Regular Girl Devos
By Dana Ferguson
Regular Girl DevosMay 31, 2023
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My message today is to encourage you to follow your heart, even when your mind tries to get in the way. Find more encouragement at: https://regulargirldevos.com/
Why We Need Humor in Self-Care
Like all things involving self-care, we need humor for the positive benefits, both physical and mental. Humor and laughter elevates our attitude and increases our ability to deal with stress. Laughing out loud boosts our immune systems. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/05/24/why-we-need-humor-in-self-care/
Teawater's Advice on Control
Here is Teawater’s latest advice on control. Teawater our resident self-care expert, was inspired by my kitten Rusty. To hear his story, listen to Episode 4 of Season 4, posted on January 25. I hope to inspire you to make time and space for yourself everyday and see God with you! This episode is available as a blog post that includes my 3 panel cartoon: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/05/17/teawaters-advice-on-control/
Action Sheet on What I Can Control
Our Action Sheet for what you can control is based on work by Stephen R. Covey. I imagine it’s like being a pilot in the cockpit. You have control over what happens on the plane, like the altitude of the plane, but you have no control over external factors, like the weather. This episode is available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/05/10/action-sheet-for-what-you-can-control/
Quotes on Control
Here are my favorite quotes on controlling anxiety.
The concept of control is rather deceptive. We often fall into over-thinking, worry, or obsessive planning to feel more in control. But honestly, all these things produce mostly stress. This episode is available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/05/03/quotes-on-controlling-anxiety/
Worriers Who Want Peace Can Control Anxiety With Self-care
My self care and control journey is not easy. I have moments where I imagine that I really have made no progress. But I have to stand up against those shadowy thoughts that hide in the dark corners of my mind and call them out for what they are, ghosts from my past that no longer have any power over me. This episode is available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/04/26/control-anxiety-with-self-care/
Teawater's Advice on Feelings
Teawater's advice on feelings will encourage you to define and express your emotions. Our resident self-care expert, Teawater was inspired by my kitten Rusty. You can hear his story in episode 4 of this season. He invites us to make time and space for ourselves everyday and see God is with us! This episode is available as a 3-panel cartoon: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/04/19/teawaters-advice-on-feelings/
Link to my journaling ideas Pinterest board here.
Action Sheet for Feelings
Mental health includes recognizing and communicating our feelings. My Action Sheet is based on a popular tool, The Feelings Wheel. Hear more about this in my introductory post on feelings, episode 13. This episode, with the PDF download, is also available: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/04/12/action-sheet-for-feelings/
Quotes on Feelings
As long as I can remember, music has played a big part in my emotional health. Music gave me hope and helped me feel less alone. You can hear more about my music memories in my Soul Music series in Season 3, Episodes 27-30. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/04/05/quotes-on-feelings/
Link to scientific study on music here
Self-Care and Our Feelings
Processing feelings and emotions has been difficult for me. My childhood home environment provided little nurturing in this department. As an adult, frustration left me longing to be like Spock. If confronted with an emotional event, I would just lift one eyebrow and say, “fascinating,” and leave it at that. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/03/29/self-care-and-our-feelings/
The Feelings Wheel like is here
Teawater's Advice on Self-Discovery
Teawater, our resident self-care expert, was inspired by my kitten Rusty. You can hear his story in my January 25, 2023 episode called Teawater’s Advice on Courage. I hope my fun graphic of Teawater encourages you to make time and space for yourself and see God is with you! This episode is also available as a three-panel graphic: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/03/22/teawaters-advice-on-self-discovery/
Self-Discovery Action Sheet
The Tree of Life exercise, co-developed for children affected by HIV/AIDS by the South African Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative and Dulwich Centre Foundation, helped the children focus and gain strength from relationships with their own history, culture, and significant people and places. For more information, visit them here. This episode is also available as a blog post. You will also find a PDF version of the exercise to download: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/03/15/self-discovery-action-sheet/
Quotes on Self-Discovery
This week our quotes are focused on self-discovery. Being genuine is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/03/01/self-care-leads-to-self-discovery/
Self-care Leads to Self-discovery
The more we get involved in self-care, the more we learn about ourselves. At some point, we recognize that self-care leads to self-discovery. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/03/01/self-care-leads-to-self-discovery/
Teawater's Advice on Grief
Teawater, our resident self-care expert, was inspired by my kitten Rusty. You can hear his story in my January 25, 2023 episode called Teawater’s Advice on Courage. I hope my fun graphic of Teawater encourages you to make time and space for yourself and see God is with you! This episode in available as a 3-panel graphic blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/02/22/teawaters-advice-on-grief/
Action for Grief
