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May 3, 2013 by Elaine James
Filed under Daily Devotions

By Elaine James -
Taking a sip of my coffee I peacefully think “Peace and quiet, now I can get some work done.” I spoke to soon. A “bing” noise from my computer tells me “I’ve got mail”. It is a sting to my nervous system. I get like a million spam e-mails a day! Do you? Some days I just delete them and move on to the important messages. Other days it bothers me so much I feel like I want to explode! I am spending more time dumping into that little garbage can than I care to. Can’t someone invent an anti-anger button on my computer?
I liken this frustration to people or things that I come across every day. That person or thing is right in my face screaming for attention. It wears me down. Are you worn down, feeling like you just can’t take it anymore? Some days I am living fully frustrated and not fully alive.
I diagnose myself with the Paul syndrome defined by Paul himself “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Romans 7:18 NIV).
Thank goodness there is a prescription for this syndrome which the Holy Spirit reminds me “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). Instead of exploding I pray “God give me some of that self-control.”
This prescription has brought me to a place of true peace and the result is:
Episodes< fruit of the spirit How exciting! I pray you are inspired to want: fruit of the spirit>frustration.
I add to my daily regimen a second prescription called thanksgiving. Being grateful takes my one-track mind away from frustration. I am thanking God for: the sun shining; my daughter’s smile; my husband’s kind words; my ministry; a double chocolate donut; food to eat; a friend who checked in on me today; a lady who said “HI” at the grocery store….on and on.
Join me, won’t you? The journey of life will become brighter. Make your thankful list right in the middle of chaos that is going on.
Let’s pray about it:
Father in heaven help me to want more of You and in turn You will fill me with the fruits of the Spirit. Help me to sense that You are developing more inside of me and it is showing on the outside. Thank You for Your medicine. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Topics Elaine Speaks On

A DAY IN MARJORIE OVERLOAD'S LIFE

Your closets may be clean, your spices in alphabetical order, but how’s the space between your ears? When the pace of life leaves little time to process and organize our thoughts, our minds can become cluttered with “woulda, shoulda, coulda”. When the temptation to put ourselves down or compare ourselves to others strikes, defeat and condemnation can lure us into faulty thinking,

Through humor and drama Elaine shows what a chaotic mind looks like. Listen as she helps to identify “stinkin’ thinkin’ and what the Bible has to say about it. Then learn about the tools God has given us to overcome these thoughts and move to become the person God created you to be.

Personalities Plus

Do you find yourself trying to change the people around you? Frustrating, isn’t it? Why can’t everyone be just like me? But do you really know yourself? Take the test; find out what makes you you. Understanding ourselves – and others – better allows us to change what we can and live with what we can’t. Truly, a life changing experience. Elaine’s passion for teaching the personalities comes from the great success she has had personally in her own relationships, especially with her husband and children. She bases the teaching on Romans 12:18 If possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Elaine is a certified Personality Trained through Florence Littauer’s Classervices, Inc. Classervices, located in New Mexico, is a Christian Organization that teaches individuals how to speak and write professionally. They have been around for over 40 years.

The Greatest Gift Ever

Using a wrapped gift, Elaine demonstrates that Jesus Christ is the greatest Christmas gift ever given. Using Scripture and her testimony, Elaine clearly communicates the gospel message and invites listeners to receive this incredible gift from God. The Greatest Gift Ever is a wonderful message for a Christmas tea, or any other evangelistic event and can be customized with a skit for your special gathering. How can you create your testimony, so you can share with others?

LOVING GOD-We love because He first loved us. Busyness always keeps us from meeting with God, where our deepest satisfaction comes from. King David writes in Psalm 63 his desire toward God. His satisfaction in God. His dependence upon God, and assurance of safety. Elaine does a drama called “I Invite You Into My Sanctuary” describing the place where she sees God’s power and glory. She will challenge you to commit yourself to God, to be easy and pleased, and quiet from the fear of evil. Explore with her the answer to the questions “how and why David loved God more than his own life?”

Theater with a message:
RUTH- There is many messages that can come through in the story of Ruth. As Ruth trusts God with her life she finds God blesses her and unimaginable and amazing things happen in her life (length of this one women show can be altered to fit the duration of any event).

THE INNKEEPERS DAUGHTER- A woman, Ana, tells her story of living and working at an Inn, where the miraculous event of Jesus’ birth occurred, and her life was changed forever.

A LOOK AT CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD- The wonder of childlike joy is expressed when three young sweet innocent sisters come together to read the Christmas story that always teaches them the rich beauty of Christmas. This year they realize they need a gift for the baby Jesus, what will it be?.