Communication Tip

Ready to really add value to your daily interactions with people? Scripture says that we can "enhance the flavor" of this world by offering Godly wisdom. Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

We need the wisdom to know how to navigate situations and conversations. If you’re like me, this is sometimes really hard and I end up putting my foot in my mouth! Satan loves division and offense because it hinders us from relationship with each other and with Jesus Christ.

Think before you speak. Spend time in Christ’s presence ~ thankfully, Christ is right here to "season" our speech, but it takes time soaking up His presence in the secret place. He is the only one who can keep us “salty.” Mark 9:50, “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
 

[This Week's Prayer]

Father God, season our speech with love and wisdom today. Allow us to be a vessel for answers and strategies. Saturate us with your presence and guide us today in the way we should go. May we be a valuable and loyal friend. Proverbs 20:6, Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Love, Wisdom, & Blessings!
Kelly Roberson,
Certified Life Coach | Artisan | Crisis-Trained Chaplain

For more on this topic, check out the "Royally Relaxing Workshop: A Journey Into The Secret Place"

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A Prayer for Orlando

Tragedy, death, and loss... it seems to be part of the journey. Where do we go when this happens? As I recall one of my own life's tragic moments, I was in shock, and then I was angry - even angry at God because it just didn't make sense, but in just a few short hours His sweet presence saturated my very being and drew me close. His mysterious love eased my fragile spirit. I'm positive that many of you have experienced such moments of loss and healing. Please join me in releasing this prayer over the heartbreaking situation in Orlando.
 

[This Week's Prayer]

This is our declaration: "Our loving and powerful Savior is a God who is not far off. He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He spoke the entire universe into existence and at the same time bends down low on one knee to comfort the broken hearted. He extends His powerful hand out to those who just can't gather the strength to stand on their own in times of crisis. He is our refuge and strength. With one touch from our Savior, we are set free from emotional and physical pain. May that same mighty Spirit move and flow throughout the south, north, east, and west. May the power of Jesus Christ comfort all who mourn on this day and may that same Spirit saturate our hearts so that we can truly love one another and bring healing to our land." 

2 Corinthians 1:3-5, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too."

~Amen,
Kelly Roberson

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Are You Stressed? It's Time for You to be Royally Relaxed!

In the spring of 2012 I boarded a 25 hour flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand. My friend, Tara Browder, was a missionary to the area, and I was excited to partner with her for this life changing experience. The ministry trip focused on the young women who were being trafficked within the sex trade. Also, we were there to support the leadership of the local ministry who worked so diligently attending to these delicate hearts.  

Part of the trip involved us hosting a women’s retreat for these tireless leaders. My topic was on the importance of rest for leaders. I would deliver my message, then I was going to love on the women by making some of my Royally Relaxing Body Scrub and then have them massage it into each other’s hands for a spa-like feel to our session for the afternoon. 

While waiting for my turn to speak, I sat in the stairwell looking out the window and going over my notes. As I stared out the sizable window thinking about how grateful I was to be in this place, the download started to happen... God began adding to my notes. If you’ve ever spoken, I know you know how sneaky he can be by revamping your notes at the last minute! Eeeek! Inspiration literally began to drop into my spirit like rain drops... He revealed that there was symbolism to each ingredient: salt, oil, aroma. 

You will learn how the different ingredients in the scrub symbolize the benefits that come when we take time for daily intimacy with Jesus. In this chaotic world, we can experience living out of a lifestyle of rest so that you can be your most powerful you. You are the King’s child and it’s time for you to walk in your authority while being Royally Relaxed! 

I believe God’s heart for us as a Father is one who wants to nurture us and protect us as we abide in His presence. We simply can’t do anything supernatural or extraordinary without Him. I am desperate for Him and refuse to settle for a life that is anything less than one based on being swept away in His arms as He reveals His plans and purposes for my life! I need His peace and direction. His healing and comfort. His sweet aroma in my life that only comes from time spent in His presence. I hope you will journey with me as we discover that rest is a weapon...

“A Journey into the Secret Place: A leadership workshop that reveals the divine benefits of resting in the presence of the Lord as you make your own take-home lavender bath scrub.

