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Mend Your Soul "Monthly Moments" Newsletter
Monthly musings, information, and updates to deliver encouragement and hope your way.
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Hey Deanna,
I hope this month finds you encouraged in knowing that God never leaves you or forsakes you. Deut. 31:8.
For me, amid the changing circumstances and challenges of life, this promise, when I make myself aware of it, brings such peace and comfort; I hope it does for you as well.
I think a key in having this promise of God real in our lives is being aware. God never leaves us; He is always there, yet are we aware of that truth? Do we live it out? Life gets so busy, full of obligations, demands, and unplanned "fires" that need our immediate attention we can lose focus on the promises that God has for us in the midst of those situations.
The practice of awareness and intentionally reminding myself to shift my focus on what God says is true helps me receive and experience the promises He has for me. It is becoming more of a natural shift in focus for me as time goes on.
I had the opportunity to attend a Dr. Caroline Leaf conference recently. She delivered tons of valuable content and insights. I love the truth she shares, that our mind shapes our brain and body (neuroplasticity). One of the foundational concepts she discussed was that to "renew our mind" (Romans 12:2 ESV), we need to be able to shift into the perspective of "the co-pilot" and look at ourselves (the pilot), to become aware of ourselves, our mind, which is what we think, feel and choose.
Due to our current culture and work culture, which constantly screams for our attention, this can be challenging for us to do. Yet, when we choose to make the practice of "self-awareness" a priority, it can bring the benefit of insight into what we may need to change and what we may need to know, such as the promises that God has for us.
What is going on
Mend Your Soul Ministries is in the midst of facilitating a Mending the Soul Group of which the participants are working on their own "self-awareness" in how they have been affected by the abuse they have suffered.
This can be a difficult part of the healing journey because what has been hidden, what has been denied, and what has not been resolved is emotionally painful, for feelings that haven't been processed can be overwhelming when becoming aware.
Your prayers for these women who are bravely seeking the inner healing that God has for them would be greatly appreciated.
News
The development of a "Challenge" to enable Mend Your Soul Ministries to become more known to those who need our services is ongoing.
Once this program is completed, I'll be sharing this with you in hopes that you may share it with others to help reach those who are seeking to overcome the impact of the abusive situations that they have suffered.
A Resource
Christmas/The Holiday Season Is Just Around the Corner
Here Are 7 Coaching Questions to Consider in Preparation for the Holidays
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The holiday season can be stressful. And for some, it can be a painful reminder of past traumatic/abusive situations and/or of people no longer in their lives. So, I offer these coaching questions to use as journal prompts in helping to prepare for and make the best of the holiday season.
1. To reduce pressure on ourselves: Where could I be kinder to myself and let go of expectations - so I can be OK with whatever happens?
2. Self-care in the run-up to the Holidays: Where do I need to take better care of myself - meeting my own needs - so that I'll be at my best and fully able to enjoy the season?
3. Self-care over the Holiday itself: What challenges do I anticipate over the holiday period (whether dealing with others or my own feelings)? What can I do when these arise? What preparations and steps can I take now to make it easier on myself?
4. Make changes ahead of time: What could I do differently this year? And how could I be different this year to make the Holiday season (or the big day itself) smoother and more enjoyable?
5. New ways to deal with other people over the Holidays: To whom could I give the powerful gift of presence - through listening, forgiveness, appreciation, or acceptance?
6. Healthy Boundaries: In what situations and with what individuals do I need to be aware of that may be harmful or triggering for me for which I may have to implement some healthy boundaries?
7. Staying aligned with personal values: How does what I am choosing to engage in over the holiday season align with my values and what the Holidays (Christmas) really mean to me.
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Learning More
If you would like to learn more about Mend Your Soul Ministries and the services we offer, please schedule a time with me for a Virtual Coffee Chat. You can schedule that right here.
There is also my Website, https://www.mendyoursoul.com/. Keep in mind that I have some updating on some of the content, yet it'll give us a sense of what we're about.
Sharing
If you know of someone who may be interested in taking advantage of what Mend Your Soul Ministries offers, feel free to refer them to:
My Website, https://www.mendyoursoul.com/
Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/DeannaRLang
Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/mend.your.soul/
Or feel free to email me at deanna@mendyoursoul.com to set up an introduction.
The Word
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV
I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
May I Pray For You?
Dear Heavenly Father, for many of us this season, it's a time that we particularly take to recognize the greatest gift that You have given us, the life and sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to pay the price for us breaking your law (sin) so we can choose to receive the gift that He offers, the gift of redemption, that we may be in right relationship with You. For it is in our relationship with You that we find true love, peace, forgiveness, comfort, and the contentment that only You can give. Thank you for providing a way for us to be reconciled to You.
May Deanna experience more and more what it is to be in a relationship with You, and more and more how wide and long and high and deep Your love for Deanna is; knowing that Your love surpasses all understanding. May Deanna be filled to the measure of all the fullness of who You are, knowing that You will never forsake or leave Deanna. Amen.
Donate
Your gift that Supports Mend Your Soul Ministries during this time of year is greatly appreciated.
Mend Your Soul Ministries is supported by people like you who have a heart to help others receive the resources, support, and guidance they need to overcome an abusive/traumatic relationship's impact on their life and identity.
We are a faith-based organization that supports such individuals via a variety of resources, information, and programs; such as "Mending the Soul," "Her Journey" via Abuse Recovery Ministries, and our "Coaching Program" that is custom-tailored to the specific needs of the individual, helping them shed the negativity from past hurts and reconnect to their unhindered genuine self, to do what they were created to do.
We have all been created uniquely on purpose for a purpose by our Heavenly Father, our Creator. It is the goal of Mend Your Soul Ministries to partner with the purposes of God for the inner healing and the restoration of those who the evil of abusive situations has impacted.
Your prayerful and financial support is greatly appreciated by us and those who will benefit from your generosity.
Click here to make your tax-deductible donation.
With Gratitude,
Deanna Lang, C.L.C.
*Pastoral Care Services for
Mend Your Soul Ministries
*Pastoral Care: Someone who demonstrates a compassionate nature even when the situation is toxic or stressful. Someone who listens attentively, believing that being truly heard is one of the most healing gifts a person can receive. Someone who fosters positive relationships by providing mentoring, mediating, council, and care. Someone who encourages emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational growth in others.
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