A Tragic Road To Recovery

 

Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor whose most notable role was Finn Hudson, an all-star quarterback from the hit show Glee on Fox Television. A musical comedy series centered on teenage misfits who join a choir group called Glee club. There, they discover acceptance, strength, and ultimately their voice while pursuing their dreams in the real world.

His humility and palpable sweetness set the tone for the wide-eyed heartthrob character Finn. He was well respected and adored by his co-stars, friends, and a multitude of fans. However, nobody was prepared for the tragedy that happened on July 13th, 2013. Cory died of a toxic overdose from a lethal combination of heroin and alcohol inside his hotel room in Vancouver. The news of his death shook his fan base and everyone close to him, especially his fiancée Lea Michele who played Rachel Berry (Finn’s lover) on Glee. A tribute episode was made in memory of him titled “The Quarterback” where fans could mourn with the cast over his death.

Cory had been battling substance abuse since the age of 13 and dropped out from school at 16. His heavy addiction landed him into rehab at 19 after family and close friends intervened. After the stint, he continued the path of his addiction by stealing money from a family member. Once given the ultimatum of getting clean or going to jail, he chose the highway to becoming sober. He took acting classes and focused on rebuilding his life as he made concerted effort to stay sober. His greatest accomplishments later on was earning his high school diploma and casting his role on Glee.

Unfortunately, his turning point was tragically short lived after completing another stint in March. On Friday July 12th, he went out with his friends and returned to his hotel room alone Saturday morning. Later at noon on Saturday, the 31 year old talented actor was found dead in his room.

In a candid interview, Cory revealed why he started using drugs. He said,

“It was about finding a place. For me, it wasn’t about the substance per se, it was about not fitting in. I hadn’t found myself at all. I had no idea who I was. I had no idea where I was going. Then all of a sudden, I had this thought that I was going to be this “bad” kid. So that all the other kids will look at me and think “Oh, he’s the bad kid, he’s cool.” And so then they’ll want to hang out with me.”

Peer pressure and a desire to fit in can heavily influence teenagers into using drugs because of the challenges presented during those years as they’re transitioning into a season of discovering who they are and what social groups they belong to. Other risk factors that increase the likelihood of drug use are genetics, a community where drug accessibility is high, and parents using or condoning the use of drugs.

Some adolescents use drugs as a coping mechanism for high levels of stress or problems within their home. Others use it to get high, relieve boredom, or just out of curiosity.

A study in 2014 reported, “an estimated 2.7 percent of American adolescents ages 12 to 17 suffered from alcohol dependence or abuse, and 3.5 percent suffered from drug dependence or abuse.”(DrugRehab)

Research has shown that the earlier onset of drug or alcohol use, the greater the person will develop a substance addiction. Teens are more prone to addiction because their brains aren’t fully developed compared to adults. The parts of the brain that control emotion, coordination, and motivation develop more rapidly than the parts in charge of logic and reasoning. Teens often try to appear cool and mature hence why they don’t consider the risks involving drugs and alcohol too well.

Something to remember is that “cells that fire together wire together.” The brain has a complex network of neuron (nerve cells) pathways that transmit communication signals to one another. It does so by releasing a chemical (neurotransmitter) for the other cell to absorb and pass on to other cells, and as they communicate frequently, the connection grows stronger. When they travel on the same neural pathway over and over, they transmit messages faster and faster, creating this automatic loop that plays itself on repeat. Basically the more we repeat a thought or activity, the more entrenched the pathways form in our brain which creates a habit that goes into autopilot mode. Making it very difficult to break a habit or addiction. The difference between a habit and addiction is that habits can be positive or negative, while addiction is only negative. This process is the same for ALL addictions.

Drugs affect the pathways involving reward, triggering higher levels of dopamine flooding the brain circuits. Dopamine is a molecule that plays a role in reward-motivated behavior. It’s present in the region of the brain that regulates emotions and feelings of pleasure. Our brains are wired to reinforce an activity by connecting experiences with reward. When excessive amounts of dopamine is released into the brain, the chemicals disrupt the neuron channeling, greatly amplifying the message to want more.