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7”

The Royally Relaxing Prayer

A Love Letter from The King of Kings
to You His Daughter
Dear daughter, I want you to know that when you make time for me, you will be refreshed and royally relaxed, because you are my child - you are royalty. My daughter does not have to strive. I’ve been calling you to the secret place, a place where you will never leave empty. In fact, you will leave empowered. 

Let the SALT be a reminder of my cleansing power as my presence washes away the pain, disappointment, and short comings from yesterday. It may sting just a bit as salt does, but let go and know that I am purifying and exfoliating  your heart as you take time for repentance. Always remember that purity precedes power - and I want you powerful. After this, a time of refreshing will come. You are forgiven, so freely forgive others. Let the salt of my presence heal your wounds and be a preservative to keep you strong - protected from corruption. Be salt and light in the world and let your speech be gracious and attractive. 

Let the OIL remind you that you are consecrated and set apart for me. Your temple is holy ground. Receive the oil of the Holy Spirit as it soothes your mind and brings peace and joy.

Now just breathe the AROMA of my presence into your heart. Those who you come in contact with will notice that there is something different about you. My beloved, it is because you have been with me - there is an aroma of hope. I love you! I’m waiting for you to escape with me again and again. I release within your spirit the power to get the work of your hands completed. You will rise above because you have sought out the secret place. 

© 2016 Kelly Dobbs Studio
(Prayer is printed on a bookmark for you to reference during your secret place time.)

{Acts 3:19; 1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 5:13-16; Colossians 4:6; 
Psalm 45:7; Exodus 30:22; Exodus 40:9; 2 Corinthians 2:15}

CLICK HERE TO purchase A ROYALLY RELAXING devotional gift bundle!

Includes 1 lavender salt scrub, 1 workshop devotional, and the Royally Relaxing prayer bookmark. Perfect for Mother's Day or any time!

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These 3 Things are Your Lifeline

Over the last week, I kept hearing the Lord whispering, "and these three remain: faith, hope, and love." {1 Corinthians 13:13} I finally stopped and leaned into what this really means. I heard the Lord say that it means when you feel like all is lost or when you feel stripped of everything you know.... These three will ALWAYS be in the recipe: faith, hope, and love. Circumstances may seem bleak - "all stripped away" or lost, BUT there are ALWAYS the core ingredients to rebuild & refuel your life and dreams! Always. How amazing is that... !! 

Interesting how God knows that. In my coaching sessions I use a tool called "Spiritual Capital" - these are 33 life drivers that renew and fuel our lives. Faith, hope, and love are one of the 33. God designed us to incorporate these "drivers" into our lives because they give us strength when going through transitions and stressful situations. Our trust is not in the process, it's in Christ. 

[This Week's Prayer]

Father, thank you for the assurance that even when I feel lost or like my dreams have been snuffed out by "man" that your word says that there is always divine HOPE. Thank you that this experience will help me to be more compassionate. I pray that you blow fresh energy and wind upon my dreams and stir a fire in my gut that would inspire me to move ahead today knowing that the best is yet to come! I thank you Father that according to Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Holy Spirit blow fresh upon my dreams - ignite, fuel, and strengthen me in Jesus' name, amen! 

Be Inspired!
Kelly Roberson
 

Source: http://kellyroberson.net/coaching-blog/201...
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Your Brain on Multitasking

**WARNING** What I'm about to say may give you a brain cramp.... I know you're probably in the middle of something, but just hang with me for a second (wink). Did you know that according to the newest studies in neuroscience, "the oft-admired 'talent' of multitasking is a joke!" (I actually heard this at a conference and almost fell out of my chair!) Dr. Henry Cloud states in his new book, Boundaries for Leaders, that "our brains run in a hampered state when we multitask - reducing an astronaut's brain to that of a hamster...The brain craves attention in order to work. You need to attend to what is relevant and inhibit everything else." 

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We multitask because we think we are getting more accomplished in a shorter amount of time. Unfortunately, studies prove that this simply isn't true ...and it can harm relationships and actually hinder our goals.

According to Larry Kim, a writer with Inc. Magazine, "A study from the University of Sussex (UK) ran MRI scans on the brains of individuals who spent time on multiple devices at once (texting while watching TV, for example). The MRI scans showed that subjects who multitasked more often had less brain density in the anterior cingulate cortex. That's the area responsible for empathy and emotional control."

