Tag: grace

Enjoying A “Spirit Led” Freedom …Too Good to Be True?

by simplybalancedLeave a Comment on Enjoying A “Spirit Led” Freedom …Too Good to Be True?

Hi ladies, as I continue to find ways to simplify and embrace a minimalist lifestyle, and share my journey with you, I’ve had to accept the reality of a consuming teaching job-nothing simple about it!

We’ve just began a new school year, and teaching these days is not at all what it used to be. The pandemic has changed how school is done; it’s way more complicated than it was.

Can you still find balance within an all-consuming career and still enjoy the joys of a simple, lighthearted life?

This is what I’ve set out to do, and what I feel led to share on this platform–the how tos of my personal experience.

Have you’ve ever wanted to add a new routine, change a habit, minimize your schedule, etc. and fall short? You’re not alone. I’ve realized that “GRIT” won’t do it.

GRIT is the theme of our school this year. And of course, our admin would like the faculty and all staff to be role models of GRIT- to have grit means you have courage and show the strength of your character.

Having courage and showing strength of character alone won’t cut it these days. Without wisdom and personal revelation from our Wise Heavenly Father, we won’t know what the best options for us are.

We are living in days that are confusing and everchanging, so calling on the God of Truth and Wisdom for help in our times of need is a crucial necessity.

So where do I find the time, energy, clarity, and revelation to simplify my life? It’s been by acknowledging my cluelessness, depending totally on God, and abiding in His presence day in and day out -period.

As I seek the help of our Helper, Companion, and Friend-The Holy Spirit of God-I seem to find a way when there is no way. I seem to flow in areas where I once seemed to get stuck and with frustration try to figure them out with human reasoning and deep thought-not enjoyable at all.

Being guided by the Holy Spirit feels childlike and so simple, that it seems too good to be true-it IS.

Lately, I’ve begun reading verses from the book of John 14:15-24, which we all read during our first encounter with the Word of God-during our first Love affair with Jesus. Here I was reminded of the works and role of the Holy Spirit of God in our lives. I thought to myself , “I need this more now than life itself.”

Then I noticed what the book of Galatians says… “I began in the Spirit”, thought it was too easy, and went back living by the “Works of the Law”. Therefore, living by rules doesn’t bring the life of joy and freedom you and I desire.

Let me stop the preaching and get back to practical ways to embrace simplicity and bring back balance to our everyday living. The following are a few steps to live in touch with the Spirit of Balance and Simplicity:

  • Sit at the feet of Jesus and learn His ways of doing things-Be a Mary not a Martha, Luke 10:38-42
  • Draw Wisdom from the Holy Spirit of God-Read Galatians 5
  • Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit for your life and needs-God’s still, small voice
  • Don’t apologize for your newfound joy and peace-shed guilt-Unmerited Favor is not earned
  • Enjoy freely the abundant life of balance and simplicity-GRACE

                           With much Love and Grace, Giselle     

Craving Balance? You’re Not Alone!

by simplybalanced3 Comments on Craving Balance? You’re Not Alone!
Sometimes, doing nothing is a great balancer. Just “being” can energize, clarify, and add substance to our overwhelmed hearts.

Ladies, do you like me have days when you feel that your life is totally out of balance? No harmony nor ease in your days? You’re not alone!!

I’m finally back writing after reaching the end of myself with my “so called” lack of time to do the things God has purpose me to do. Between a challenging teaching job, (especially during this pandemic chaos), rushing and running around in congested environments, or attempting to work on abandoned projects (writing on my blog), have you too felt that there are not enough hours in your day?

We are not alone. Women these days feel the pressures of everyday life more overwhelming and challenging than ever. Many of us women feel very challenged by how cluttered our days have become. We’re also discouraged of how little we seem to accomplish during normal waking hours.

If you like me are feeling stuck, then this is the perfect time to take notice of our lifestyles, so that we can get back on track pursuing a life of “true” balance and simplicity. Isn’t this what my blog is all about? I’m preaching to myself here ladies!!

