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Graciously Woven

Creatively Living and Sharing Grace

motherhood

Powerful Scriptures To Help Maintain Joy In The Midst Of Anxiety

March 30, 2020 Comments : 3

Cardigan courtesy of Pink Blush Maternity

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” Russel M. Nelson

It’s taken two whole weeks for me to fully process that our normal is almost nonexistent right now. Traveling, play dates, visiting friends, or even going to church aren’t really options right now. My naturally introverted self has enjoyed the time home, but the circumstances have rattled my mind and emotions greatly. Daily I remind myself of the power of scripture and that I can maintain joy even in the midst of this chaos, my anxiety, and fears.

All of this has me in a state of anticipating bad news rather than good. Dreading updates regarding the pandemic instead of finding a positive. Even avoiding going outside altogether, because I don’t want to risk anything. It’s been tough not to let fear and anxiety propel me into a frenzy. Most information seems bleak and downright discouraging. This is not what I was hoping for in 2020…

Acknowledging the circumstances

There’s a lot happening. I know I’m stating the obvious, but sometimes you have to. Owning the reality can help things seem less stuck. If you’re like me right now you’re managing you, a partner, work situations (and their stability), school needs (how much time online do we really need?), and everything in between. Regular life didn’t stop and it’s now just ramped up with little notice.

Processing and pinpointing where things are currently has been a skill I’ve used over time. It’s like a mental anchor so I can keep moving in my journey. It’s also a reminder that just because it’s hard to find a silver lining right now, doesn’t mean there isn’t one.

Making the choice to maintain joy even with anxiety

There’s major choices being made minute by minute and hour by hour. But if you’re going to prioritize anything right now choose your state of mind. Choose your emotional anchor and choose it regardless of how you feel.

Anxiety, depression, and the weight that they carry are no strangers to me. We know each other extremely well, have sat in lofty lows, stayed silent in therapy sessions, and yet have found skills to cope and dance respectively.

They can be my go-to without any forethought or permission. So I’ve had to train my mind to take a mental path that won’t send me spiraling. Here are 3 truths I choose to anchor myself during times like this. These are mine:

  • I need to stay informed when watching media, but I don’t need to inundate myself with it.
  • There’s power in my words and my attitude. I need to believe and speak life right now (Proverbs 18:21)
  • I’m not stuck at home, I’m choosing to stay safe and keep our family safe.

Keeping the focus with powerful scriptures

…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Staying focused on God’s truth and positive truths in general is keeping my feet grounded. Whether it’s a sermon, podcast, or worship music I’m letting it fill my spirit.

For you it may be a running list of reminders that help you cope. Or positive mantras that you recite during a morning routine. Whatever it is, keep a positive focus. Here are some things I focus when I wake up and when I rest:

  • We are currently healthy
  • My kids love being home and my family enjoys our safe place
  • This time doesn’t have to be isolating, but it can be a time of rest and solitude
  • I can make an impact no matter how small today that will help myself or someone else
  • I love to laugh, so I will laugh a lot today.

…she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25

I’ve read this verse many times, and it wasn’t until recently that I captured a new perspective. The proverbs 31 woman doesn’t laugh because she knows what’s going to happen or that she isn’t afraid. In fact, she can laugh because she knows WHO holds the future and she has seen Him carry her through trials before.

I know these habits are not easy, but they are my necessity to maintaining joy. Acknowledge, Choose, and Focus on what truly can anchor you during this storm. For me it’s knowing God isn’t surprised by this and He hasn’t forgotten me or those I care about. Though I don’t understand why things are happening, I do know this. I’ve seen God carry me through suicide, hopelessness, and seasons where I was very lost. So I can look at today and know it will not always be this way.

Even in my emotions, joy reminds me to seek His peace and keep pursuing it. I pray and hope you’re able to do the same. I am daily walking the fine line to maintain joy and will gladly walk alongside you friend.

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Comments

  1. Jane says

    March 30, 2020 at 4:23 am

    I love reading your postings, it’s like a series you’re waiting to come on to binge watch, then it’s continued til next time 😇. (Saying that with a very positive attitude) I guess because I have know you for so long, I love seeing the transformation taking place through you and in you. I love you so much Carmen and as always, wish only the best for you, Mike and the trio +. ~~Jane

    Reply
    • graciouslywoven says

      March 30, 2020 at 3:25 pm

      Mrs. Jane thank you so so much!! It has definitely been a journey and your words mean everything. Miss you, but so grateful that you take the time to read and check on me 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sharon Burcham says

    March 30, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    Love reading your blog. It’s so real, and I can’t wait get to spend time with you and get to know you better. I love your canvas over your bed. Sending virtual hugs your way.

    Reply

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Carmen | Truth & Grace Living
Let’s talk about shame... When the Lord started Let’s talk about shame...

When the Lord started walking me through how my approach to correcting behavior started to look more like shaming... it was humbling and convicting. 

Many times my desire to correct overrides any opportunity to understand and walk through the challenge together. 

When I yell, dismiss, or even explode at what they shouldn’t be doing - I communicate shame rather than offering wise counsel. Especially with abstract concepts that deal with the heart like lying, pride, anger...

It hit me most when I yelled at my angry child for lashing out 👀 - as I watched myself I felt the Lord nudge me with how can you correct sin while sinning? 

... oh the embarrassment, but the chance to do better.

Quieting my own self and taking it in, because conviction makes room for growth not shame. 

I’ve asked the Lord more and more to calm my voice with the intent of allowing true change as I parent. Praying my heart is bent more to seeing how God restores and transforms our behaviors to reflect true goodness. Rather than a God who shames as they see me shame them. #christinmotherhood
Mila is the mood as I sit and am so grateful for e Mila is the mood as I sit and am so grateful for each of you engaging me in this process. Thank you for being present in the messy parts too as I navigate this season. 

I continue to be so thankful for this community - and I pray I can lend a listening ear and support as much as you are to me ♥️ #beautyincommunity
“Mom he has pom pom hair and there’s animals!! “Mom he has pom pom hair and there’s animals!!” 😍

We have another budding reader in the house!!! I love reading and finding books that encourage our kids to enjoy the same I’m all for it!! 

Being able to find books that are not only personalized but allow my kids to see themselves in the story is even better!!! 

@lionstory.books gifted us this beautiful book all about Izaiah making a change for animals - which is his THING! 

They have a variety of stories and options to make your book special. Thanks to their team you can use code: CARMEN50 for 50% off your own book! 

Check them out parents of growing readers! We love what they’re doing ♥️ #homeschoolmama #growingreadersforlife
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and do Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24

There’s power in praying our family grows in God’s word and even more as we see ways to apply it daily. I’ve come to realize there’s a spiritual home we’ve been called to build it looks like this family.

In our character, how we reflect Christ, and how we model that for our kids - even invite them to do the same.

I started working on this portrait of us and wanted to symbolize how we’re planted. When times have been their hardest - it’s been God’s word that’s sustained us. #foundationinchrist
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