Here are 3 things that you CAN do to save time and be more productive: 

  1. Guy Winch, PhD, author of Emotional First Aid: Practical Strategies for Treating Failure, Rejection, Guilt and Other Everyday Psychological Injuries says, "Do things in batches. Pay your bills all at once, then send your emails all at once. Each task requires a specific mindset, and once you get in a groove you should stay there and finish." 
     

  2. As sure as your iPhone will lose it's charge by lunch today, the minute we sit down to complete a task, other important "to-do's" flood our brain. Keep a random thought pad handy to write things down. Then, you can go back and do those things later after you've completed what's in front of you.
     

  3. Prioritize. Write down the top 3 most important things you absolutely must get done for the day. It's amazing how accomplished you will feel when you check them off! Success begets success. Small victories lead to larger ones just like a domino effect.

 

[This Week's Prayer]

 Dear Lord, I need you to help me in this area. I ask that you would first of all give me YOUR priorities for my life - make them clear. I am standing not in my own power, but standing firm in your power to accomplish the things I feel you have for me to accomplish for your kingdom. I understand that "unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1) I ask you to help me build! Give me the self-discipline to prioritize and manage my affairs according to your standards. I pray that everything I do will be filtered through love. I lift my schedule up to you Father God and according to 1 Corinthians 14:33, "you are not a God of confusion, but of PEACE..." Seal these things upon my heart in Jesus' name, amen! 

Kelly Roberson, MA,CMHC
Therapist, Certified Life Coach, Artist

 

 

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Feeling Hidden?

Happy New Year's Eve! Maybe you're on cloud 9 right about now - or maybe you are feeling lonely and hidden away... let me share a little story with you.

Swiss Rolls. Have I got your attention? A few years back I was visiting a friend for a few weeks. There were teenagers in the house, and it seemed that everything I bought was quickly eaten. Well, this was just not working for me so I devised a plan. First of all let me back up. I have this dirty little secret... yes, it's true. I really LOVE Swiss Rolls. You know those plastic, toxin-filled, chocolate cake rolls.... ohhhhhhh yeah baby!! Now right now you are either cheering or you are shaking your head.

Anyway, once a year I'll buy a box. I decided to buy some on this particular visit and wasn't in the mood to share. I hid them in the bottom cabinet behind the pots and pans. (yeah, I know pathetic really!) Ohhhh, but it was so great having them all to myself because I loved them so much... They were hidden - not discarded.
 
About now you're asking, WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING?? Do you ever feel hidden or discarded? Most people do along their journey. I hid the box because they were my FAVORITE! God is actually working during our seasons of hiddenness and the truth is that you are not discarded, just hidden, tucked away with a special purpose that is unfolding.

 

Here are 3 practical things you can do when you feel hidden: 

1.  Work through any rejection issues that you have. We all have had them: past failures, hurts, abandonment, deaths, and losses of any kind can lead to a root of rejection. These will leave soul wounds that can skew our thinking and derail our destiny. Repent where you have given place to your own personal pity party and where you have judgment against those who have hurt you and forgive them - and also very importantly, forgive yourself. Ask God to come in apply the healing oil of the Holy Spirit. Ask him to renew a right spirit within you. There is nothing like peace that comes from a healed heart. Psalm 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."

2. Embrace the Truth. Most likely, you are not being rejected or cast aside.The truth about your situation is that according to God's Word, you are a royal priesthood, a chosen generation - you are a child of God! 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." He loves you and absolutely will NEVER forget you! If God is FOR you WHO can be against you? The truth of the matter is that God SEES YOU. He sees every time you help someone in need without it being posted on Instagram. He sees those things that you do for others that no one will ever know about. Ask yourself, "Have I done all that I can? Have I loved as I should?"  If the answer is yes then be grateful because you are storing up treasures in Heaven. Ask God to show you how you matter and that what you are doing matters. I will be praying that for you too. 