Thus, another chemical called DeltaFosB will take the wheel. DeltaFosB is a transcription factor that binds the genes and acts as a light switch for addiction, turning them on or off. Dopamine acts as the head command center, giving out the order “This is great! I want more!” And DeltaFosB carries it out. The thing with DeltaFosB is that it alters the gene responses and accumulates lasting, physical changes to the brain. Creating more pathways for the cells to fire and rewire so that it will remember and repeat the experience. Once early drug conditioning has been activated, it’ll stay that way and doesn’t go away easily. Even long after the dopamine surge vanishes, the pathways will remain right where they left off. People are more likely to use an established path even when they don’t want to because it’s familiar. That’s the number one reason drug addicts relapse after years of being sober.

Now, if you or you know someone struggling with addiction, remember that nobody is far too gone to overcome addiction. By the grace of God, you have the power to beat this enemy and win. But it doesn’t mean it’ll be an easy road to recovery. God will heal, but the consequences will remain. You’ll still have to fight the cravings those pathways have led to, but if you truly acknowledge and pray for deliverance from those oppressed chains, God will set you free from the sin and bondage.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -(John 8:36)

You are stronger than your addiction. If you’re a child of God, then the Holy Spirit already resides in you and gives you the grace and ability to not let your addiction and appetites control you. For sin no longer has dominion over you.

“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” -(Romans 6:14)

If you’re not a child of God, meaning you don’t have a saving relationship with Him, please know that your life is worth more than selling it away to drugs and foolishness. Drugs can never make you feel whole and complete. It is only through a surrendered life to Christ, you will find true freedom, healing, acceptance, and purpose. You were bought at an immeasurable price shed by the blood of Jesus at Calvary. Don’t exchange the price you were paid for towards something shallow and a counterfeit only to make you feel more empty, lost, and ashamed. There is forgiveness found when you lay down your burdens and shame at His feet. He has the power to wash away your sins as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18) If you’d really like to know about God and how to be set free, follow this link below:

How To Know God Personally

STAY AWAY from toxic people and influences that’ll fuel your addiction. There are tons of treatment centers you can go to get serious help in this area. Visit this website {here} for more information and rehabilitation services in your area.

I don’t know whether Cory knew Jesus or not. I really hope he did, but needless to say, his death speaks loudly that this can happen to anyone. Thus it is important to stay informed on this topic and educate the minds of this generation to understand the harms and consequences of chronic drug use. Not just for their well-being, but also for their eternity as well.

The Idol of Marriage

 

I once heard that it’s every girl’s dream to get married someday. To have a doting husband, start a family, and live happily ever after like how Disney movies or fairy tale books portray it. So many girls fantasize about their perfect, dream wedding and the exchangement of vows followed by a passionate, heartfelt kiss sending sparks flying into the night. Girls are basically programmed to just love being in love. I see it a lot when they’re gushing over their crushes or boyfriends saying, “awww” in unison, which I can’t help but cringe at because it’s like nails on a chalkboard for me. It’s the same when a cheesy love scene between two actors appear on screen, the reaction from them doesn’t fail.

There’s nothing wrong with being in love. Love is great. Love is wonderful. But what is it that makes women so attracted to love in the first place? Is it compliments from guys telling her she’s beautiful, even on her worst days? Soppy love scenes from chick flick movies? Mushy and lame sweet talk from guys calling them, “baby” “honey” or “angel”?

Many single women jump at every chance to date a guy and the very next day, they’re already planning their wedding and future with him in their minds. Leaving them quite vulnerable to the players and losers taking advantage of her emotions for their personal gratification. Some women don’t even consider the prospect most of the time and end up falling into the same trap again and again.