Grief is complicated and one of the most difficult experiences everyone has in common. Yet we don’t always recognize how grief feels. This action sheet will help you understand some of the unexpected, but normal, reactions and help you begin the healing process. Go back to my February 1st episode to hear the original post, Self-care is Patient in Grief. This episode is available as a blog post and a downloadable PDF:
https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/02/15/action-sheet-for-grief/
Quotes on Grief
I want to remind you that you are not alone. Stay encouraged as you see that others have traveled this painful path and are showing you the way to remain in hope for brighter days ahead. Take comfort in knowing sunrise follows every dark night. Treat yourself with kindness one day at a time. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/02/08/quotes-on-grief/
Self-care is Patient in Grief
Grief is a natural, yet complex, response to loss. Because our reactions, both emotional and physical, can be intense, it is essential that our self-care is patient in grief. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/02/01/self-care-is-patient-in-grief/
Teawater's Advice on Courage
Teawater’s advice on courage is refreshing, but who is Teawater? Here’s the story behind our self-care expert! This episode is also available as a blog post and you can see the graphic version of Teawater: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/01/25/teawaters-advice-on-courage/
Action Sheet for Courage
Here’s your action sheet for courage! Now that we have made self-care a priority, our next step is to choose how that will happen. The possibilities are endless. I have listed 20 choices to get you started. Letter sized, you can download this graphic PDF with this episode link: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/01/18/action-sheet-for-courage/
Quotes on Courage
Quotes on courage are one of the most shared item on social media because they inspire, encourage, inform, or introduce new thought processes. I selected each quote below to add wisdom, hope, and motivation to your day! This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/01/11/quotes-courage/
Self-care Takes Courage
Beginning a new year can spark analysis and anticipation. Self-care takes courage and I have a plan to make it a priority by taking practical steps, accepting the love and grace of God with faith, and persevering with progress, not perfection. Will you join me? This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2023/01/04/self-care-takes-courage/
Faith-Filled Motives
Reflecting on the last year is hard. I wasn’t skipping through sun-lite, green fields with a daisy-chain in my hair. I was fighting my dark side, lightsaber in hand, mostly losing the battle. I cried more than I laughed. I felt defeated more than I felt victorious. But no matter how grim my circumstances felt, I always believed God was there. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/12/28/faith-filled-motives/
Recipe for a Happy Life
As I was looking for a recipe for Gingerdoodle Cookies, I saw a “Recipe for a Happy Life” by an anonymous writer... This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/12/21/recipe-for-a-happy-life/
The Gift of Grace
Imagine when you were inconsiderate or cruel to someone. Come on — we’ve all been there. Now imagine that person lovingly presenting you with a beautiful gift. This is like God, through Jesus, offering you His gift of grace. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/12/14/the-gift-of-grace/
An Epic Love Story
Beyond the decorating, baking, and shopping, I believe Christmas is an epic love story. The story of an eternal love that existed before time itself. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/12/07/an-epic-love-story/
The Purpose of Life
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon searches for the purpose of life. Aren’t we all? If you enter “what is the purpose of life” in Google, over 7 billion results come up. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/11/30/the-purpose-of-life/
Our Focus Point
Like a ballet dancer needs a focus point in a pirouette, we need a focus point in an ever spinning world to keep our balance and not fall. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/11/23/our-focus-point/
A Symphony of Life
God created a Symphony of Life. He imagined every beautiful detail. Let us be thankful for the pure wonder of our world! This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/11/16/a-symphony-of-life/
Reaching the Sandy Shore
Fighting negative self-talk is a common issue. The big lie for me is, if my faith in God was strong enough, then I wouldn’t be sad or angry or depressed. But these thoughts don’t line up with what the Bible says about lamenting. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/11/09/reaching-the-sandy-shore/
Be Active in Self-Care While You Remain in Trust and Hope
How do you actively seek self-care while you remain in trust and hope? The answer will be different for everyone. Sometimes the answer is straightforward, but other times, it’s hard to find. Begin by knowing you are not alone in your struggles. This episode is available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/11/02/be-active-in-self-care/
Host Gracious Holidays
Can we host gracious holidays while trying to save money? With a little idea gathering, a little creative energy, and your holidays can be better than ever. I’m sharing some tips that will take the pressure off. You deserve to enjoy the holidays and not be snowed under with a long to-do list! This episode is available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/10/26/host-gracious-holidays/
Grow Gracious Families
We grow gracious families by example. Prioritizing family time can include different creative activities. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/10/19/grow-gracious-families/
Gracious Gatherings
Seasonal celebrations are one of the most ancient of human traditions. What better way to practice true hospitality? How do we create gracious gatherings? Balance Martha’s skills with Mary’s priorities. This episode is available as a blog post: https://regulargirldevos.com/2022/10/12/gracious-gatherings/