3. Trust the process. Yep, there's a process. According to Dr. Bill Hamon, prophetic evangelist, "God makes the man before he makes the ministry." After graduating from seminary back in the '50's, Dr. Hammond told God he wanted to take the nations for the kingdom! He was ready to preach along side of Billy Graham and the rest of the great evangelists of the time. Guess, what? God put him on the backside of the barn in a little church in the middle of nowhere for six years. Over the six - long - years, God molded him and shaped him into the mature instrument he needed. He recounted that it was HARD, but there was fruit. As he was faithful with the little, God began to give him more. There are seasons of being hidden and tucked away for all of us. Sometimes the seasons of hiddenness cycle back through when God is doing something even deeper in our lives. Trust the process. You are God's beloved. 
 

[This Week's Prayer]

Father, thank you for the opportunity to be hidden and loved by you so much that you would take time to mature me and make me complete for every good work! I am thankful that you love me far greater than a favorite dessert! I renounce in the name of Jesus any root of rejection that I may have in my heart. I ask your forgiveness where I have hurt others out of my own pain. I receive your love and forgiveness. Wash the blood of Jesus over me and cleanse me from my sin. Fill me with a fresh filling of your power and heal all soul wounds associated with rejection. Flood every cell of my body with acceptance, love and divine mercy. I choose to live a life that is un-offendable. Father God I ask that you give me your powerful grace to accomplish the assignment you have chosen for me. I choose to trust you with my gifts and talents because you gave them to me. I ask you to take all of me and empower me to be used by you in 2016. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen! 

Happy New Year! 
You are LOVED and Have a Divine Calling!
Kelly Roberson

 

 

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Life Coaching 101: Brain Science and Your Thoughts

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Many years ago I was watching an episode of Oprah where she told everyone to keep a daily inventory of the thoughts that floated through our minds. I thought cool! I've got this! So I took inventory. It wasn't "cool!" It was a labyrinth of cobwebs constructed by personal accusations, toxic thoughts, stress, and self defeat. Although I was generally a very optimistic, faith-filled gal, I had just gone through a painful betrayal in my marriage that had me saying things like, "I'm so stupid!" ...feeling stupid for allowing myself to be fooled - not seeing the signs. My outward portrayal of hope and resilience was not in line with my thoughts. Can you relate? And so began the long journey - and process - of truly renewing my mind. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Because our thoughts can change our DNA! Let's take a look at what God has to say about our minds and how science backs up what scripture says! 
 
Neuroscientist, Dr. Caroline Leaf, explains: 

  • “What’s in a thought? More than you probably know. Every thought has a corresponding electrochemical reaction in your brain. When you think, chemicals course through your body in magnificently complex electrochemical feedback loops. These chemicals produce electromagnetic waves which, if you could hear them, would sound like the most exquisite orchestral symphony.” 
     
  • Body, soul and spirit are linked. When we have a thought it will result in a physical reaction in the body – for better or for worse.
     
  • 87% - 95% of illnesses come from our brain (our stinking thinking!) You can see why it’s important to fill our minds with grace, love, beauty, peace and joy.
     
  • Every thought builds a nerve cell - scientists call these the “magic trees of the mind.” We have 100 trillion magic trees in our minds! They create loops of thought. This is why rehearsing old traumas can be just as harmful to us emotionally as the day it occurred.
Neural Pathways

Neural Pathways

Magic Trees of the mind

Magic Trees of the mind

 

  • Did you know that the brain doesn't know the difference between an actual memory and an imaginary one! So, if you can't come up with a "good memory" to draw on for healing and peace, you can actually ask God for one! It will release the same happy chemicals! Wow! This is something I use in my coaching methodology! 
     
  • Scientific evidence shows that prayer and meditating on God’s Word releases these “happy chemicals!” This is just another reason why meditating on God's Word is SO powerful. Why do we want “happy chemicals”??? We can rewire our minds! When we think about pleasant things, our bodies release happy chemicals like endorphins and dopamine which actually melt toxic nerve cells!
     
  • Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical in your brain that is responsible for influencing a number of behaviors, including pleasure, cognition and motivation. The feelings associated with increased dopamine levels can also be euphoric, creating a desire to release dopamine naturally in the body. You can release dopamine in your brain through a number of methods from the foods you eat, to the exercise you perform. Remember, they MELT toxic nerve cells!
     