Our society has this terribly shallow view that if you’re not married in a certain time frame, something is horribly wrong with you or you’re secretly in love with the same sex. Which puts a lot of pressure to find the right mate. I think it especially rings true for women whose female friends and younger sisters are tying the knot and settling down while they’re still a bachelorette past the age of 25. Most of us get bitter and upset with God for not giving us our heart’s desire and give up altogether.

The problem is that marriage gets placed on a pedestal above God. It’s worshiped as an idol. It’s perfectly ok to want a Godly husband whose heart is completely devoted to God and a tidy, decorated home to look after, but is our desire for those bigger than our desire for God?

You see, a lot of us assume that we’ll get what we want based on one of the most misconstrued Bible verses, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”-Psalm 37:4

This is not implying that if we study our Bibles, pray, attend church on Sunday, give our possessions to the needy, serve others, dress modestly, and don’t curse, then God will suddenly give us a handsome, Godly man out of nowhere as a token of His appreciation. That’s not how it works. God isn’t going to be manipulated by our trying efforts.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t do those things, because we ought to be loving the Lord and serving Him regardless if we’re married or single, since God doesn’t guarantee giving you a husband.

In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul is saying that unmarried people, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, can focus more on solely devoting themselves to the Lord, since they have more freedom to focus on seeking the kingdom and ministering to others. It makes sense after all because married people have a spouse to look after with possible children to care for as well. Paul explains that singleness is an incredible and wonderful privilege to serve God with undivided attention. In other words, he’s telling singles it’s a PERFECT opportunity to get busy winning lost souls. Not a curse to be “forever alone.”

Married couples play a part in the kingdom as well. Marriage is a beautiful representation of the union between Christ and His church. When both spouses come together under Christ’s lordship, they further His kingdom with individual purposes to create a greater mission of advancing the gospel.

Marriage doesn’t exist solely to make you happy or feel whole. Ask any married couple out there and they will tell you it’s not all fun and games. It’s hard work. Healthy and strong marriages don’t build overnight. It’s something you grow into through a continual process of sacrifice, commitment, and sanctification. It’s a team effort resulting in putting one before the other (Philippians 2:3) and aligning their marriage to God’s purpose. If you marry with a mindset of “me before you” the result will be an unhappy marriage and your happily ever after turns into your worst nightmare. Marriage is a ministry designed to share Christ, where a man and a woman find purpose in uniting together to be stronger in carrying that mission out. Selfishness and pride will wreck the ministry before it even starts.

I think the most important question to consider is, “Why do I want to get married in the first place?” “Is it to make me feel good about myself?” “Is it so I can blend in with all my friends who are getting married?”

I can remember my high school years where some of the girls gave me weird looks because I didn’t date anyone. I’ve never had a boyfriend. Some of them even thought I was a psycho because I wasn’t as interested in dating or marriage like they desperately were. So part of me felt like I was abnormal. As I got older, I started to crave marriage, being a homemaker, and raising kids because I thought it would make me feel more fulfilled. I didn’t want to be left out.

Ladies, your ultimate identity isn’t found in a ring and a paper. It is found in Jesus Christ alone. You don’t NEED a man in your life to complete you. Jesus did that for you on the cross. Your singleness can portray the gospel very powerfully when you choose to let Christ be your all.

You can still go on dates and pursue marriage. Just let go of this idolizing obsession with marriage and remember why you’re wanting to marry in the first place. In the meantime, keep yourself busy with serving and witnessing to your friends, neighbors, families, and strangers. Living each day with the intent of being holy for the sake of the world and the gospel. Seek God first and in everything you do and He will take care of the rest.

Identity In Christ + Armor Of God

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” -1 Peter 5:8.