I’ve always believed that a quality life is a life of “balance of mind, body, and spirit.”  Sharing about it and desiring it is one thing; living the concepts is another. I feel you…It’s not easy to live a carefree, well-balanced life in this complicated world we presently live in.  A deep desire for balance can often feel impossible.

But the secret to having a balanced life begins by examining our relationship with God. Do we seek His wisdom daily or are we trying to do life on our own strength and terms?  

We can feel totally helpless and depleted when trying to juggle schedules with our own time management skills.

When we follow God’s direction and wisdom, we are never disappointed. The more intimacy we have with God’s Spirit, the greater insight we’ll have to break free within the toughest schedules. Proverbs 3:5-6, (AMP)

Knowing that the Holy Spirit-the Spirit of Truth is always available and understands what we are going through, gives us exciting hope in getting our lives back in balance.  

These days, we are compelled by the constant need to “control” our environments and our personal lives. Pressure and deadlines at work, challenges with our families, too many commitments at church and in our personal lives, are just a few examples of scenarios that can cause our lives to feel “out of control”.  

Feeling “out of control” raises our anxiety levels and causes us to search in the wrong places for an end to our frustrations. Left unresolved, stress and anxiety can lead to depression, which halts our progress for a balanced lifestyle.

Seeking wisdom and insight from God’s Spirit does not require any struggle, but we must desire it with urgency. All that is required is that we seek Him diligently for wisdom and revelation of what works for US in our own unique way-we’re all different.  Matthew 11:28-30, (AMP)

God’s Spirit can reveal strategies that we need, to live lives with peace and harmony. Meditating on Bible verses that pertain to our specific needs is a sure way to receive revelation from God.

Allowing God’s Spirit to reveal His methods in all aspects of our lives will enlighten us with His Wisdom and plan for our specific calling and purpose.  As we make diligent changes with the revelation He gives us, we can then begin to enjoy balance once again.  

Finally, as our lives become more aligned with God’s Spirit, we will notice that during times of struggle, our focus will remain in Him.

We will still have to follow through with the instructions that God will reveal, but it will not be a struggle; It’ll be done seamless and with ease.

We’ll always be tempted to do life on our own terms; I’m guilty of this as well! But as we surrender our lifestyles to Him, our first instinct will be to seek the guidance of His Spirit, who will then help us make the necessary tweaks.  

Ladies, let’s not be discouraged!  I’ll take effort, but it’s time well spent toward leading a joyful and balanced life.

Do you want to enjoy a life of balance? It’s my number one desire. But too many of us women struggle joggling our complicated lives, so trying to achieve balance can become a nightmare.

The following is a key verse that confirms God’s desire for us to live a life of balance.

The concept of balance comes right out of the Bible. In 1 Peter 5:8 (AMP), it says:

“Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring (in fierce hunger), seeking someone to seize upon and devour.”

Our enemy’s role is to keep us distracted, so we don’t accomplish God’s simple but powerful purpose for our lives.

So, how can we reach a place where a balanced lifestyle is a product of our intimacy with God’s Spirit?

Please take time and respond with your ideas, tips, and Wisdom from On High. I’d love to hear from you and hear how we relate in our struggle with our balancing act. 🙂

Much Love and Grace, 🌺

Giselle

And The Greatest Of These…Is Love

by simplybalanced1 Comment on And The Greatest Of These…Is Love

Confession:

I don’t know about you, but my heart is not only broken but also very upset to see the hate, destruction, and division our country is facing…all of this along with a health pandemic.

This is very saddening to many who like me are idealists and constantly crave a state of utopia-a fairytale dream to some.

I’m the typical flower child-peacemaker at heart who tries to see the positive or wholesome side of everything I view or hear.

But as I’m becoming more aware of the physical, emotional, and civic upheaval our country is going through, I can feel my IDEALIST bubble ready to pop.

The reality is…there are civil groups and protestors out there that are not only expressing their disapproval of injustice but are using this platform to sound off their anger, fear, and unhappiness… with destruction, hate, and division. The truth is, that blaming others for our troubles is not only deceptive but it can lead to not accepting the part we play and learn from our mistakes .