  • This is why prayer and meditating on God’s word (Hebrews 4:12, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 16:24) are so good for you! Here are some other things that can release "happy chemicals" like dopamine and endorphins:  
    - laughing
    - touch
    - sex
    - games that are competitive
    - visualizing a happy scene
    - healthy food
    - dark chocolate
    - exercise
    - deep breathing
    - massage
    - watching a beautiful sunset

YOUR TURN! 
Take some time to reflect on some of the items above and see which ones really speak to you, chemically. This week, incorporate these things into your daily/weekly routine and see how your life will begin to transform for the better!! It's scientifically proven - and encouraged in scripture! 

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

[This Week's Prayer]
Father God, thank you for the power of my brain! I praise you because you are so amazing that you created me with the innate ability to heal and thrive! Through you all things are possible, I am able, I am wise and have wisdom to accomplish what you have set before me! I will slow down and tend to the "magic trees" of my mind. I bind up in the name of Jesus thoughts that do not represent your heart for me. I plead the blood of Jesus Christ over my mind and ask that your thoughts of God will penetrate every cell and membrane. My mind will be aligned with your word, Father God, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Amen!

Kelly Roberson
Certified Life Coach
BGEA Crisis-Trained Chaplain

 

 

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Keys to Ignite Your Creative Divine!

A few years ago, I was commissioned to transform two white kitchen columns in a beautiful lake home in North Carolina. As was my usual custom, I prayed and asked God to guide my hands and inspire my work. I was especially nervous because this was being filmed for a special segment on a local interior design television show. 

Drawing upon my previous training and practice, I moved forward to lay down the first brush stroke with anticipation of something beautiful. My purpose when creating art is to partner with God to fill the earth with creative things that glorify Him. In essence, to leave a lasting aroma of His love and joy that flows from the piece long after I'm gone. What was truly shocking to me was just how beautiful it turned out.

I say this not to crow about me, but to illustrate that there was something truly "divine" going on - and it was fun! I stepped back and remember saying, "Wow, there you go again, God. I'm just not that good...!?" My heart was full; my client was delighted! In fact, she broke out the champagne and we celebrated! Joy and love were in the air. 

Partner With Him In The Creative Flow

I'm not limiting this to just painting. All artisans... writers, inventors, painters, innovators, thought leaders, musicians, engineers, and problem solvers... I would argue that we are all artisans.

  • Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
  • Genesis 1:27, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."  
  • Exodus 31:3-6, "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you."

God absolutely wants to shape things on the earth through us. We are his hands and feet to get stuff done - to partner with him in his purposes! Isn't it so COOL to know that he actually downloaded wisdom into the "gifted artisans" to build the tabernacle?! I can't read this section of the Bible enough!! I love to pray and ask God to download ideas into my heart, and you can too! God has been co-creating with his people since the beginning of time! God is the idea generator and the beginning of all things. We were created in his image and out of Him we create. Wow! We actually get to fill our realm of influence with His creativity - to shape the atmosphere for his glory! 

So What Can You Do?

  1. Get Training: First, get practical. If you have a special interest, take a class, read a book, and begin to hone your skills. Practice. 
     
  2. Prepare The Atmosphere: Ask God to download into your heart all manner of wisdom for the project. Ask him for innovation, ideas, and wisdom. Pray over your space and invite the Holy Spirit! Ask him to flow through you. Listen to your favorite worship music and get ready to receive all that he has for you. He is the originator of all things. 
     
  3. Receive from God & Speak Life Over Your Project: Prepare to receive from the Lord! He is such a good and loving Father! Scripture tells us he will not give his children a stone when they ask for bread. It is his heart to flow through you to minister his love to others. Prepare to receive his love as you simply can't give away what is not in your heart. Guard your heart and forgive offenses: Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
     

[This Week's Prayer]

Holy Spirit, come. I invite your amazing presence into my life this week! I ask that you would fill me with the Spirit of God: in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. I want to partner with you so that this world would be filled with the things that you want on display for your glory. So that people will be drawn to you and come to know you as their King! That the atmosphere would be changed as I lean into your creative problem solving. I anticipate abundance, innovation, and joy to flow through me and follow me this week! In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, amen! 

Be Inspired!
Kelly Roberson
Find out more OR to receive my FREE "Weekly Prayer and Coaching" post, click here: http://kellyroberson.net/contact/