Our adversary the devil is on the prowl attacking Christians left and right. He will do all he can to get you to doubt God’s love for you, his tactic is to destroy you so that you won’t make a difference in God’s kingdom. One of his most common methods is attacking your worth and identity. BUT, that’s only if you allow him. So many Christians are struggling to have a grasp on their identity, worth, and value. We allow circumstances, people’s opinions, and our struggles define who we are. In order to fight off the enemy’s schemes, we MUST know what the Word says about who we are in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about putting on the armor of God. Before we can do that however, we have to be confident and secure in who we are in Christ first. You can’t jump right into calculus without first learning the basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. That’s exactly how this principle works too. You can’t put on God’s armor without having a solid foundation in Christ. It won’t work. You’ll get pulverized if you try to.

Every time you hear or are tempted to believe a lie contrary to the Word, take it captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Measure everything you see and hear with the Bible. Go to Scripture and read about God’s character, listen to sermons, praise and worship songs that speak about what He’s done, who you are, whose you are, and who He is. Read Ephesians chapter one and two and write down everything He says about your identity in Christ, spiritual blessings you have in Him. Take some notes to help you retain what you’ve heard or learned. Speak it out loud or write it in a journal as you go over it. DO NOT rely on what your “feelings” tell you. They can be very misleading (Jeremiah 17:9).

My prayer for you is that you will consistently work on building a habit of understanding and growing in the knowledge of Jesus and let Him shape your identity and help others do the same. It is impossible to know who you are unless you know God. In addition here are some free resources (who doesn’t like free stuff!?) to help you on your journey to knowing Christ and understanding your identity as a child of God. May you be blessed!

Standing Your Ground In The Word

A Father’s Letter

Who I Am In Christ Confessions/Scriptures

True Identity In Christ Chart With Scriptures

Armor Of God

Who The Bible Says God Is And Why I Can Trust Him

His Name That Meets Our Needs

Be A Warrior Woman, Not A Wounded One

Appreciating How God Made You

Embrace who you are and wear God’s armor. The battle has just begun.

Appreciating How God Made You

When I was little, my mom would make me sit at the table on evenings and solve math problems out of a workbook. Coming from an Asian background, academics was very important to my mom. She would often get frustrated and yell at me when I failed to do it correctly. I was always bawling my eyes out every time she got angry. The more I cried, the angrier she got. Growing up, I struggled a bit in school. I always needed help from teachers and other students because I couldn’t do things right by myself. I struggled with problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, numeric logic, multi-tasking/juggling various things efficiently, and other things. The list goes on.

I’m the type of girl you would see in the back struggling with comprehension, athletics, head to hand coordination, calculating math in my head, you name it. The list is long. I always needed help from teachers and classmates because I just couldn’t and didn’t perform very well by myself.  People would constantly tell me, “Think, Jennifer, think!” “Use your brain!” “Why are you always making this so difficult!” It was really frustrating every time I struggled or people assumed I wasn’t trying when I was.

Eventually I wore a mask called “apathy” and became very lazy. I felt so incapable, helpless, and weak. I convinced myself it was pointless to try. I cheated off of homework assignments from friends and let my teammates do most of the work during group projects and boss me around with doing easy tasks. In the meantime, people would compare me to my brother who was more natural at making good grades and didn’t have to apply himself much. Some would say, “Seriously? You’re his sister? You’re supposed to be real brainy like him! What’s wrong with you!” When someone criticized or would try to correct my mistakes, I’d get very angry or discouraged and walk away. Sometimes I’d lash out or throw an object at them or on the ground. I felt like I was constantly being attacked and looked down on.

I became a victim of my own pity parties that I threw myself all the time. I started questioning God, demanding why He made me the way I am. It didn’t seem fair to me that I struggled with this while everyone around me was more self-reliant, capable, intelligent, and strong. The hatred I harbored towards myself kept rising and the more I hated myself, the more I hated God.

Just two weeks before my high school graduation, I tried to commit suicide. I didn’t think I would be able to graduate from high school and head to college. I felt like the world was crumbling down on me. I wasn’t sure how I was going to survive in the real world. It made more sense to take the “easier” way out. I feared being alone in my limitations and failures. I told God that it was pointless to keep me alive and He should replace me with someone more capable and strong to fulfill His grand purpose. However, my plan failed and I ended up staying in a mental hospital for a while.