The Good News:

There are more American citizens who are respectful, loving, tolerant, and peace loving than what the news mediums portray. I choose to listen to and read positive content which has been proven to be healthy for the mind, the body, and the spirit.

I have also chosen to manifest Love towards others, because I’ve embraced GOD’S GRACE into my heart. He’s my power source, my instigator of unity. Love, instead of hate, will always be the result of manifesting Grace to our neighbor.

1 John 4:20-21 says, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”

How can God’s Grace show up during these challenging times when we are tempted to judge and find disgust with the doings of others? How can we fly above the hate and social disrespect of our times?

The answer is, we are to love the unlovable. It’s pretty easy to love those who speak well of us, those who love us, and those who respect us. Loving those who don’t deserve it can be hard. Only God’s Grace (unmerited favor) understood can help us love when it’s tough.

But what better example of the Grace of God bestowed on us by Jesus- He still offered mercy to the unlovable and hateful of His time, that after being excessively beaten, ridiculed, spit on, and ultimately crucified on the cross of Calvary, He still said, “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what there are doing.” -Luke 23:34

Choosing the way of LOVE during these challenging times is not always easy, especially when the temptation to judge, criticize, and misunderstand other’s motives is so relevant. Let’s be the bigger person by being an example of God’s Grace within a crooked and perverse generation. Yes, we can still support just causes, voice our concerns, and communicate our Godly perspectives but never from a Pharisaic or legalistic point of view. Grace in the form of Mercy is the way.

So, how can we shower Mercy to those that don’t deserve it? We’ve all been bestowed with Grace from above by the Creator of LOVE. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, it says, “And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love; but the greatest of these is LOVE.” From God’s perspective, “Love covers a multitude of sins”. That’s what He did for us, so let’s shower it to others.

– LET’S CHOOSE THE WAY OF LOVE-

Embracing The Father’s Love❤️

by simplybalancedLeave a Comment on Embracing The Father’s Love❤️

Father’s Day was a little over a week ago, and the idea of honoring the man whose blood made it possible to be alive today can be an achy one for many-especially women. 

It’s been known that the way we view a biological dad could be the way we perceive our Heavenly Father. If our dads were stern, perfectionists, unavailable, vengeful, unforgiving, etc., that could be the way we view our Heavenly Father. Likewise, if our dad was tender, forgiving, merciful, engaged, and so on, that’s the view we can also have of our Heavenly Father.

During the early years of my faith walk, I enjoyed a honeymoon phase with the Lord Jesus and His Gospel of Grace. I heard the message of forgiveness, responded, and was hooked on the Love He bestowed on us on the cross of Calvary-not wanting anyone to be lost but come to know His saving Grace.

During the many years that I listened to messages, teachings, or sermons of God’s Word, I never fully understood the importance of embracing or receiving God’s gift of Grace. What then is Grace or Unmerited Favor? Grace, which is defined as a gift we don’t deserve, can only be bestowed by God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son. My understanding was, that to receive God’s blessings and favor in my life, I had to do and live the Christian life perfectly. Many of us have related to this view of doing (following rules) instead of being (just as I am) from the expectations of our parents-especially dads.

Where’s the connection and the disconnection of receiving God’s gift of Grace-that is, a life of rest? See the following narrative that Pastor Joseph Prince gives us using the Apostle Paul’s own words…

“Paul warned the Galatians against turning back to the law-rules after beginning in Grace. He said, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace [unmerited favor] of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6–7). Paul takes this very seriously. He calls any gospel apart from The Gospel of Grace (God’s unmerited favor) a perversion. Attempting to be justified by the works of the Ten Commandments is a perversion of the Gospel of Christ.”

Going back to the correlation between an earthy father’s love and our Heavenly Father’s “Perfect” Love is the need for a woman to feel unconditionally accepted and cherished by both. But what happens when the earthly father’s representation of grace is not a healthy one, nor his encouraging and validating presence is not present in a young girl’s life? There is a void that takes place that only our Father Who Is In Heaven can ultimately provide. 

