earlier times in my life...I realize that before you can Just Do It you must enter the No Fear Zone.

I recognize that both concepts create visions of the fearless conquest of one's dreams. That, in and of itself, stops women dead in their tracks. I have been walking in the No Fear Zone for a couple of years now. I wasn't aware of when I entered it initially. But as I began to share stories with friends and colleagues, they had a hard time believing that I suffered from fear. Actually I not only battled with fear, but I also suffered with anxiety...fear's ugly little cousin.

We all know the old saying, "There's nothing to fear, but fear itself." Well, I don't know of a more true statement. Fear is not real...it is an illusion that wraps itself around us and our dreams. Fear sounds like a roaring lion, when in reality it's just a little kitten. Fear smells like a 3-alarm fire, when in reality it's just a little smoke. Fear looks like a mountain of obstacles — when in reality it's just a few hills of doubt. Fear tastes like poison — when in reality it's just a bitter taste on your tongue.

Once we learn how to put our fears in perspective, we are free to move into our ordained purposes here on Earth. Did you know that the primary goal of fear is to keep you from realizing who you truly are? To stop you from moving one step closer to your destiny?

"What do I do then", you may ask. Breathe a little, read an uplifting scripture or piece of motivational literature, pray, meditate or simply ask God..."What do you want me to do?" When you hear that still small voice telling you to go for it, push past the fear and do what it is your heart is telling you. You may be shaking and trembling while you do it...you may be sweating bullets and your palms may be damp. But guess what, once you enter the No Fear Zone...each subsequent battle becomes easier. Some women used to ask me how I managed to feel comfortable in an executive environment in a board room full of men. I shared my creative visualization techniques and how I saw myself literally fighting my way through the room. It wasn't the men I was fighting...it was the fear, dread or anxiety that came along with high-pressured situations. Once I realized the secret of the No Fear Zone, I was free to be me. Come join me in the No Fear Zone on your journey to empowerment.

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Niambi Jarvis is CEO/Founder of Hiyaah Power Inc., a dynamic online community for women. She is also co-author of 100 Words of Wisdom for Women: A 31- Day Exercise in Empowerment. Visit Hiyaah Power today at http://www.hiyaahpower.com/
http://www.100wordsofwisdom.com/

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What is Faith part 2

The word 'Faith' means different things to different people. This is probably because it's not tangible; we cannot perceive it with our senses. The dictionary defines faith as reliance, trust, belief founded on authority. In the Greek it has the sense of a firm persuasion and conviction, with our life and conduct governed by our convictions. I like the definition given in Hebrews 11 verse 1 in the Amplified Bible...."faith is perceiving as real fact what is not revealed by the senses"

I have been realizing the faith for me means "acting as if". It involves living and behaving as if something is true, even though there is no evidence that it is. 'Acting as if' it will happen despite the circumstances, despite reason or even common sense. So does this mean that I am acting on a fantasy that has come from my imagination, or wishful thinking, or dreams? Not at all! It is acting on a belief based on authority, God's authority. It is acting on the truth found in God's Word and promises. It is trusting in God, in who He is, and not circumstances and my resources. With eyes on God as the One who has the solution for what may seem impossible, and not on the situation and lack of resources, there is a place of an inner peace rather than mental turmoil. It is from that sense of inner peace that becomes possible to 'act as if', despite all the mental 'what ifs' that flood the mind.

I write , not as one who has got there, but as one who is on the journey learning and growing on the way. Stay tuned for part 3!!!!

Memorizing The Word of God

In this instant world the thought of memorizing scripture verses may seem a little outdated.

There are many ways of making scripture part of your life, and that is what is important if we want to have strong spiritual roots, and grow a deeper relationship with God. Having Christian music on in the day is a good way, even better worship music. Many of our worship songs are taken straight from the Bible, and are a great way of immersing our soul and spirit in God.
There was, however, a time in my life when I spent a lot of time and energy memorizing verses including the Bible reference before and after the verse.

These were my reasons at the time
1. If God's word is living and active and powerful, then why not make it a deep part of me.
2. If I was sharing my faith then God's word has way more impact than my words. The Bible has far more credibility and more than my opinions, and people could go back and read it for themselves.
3. It was a tool that I wanted to develop skill in. See 2 Timothy 2 v.15
4. I could bring to mind verses that were particularly meaningful or encouraging at times when I felt disheartened.
5. I memorized verses that God had used to speak to me about specific things that were going o in my life at the time.

I would write the verses in little cards and carry them around with me , practicing them in odd moments, until I was word perfect.

Although I do not do this so intentionally now, I have to say that the ongoing effect of doing that then, was far deeper than I had ever imagined. Even through the storms of life, I felt the impact of God's word sown in my life taking root and producing fruit. There developed a solidness in my faith that was noticed by others. The Holy Spirit on many occasions, sometimes many years after I had memorized the verse, brought it to mind at a time when I really need it. Not only to help me , but to use it for others. I may not now remember the exact chapter and verse number, or the verse word by word, but it never takes me long to remember the sense of it and find it if there is a Bible close by. I may not have a Bible with me , but the Holy Spirit is able to bring the verse I learnt many years ago right to the front of my mind, just when I need it.

As God's Word is one of the few things that lasts for ever, I want to put as much of it in my life as I can whatever method I use. If you sow seeds of God's Word, you will spend your whole life time reaping it's positive fruit in your life.

And God said ... No!

I asked God to take away my pride. And God said "No."
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. And God said "No."
He said her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. And God said "No."
He said patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness. And God said "No."
He said He gives me blessings -- happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me pain. And God said "No."
He said suffering separates you from world and draws you closer to Me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow. And God said "No."
He said I must grow on my own. But He will prune me to make me fruitful.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life. And God said "No."
He said I will give you life, that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as HE loves me.
And God said . . . Ah, finally -- NOW you have the right idea!

What is Faith?

Faith is believing without seeing the proof of your belief first. You can't get faith by reasoning it out. There is a knowing at gut level involved. There is also some presumption. When you get on a bus, you presume that it will take you where it says it is going on the front. When you sit on a chair you presume that it will take your weight. You never know for sure until you've acted on your belief, whether your faith was right. The reality then confirms your belief or presumption. You can not prove God is real, until you test Him out. Just like you can't see electricity. You prove it is real by seeing the effect of it when you put the switch on. When you put your faith in believing there is a God and act on the belief, you will know He is real by the effect He has in your life.

You Can Make a Difference

You can make a huge difference to the world around you every day! Think how many people you see as you live through one day. You can touch other people and improve their day just with a smile. By having an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation for just the little things people do for you, things that maybe are expected, or part of their job, you enable them to feel pleasure in that moment. Just imagine how their life would feel different if everyone did that!
I was shocked when I learned ungrateful people were to children who were delivering Christmas hampers to them. One school told me that their students have been making and delivering Christmas hampers to people in need since 1996. It is a rare occurence for anyone to say Thank you!!! To fin out more about this, and ways you can make a difference read my full article by clicking on the link.......
http://www.livingbeyondbetter.com/articles.html#Thankfulness

Welcome to the Heart After Jesus Blog

Welcome to the Heart after Jesus Blog.
Jesus has touched my heart, and changed my life. I'm not talking about religion, I'm not interested in religion. I've been there, and done that. When Jesus touched my heart, I started a relationship with him that has and is changing my life every day. My life now has meaning and purpose. I want to have a heart that is always connected to Jesus. This blog is going to be about the difference Jesus makes to life, and how to get to know Him better.