If you’re wondering why God made you the way you are, it’s because He has a special, unique role for you! I don’t know what that looks like for you, but we all have the same purpose: To know God and make Him known.

“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?”-(Romans 9:20). In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul illustrates the importance of everyone belonging to the body of Christ and how each part has a function. Verses 22-23 says, “On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor.”

I’m certainly not the strongest, smartest, most sensible or wisest, talented, and skilled person. I've learned that because I’m very weak I often have people pouring into me and grow at a steady and slow rate. I've begun a process and journey of self-discovery where I have to depend on God so that He could use my weaknesses to showcase His awesome strength. That’s the only way I can positively impact people’s lives through words of encouragement, insight, wisdom, and bridging the gap to resources and other people. It’s only THROUGH GOD I am capable of what I do. Instead of viewing my limitations and utter dependence on God as a "disability" or a curse, I consider them a blessing. Thus, like Paul, I will boast evermore in my weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

That being said, whatever imperfections or limitations, and weaknesses you have, I want you to embrace them as gifts to impact your calling in this life you were given. I heard a story about Amy Carmichael (1867-1951), who wished her eyes were blue instead of brown when she was younger. She hoped and prayed that God would change her eye color, but was disappointed when He didn’t. Little did she know that many years later, God would use her to save countless lives of children and women from sex trafficking and rituals performed inside Hindu temples in India. Her brown eyes allowed her to blend in as she disguised herself with mud to look like the Indians and help them escape. Many came to know Christ through her as a result.

I want you to know and accept that who you are and how you were made is no accident. God didn’t make garbage (Genesis 1:31). Just because you don’t “feel” that way doesn’t mean that it’s not true. You are beautiful, adored, cherished, and dearly loved by God. And you each have something valuable to share with others. So celebrate that instead of feeling sorry for yourself. Feeling sorry for yourself only stifles your gifts and uniqueness. Don’t let anyone (especially the enemy) tell you that you're waste of space, an inept loser or whatever else that causes you loathe yourself with shame and disgust. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to as long as You continue to trust Him and center your identity in Him.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Psalm 139:14, “I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.”

Psalm 139:15-16, “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

For anyone who wrestles with understanding and accepting God’s love and their identity in Him, I’ve compiled some resources at the bottom to help you embrace how God made you and walk out your identity in Him. I’ve found these to be tremendously helpful and comforting to look over when I’m discouraged. It’s a good practice to rehearse these daily or whenever you need to. You can look these over and journal them if you need to or pray over these, or whatever. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Just as long as they help you to see yourself in God’s eyes. Because honestly, it’s His opinion that truly matters. (And the more I'm growing in that knowledge, the more I'm beginning to learn and fathom God's unique way of tailoring me and embracing that.) ^_^ ♡

Who I Am In Christ Confessions

True Identity In Christ Scriptures

Who The Bible Says God Is And Why I Can Trust Him

Christian Identity

Identity in Christ + Armor of God

Building Character Qualities In Children

In addition to my posts, Soaking In God’s Word and Abiding In Christ, I want to focus briefly on building character traits that every person who identities as a Christ follower should exhibit in their daily lives.

As Christians, we are called to be an example to everyone around us. Whether it’s our families, friends, neighbors, and strangers we encounter to witness God’s love as a bright, shining light in this dark, sinful world.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”-Matthew 5:14-16

But before we can be a beacon to others, we have to examine our lives first. As sinful humans by our fallen nature, we’re constantly waging war with the Holy Spirit. “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”-Galatians 5:17

If we truly claim to be born again children of God, then we should desire to do His perfect will, but more than that, actually commit to living it out. If we really love God, our willingness to obey should overpower any resistance our flesh has with His perfect plans. But the problem is that we’re not spending enough time with God like we desperately should. Instead we allow ourselves to succumb to our flesh.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

I don’t know how this Scripture can be more clear than that. If we’re serious about making changes to please God out of sincere love for Him, we have to renew our minds. Wherever our mind is, our actions follow. Plain and simple.