Learn to Live, Love, and Rest in God's Grace
The most enjoyable part of moving to a new place is filling all the rooms with your stuff and memories. Everything is arranged to please you and support your lifestyle. After all the hard work, learn to live, love, and rest in God’s Grace. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/10/05/learn-to-live-love-and-rest-in-gods-grace/
Getting Sorted is Essential for Lasting Change
The biggest job in a move is getting sorted and packing all the years of accumulated stuff. It is tough to decide what needs to go, what to keep, and what should be replaced. I believe this step is essential to any type of life change. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/09/28/getting-sorted-is-essential-for-lasting-change/
You Can Move on With God
Have you decided it is time for a change and are ready to take your first step to move forward? If you are feeling apprehensive, don’t worry. You can confidently move on with God. He offers all the tools you need to make it through any challenges to reach success. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/09/21/you-can-move-on-with-god/
God Has a New and Better Place for You
Maybe you need a change. The signs may be small, or perhaps just persistent. For example, restlessness, or reliving the past without imagining fresh adventures. Do you feel way too cozy in your comfort zone? Do you feel stuck? God has a new and better place for you. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/09/21/you-can-move-on-with-god/
An Old Testament Story and a Bowl of Nuts
God used an email, an Old Testament story, and the words of my sister to reach me. Thank God He cracked my shell of bitterness. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/09/07/an-old-testament-story-and-a-bowl-of-nuts/
What I Know Now About Living Faith
When I began the podcast version of blog posts, I called it Regular Girl Devos because I am not a Bible scholar, just a regular girl trying to apply Bible answers to my life’s questions. Sharing what I know now about living faith has helped me move beyond simply knowing about faith. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/08/31/what-i-know-now-about-living-faith/
What I Know Now to Tell My Younger Self
Like everyone else on the planet, my life has been a mix tape of bumps and bruises, trails and triumphs, love and loss. Here is my list of what I know now that I would tell my younger self. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/07/13/what-i-know-now-to-tell-my-younger-self/
What I Know Now About Regrets
Has your mind every been caught up in a whirlwind of what-ifs and regrets? My experiences have been more like an F5 tornado leaving my mind a barren landscape of uprooted memories and demolished dreams. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/07/13/what-i-know-now-about-regrets/
What I Know Now About People Pleasing
People pleasing is like riding a carousel. We go up and down, and round and round, but get nowhere. Maybe I’m a little slow, but it took me years and years to acknowledge my addiction to people pleasing. I found my cure, my freedom, in God. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/07/13/what-i-know-now-about-people-pleasing/
What I Know Now About Legacy
Like many, my mom’s life was a mix of tribulations and blessings. Please read more of her story in the posts, This is Not the End of the Story and Soul Music Promises. All my life, I watched as she bravely endured everything life threw at her. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/08/03/what-i-know-now-about-legacy/
Soul Music Promises
As Chicago was colouring my world at prom and I was about to boogie onto the disco scene, my father left without a word. This was my first introduction to the reality that life can change without notice. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/07/27/soul-music-promises/ Find a link to Robert J. Morgan's books on the stories behind hymns on the blog post.
Soul Music Comfort
As a pre-teen, the record player in my bedroom was my constant companion. Able to drown out any loud and overheated conversation happening in the next room, every song held the promise of a different life when I was old enough to make my own choices. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/07/20/soul-music-comfort/
Soul Music Changes
Music memories of the 70s include performing Godspell with other counselors at summer camp and rock blasting from the 8-track while my boyfriend practiced burnouts with his Camaro in the school parking lot. As David Bowie sang “ch-ch-ch-changes,” I, like every teenager through history, was exploring my options. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/07/13/soul-music-changes/
Soul Music Beginnings
I grew up listening to soul music. The Motown sounds of Wilson Pickett, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips. Honestly, I would listen to anything my little AM transistor radio would pick up. Every week, I looked forward to the American Top 40 Countdown with Casey Kasem. Years later, God would use my love of music to lead me back into the fold. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/07/06/soul-music-beginnings/
A Creative Life in Crafting
A creative life in crafting is more than just a way to relax or add fun to your day. An article in Newsweek explains all the benefits of engaging in arts and crafts activities. Especially noteworthy is the link to a reduction in cognitive impairment. You also can give your self-esteem a boost along the way! This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/05/28/a-creative-life-in-crafting/
A Creative Life at Home
A Creative life at home means making a space filled with peace, and nurtures those who live there. Purposefully chosen objects provide comfort and reflect memories. Your home is all about you, so here are a few ideas for expressing your creative nature at home. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://haveagather.com/2022/06/22/a-creative-life-at-home/