Ladies, when we truly come to understand and embrace the Heavenly Father’s unconditional love for us and have it make a way into our hearts, we will no longer want to go out and look for validation elsewhere-not even in romantic love. There is something powerfully life-changing about God’s Grace. Trusting in the Father’s Love brings total self-acceptance, transformation, and rest. The Heavenly Father’s unconditional acceptance and GRACE is the only thing that can deliver, heal, and restore the life of any precious woman who’s reading this post. Please share with us below if you’ve been transformed by the Father’s “Perfect” Love.

He has done it for me, and is still restoring me as I embrace His Perfect Love!!

This verse is written on an image of my beautiful orchid who became a painting. Orchids are His way of saying to us that we don’t need much to look beautiful-just His Touch. 🙂

My Covid-19 Halt: An Opportunity For Personal Reinvention

by simplybalancedLeave a Comment on My Covid-19 Halt: An Opportunity For Personal Reinvention
My Covid-19 Halt: An Opportunity For Personal Reinvention

Yay, I’m back and this time for good…

Have you been hungrier than usual lately? Angrier than usual, lonelier than usual, or more tired than usual? You’re not alone! Since Covid-19 kicked in, I’ve personally felt tempted to embrace these feelings more than I would ever desire to share on this platform.

Today, I came across a familiar word called “halt” as it’s used in the world of substance abuse recovery (something that touched my family very closely). On SAMHSA.gov, it says the following, “Since we are likely to pay attention to our physical responses, it might help to remember the anagram-HALT to help recognize that you need to stop whenever you are: Hungry-Angry-Lonely-Tired.” These essential needs have upped to exaggerated levels during the Covid-19 Pandemic crises.

During these challenging times, we have to pay even closer attention to these essential human responses; we have to be more intentional, and this is where self-care comes in. And along with self-care, comes personal transformation. So, in a lighter note, I’ll share some of the personal reinventing that I’m experiencing during these isolated times.

STAYING HOME-A BLESSING IN DISGUISE!

As a Language Arts teacher by profession, I was transitioned to teach my students from home during this pandemic scare. Though difficult during the first couple of weeks, it became like a comforting ritual with lots of time to myself. As I navigated my new normal, I saw myself experimenting in the kitchen, contemplating home decorating projects and remodeling, adding a scented, tropical garden to my balcony, and much more. And this is where my reinventing began-during a national crisis…this bitter-sweet challenge has position me for a summer off full of joy and possibilities. Isolation has been beneficial since I’ve been able to organize my priorities of what I truly want, need, what’s important, and who’s important-it’s a win, win, situation.

CREATIVITY BLOOMING!

But the most important thing I wanted to share on this post, is my new awareness of God’s Grace in my life. This is the thrust of this blog and the purpose behind its content. Anything else I add is the icing on the cake. During this pandemic- with its social isolation, has made me more aware of His presence and my own presence, which we have a tendency to lose in the midst of busyness.

Finally, us women of faith can suffer from being too judgmental of ourselves and too OC about our decisions, feelings, etc. Our Lord wants us free, receiving freely His Grace in our times of need (during this pandemic and beyond). That means, forgiveness for ourselves and patience with our humanity, always remembering that His Spirit is always available to give us help and wisdom when we don’t have it in our own strength. This pandemic has been a humbling experience, confirming that we are NOT in control.  In the coming weeks, my goal will be to challenge you and me to live in the freedom of a Grace-filled heart, nurture creativity, and practice authenticity-Jesus paid the price for such a life!

MY TROPICAL BALCONY ADDITION

I want to leave you with a quote which I thought is very appropriate during these days of isolation…  “A season of loneliness and isolation is when the caterpillar gets its wings. Remember that the next time you feel alone.”-Mandy Hale

Within My Plans To Blog Away My Heart, I Came Across This Beauty…

by simplybalancedLeave a Comment on Within My Plans To Blog Away My Heart, I Came Across This Beauty…