What are the natural inclinations of the fleshly body? “Selfishness, greed, lust, impurity, fornication, pride, idolatry, envy, strife, bitterness, debauchery.” (Mark 7:20-23, Colossians 3:5).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. “-Galatians 5:22-23

So there you have it. Living out the fruits of the Spirit takes intentionality, effort, and persistence. A seed doesn’t plant without being watered and absorbed by sunlight. The best teacher and role model to learn from is Jesus. He not only taught how to live but He also lived it out. As we read more about Him in the Word, we’ll have a better understanding of how to live like Him. When we strive to be more like Christ every day, our lives will naturally mirror those characteristics in abundance. (Philippians 3:7-11, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 3:2)

I found this lovely chart that serves as an excellent guide to promote Christ-like character qualities. This will help parents to equip their child to develop those qualities. As the Bible instructs them train their children in the ways of the Lord while they’re young. (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:11; Genesis 18:18-19; Deuteronomy 11:19) The earlier they’re taught these principles, the easier it’ll be for them to love the Lord and cherish His ways when they’re adults. This chart has 49 Christ-like attributes to pick from and focus on implementing once a month. You can view the chart {here}

In addition, I found another printable {here} that goes well with the character chart. It contains a list of positive affirmations to say to your child. A good idea is to incorporate scriptures with those affirmations to help build and foster self-esteem in a biblical way. 

Here's another resource for cultivating and nurturing children's identity in Christ {here}. To appreciate how God made them. 

It’s important to regularly study the Bible together as a family. Something I wish I had growing up. May we too strive to demonstrate the love and humility Jesus lived while there’s still time left.

Soaking In God's Word

I won’t lie. When it comes to doing my quiet time in the Word, I don’t always commit to it. I’m going through the Gospel of Luke right now, and more than once, I’ll get distracted by other things and not “feel” like continuing where I left off. Then when I realize that I neglected to read the Bible, I’ll let guilt consume me and put my Bible away. Honestly, you will have those moments where you just really don’t want to spend time in God’s Word. But if you don’t ever read and study it, you won’t grow spiritually and instead be drifting backwards. Thus, leaving you unfulfilled and slowly be unproductive in bearing fruit for God’s kingdom. In order to maintain consistent fruit in your life, one must stay hidden in the Word.

As I was tempted to throw in the towel again, I shook off my unwillingness and read a portion of the Psalms and Proverbs. Using highlighters and colored pencils to mark certain words and a pencil to underline and circle phrases that jumped out at me. It was a beautiful time of soaking in the amazing truths I learned. I felt rejuvenated and vigorous. 

My suggestion to you if you’re struggling to stay in God’s Word is to read the Psalms or Proverbs. Study and meditate on the beautiful prayers or wisdom gleaned through those passages. Personalize them into prayers or poetry. Maybe even a prayer/poem. James is another good place to start. But to each their own. Just remember when you decide to quit, you’re admitting defeat to the devil. NEVER do that. Fight back. Lives are literally at stake when we don’t. Think about that.

Abiding In Christ

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”-John 15:1-5

A girl asked me what it means to abide in Christ and what that looks like in our lives.

And I told her that to me, abide means to dwell in His presence through filling our minds with His Word, trusting Him, and letting Him transform our hearts to be more like His. It’s a continual act of surrendering ourselves to Him on a daily basis.

The more we remain firmly rooted and established in Christ (Ephesians 3:14-19; Colossians 2:7) by saturating ourselves in His Word (Psalm 1:2-3; Psalm 119:15-16) the more we reflect His Christlike nature through our words and actions.

Thought this was something good to ponder on.



Please watch this 9 minute video that explains more of the PRUNING process in detail.