You Are Validated!!

This awesome grandmother was validated at at a women’s conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania this past week. It was at Life Center Church, which is a wonderful church where you see the Spirit move, touch people and meet their needs.

Validated means shown to be credible, powerful, authorized or effective. Many grandmothers don’t pursue meeting their own needs as they are so busy accomplishing things for those around them. You must take care of yourself in order to adequately care for others. What does the steward say on the airplane in his safety talk before take off? If the oxygen level falls, and the masks fall down in front of you, put your mask on first so you can be able to assist others around you.

     Here are a few tips to help you help others.

1) FOCUS – Think on the positive. Where your mind goes your emotions will follow. If you think, I’m overwhelmed, I can’t do it and concentrate on the frustrating or what weighs  you down then you will go down the rabbit trail of frustration and depression.  Choose to put your mind in that happy place. As the old song says, “Focus on the positive, eliminate the negative. Don’t mess with mister in-between.” Going to a seminar, a conference or just a cup of coffee with a good book allows you to refocus on what is refreshing and the breakthroughs that lie ahead for you.

2) CONNECTIONS – Spend time with family and friends for that is like an electric cord that enables you to be energized so you can function for yourself and then for others. If you need encouragement, give encouragement. Offer help at a nursing home or rescue mission, you will be blessed for blessing others.

3) PHYSICAL – You must be in good shape to run after a toddler. I know. Anthony was 18 months when we got him after his daddy died. Take your vitamins, see your Dr. and get cleared for what exercise you can do. At least take a walk. Put one foot in front of the other and do what you can. Don’t despise small beginnings as the Bible says. If you just can’t wrestle on the floor with the kids (give that job to grandpa) and you can play games with them, they love that!

4) TIME OUT – Enjoy your time out. We give it to our kids, why not one for you, too? Take a bubble bath or even go to the bathroom without interruptions. Sit on the porch and watch the sunrise or go star gazing late at night. Amazing is the beauty of God’s creation. Don’t forget to take time to be amazed. Get refreshed in whatever way works for you. Take a Holy Spirit vacation from stress and worry – even if it’s only for a few minutes. Meditate on God’s Word. The Psalms are good place to see God’s help and deliverance. Psalm 118 ministered to me in the midst of difficulties with my son. “ I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation [validation].” Verses 13-14 (NIV version, brackets are my words added).

     You are valuable and YOU CAN DO IT! You are of immeasurable worth. I pray God’s blessing and refreshing over you as you care for yourself and then others. You are validated! I authorize you, in the name of Jesus, to be credible, powerful, and effective.

                                      Love, Debbie