Hey guys! Being a school teacher, we’re daily consumed by the busyness, the deadlines, and the continuous giving of ourselves, so my yearning this summer break was to simply chill and publish my blog regularly. Of course, uninterrupted by morning alarms, constant distractions, and time consuming schedules. Well, guess what? My dream of lightheartedness, simple pleasures, writing, and a schedule free summer came to a halt, when I encountered this female puppy we now call Bella. She came uninvited, undesired, and unexpected, but I couldn’t resist this tiny Chiweenie with greenish, hazel eyes. You guessed it! I kept her, but within a week I was already having second thoughts about keeping her. This beautiful puppy was going to disturb my planned, fun-filled summer, full of self care, creative cooking, visits to my local island destination-Key Biscayne. She would disrupt my blogging space, which is about simplifying our lives and living a Grace-filled, spiritual walk. How can I write, be carefree, and enjoy the simple life, when I’d be continuously tending to a very lively 3 month old Chiweenie puppy? This is when God’s Grace shows up in our time of need. His Spirit picks up where I left off, by giving me the grace to patiently and joyfully tend to her, but most importantly, be a lovely addition instead of a hindrance to my “Simply Balanced” lifestyle blog project. My key verse today says, “Philippians 4:13 ESV-I can do ALL things through Him who strengthens me.”❤️

I Embraced Grace For My Struggling, Good Girl Heart…

by simplybalancedLeave a Comment on I Embraced Grace For My Struggling, Good Girl Heart…

My stumble with Grace happened a short time ago, after years of working hard to win the favor of my Heavenly Father. I learned that Grace is: the “freely” given, “unmerited” Favor and Love Of God, and the influence of the Spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them. (Dictionary.com) And all this time, I thought I had to check off all the boxes of rules and expectations that God had of me, with the goal of being loved and accepted just as I was-unconditionally. The good girl syndrome had not worked thus far. Wow, I was so relieved! Then, what Is Grace? Grace is the opposite of karma, which is all about getting what you deserve. God’s Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Us good girls, can suffer from being too judgmental of ourselves and too obsessive-compulsive about our decisions, feelings, etc.. Our Lord wants us free and confident of receiving His Grace in our times of need. That means, forgiveness for ourselves and patience with our humanity, always trusting that His Spirit is always available to give us His help, favor, and wisdom when we don’t have it in our own power. This is so liberating! I have to thank Pastor JosephPrince.com, for eloquently presenting God’s unmerited Favor in such a “simply balanced” way.  I hope these truths hit home! Bye for now!

Welcome to my blog-Simply Balanced!

by simplybalanced2 Comments on Welcome to my blog-Simply Balanced!

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Hi there!  My name is Giselle, and I want to personally welcome you to my blog. My purpose for this blog is to inspire the woman of faith to live a simpler, healthier, and more authentic lifestyle. I’ve been in this journey myself, so I have a great passion to share with you what is being revealed to me. I wish I could tell you its been an easy process-it hasn’t. Its been a process of learning God’s truths for myself, unapologizing self-care, self-discovery, quiet time with God, and most importantly, tapping into my own Spirit-led heart and trusting it. My desire is to help you embrace “your own” personal balance as you tap into God’s Amazing Grace.♡

In this blog you’ll find the inspiration, the healthy habits, and the lifestyle choices that best supports THE REAL YOU. I’ll also encourage you to practice simple, practical, minimalistic, and organic choices towards a joy-filled life. Here you”ll always find sensible tips, practical resources, and inspiration for your body, mind, and spirit, but more importantly, the GRACE to live life with ease.  

I will also be sharing my journey in finding my own personal balance. I know some of you ladies will be able to identify with my appropriation of God’s Grace.  My greatest struggle was not owning nor enjoying the freedom of knowing God’s gift of Grace towards us his children-His “unmerited” favor. It’s when I started taking the focus of what I did, instead of what HE did, that I began understanding God’s gift of love, joy, and peace-His Amazing Grace.  

As I begin to share regularly, I will appreciate comments, ideas, and insights, and your own personal experience with God’s Grace.  Here you’ll learn how to EAT well, PRAY authentically, and LOVE openly. Thank you for stopping by. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions. 🙂

This is why I’m Here…1 Peter 4:10 says,

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful
 stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”