I will be sharing seven simple strategies I use to ensure I keep myself on track. Each will be an overview, with an initial statement and then just three points. You will be able to read more in depth about each, and then apply them in your life, in my next book, The Freedom Strategy.
TODAY, we will look at the first and most important strategy in my view. That is, what boundaries we set, and why we need to keep them. So here is my initial statement.
The interesting thing about boundaries is that most people see them as restrictive. This is a particular mindset that needs loosening. I believe carefully set boundaries are key to retaining our freedom.
The Freedom Strategy, Martina Davis
Three points:
If we have no boundaries, we are open to every big or little suggestion, time-waster action, or person who crosses our path. In my past experience, this means that we never get around to writing that book, creating that painting, fulfilling an in-depth relationship with that key friend, for example. For Nehemiah in the Bible (he has his own book named after him), this would have meant that he never accomplished the task set for him of rebuilding the walls of his hometown in just fifty-two days! He refused to listen to distraction, knew the task set for him and the people he was meant to be with, and set his heart to finish. You see the fruit right there in that book – and, where it is placed.
What about the idea often expressed that we are limitless, or we have no limits? God has no limits. That is clear. His power in us is limitless – yet He defines the limits and detail of our lives, even though He means them to be abundant, overflowing and impossibly free. The implications of a sweeping statement that we ourselves are limitless are: First – we wouldn’t need one another. Second – we would never get tired (and we all know that isn’t true). Third – Jesus has a specific, designed, fitted yoke for each one of us, exactly because we don’t need to accomplish everything. Finally, fourth – He sees more than we do, and often needs to place His protection over us and our eager plans. I pursue this more in my book. Psalm 16:6 NIVUK holds the tension beautifully: ‘The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.’
What are examples of boundaries I should set? Do you work from home? Then building good habits and practices is crucial – I work from home, so I write about mine in The Freedom Strategy. Without those boundaries I find I have less focus, and less freedom to relax outside of work. Are you a mother or a father? Then setting limits in your lives and the lives of your children is important. With no limits you will end up not spending time together, and your children will not learn to set their own limits. Is there a relationship that is detrimental to you? Then mark the lines clearly over which they are not welcome to step. Boundaries are a great way to love others well (this is something that is often misunderstood. I highly recommend Dr. Henry Cloud’s work – find him on Instagram, or look up his books).
And now here is a little about me, to introduce parts of my history, and help us move toward the next blog – Strategy No. 2: Decisions. The year 2020 was fruitful for me, despite lockdowns:
- ART. I graduated from the intensive thirteen week Creative Visionary Programme of Art2Life online.
- WRITING. I wrote, had published, and launched my second book, The Identity Key (book two of the Equipping Unexpected Warriors series, published by Zaccmedia, November 2020).
- WRITING COACHING. I attended a writing course online by the award-winning author Mark Stibbe, going on to book two one-on-one coaching sessions to write my fourth book.
- EDITING. I edited a level 2 prophecy training manual, Growing in Prophetic Ministry for Mark Iles – founder of School for Prophecy UK.
- SCHOOL FOR PROPHECY. I trained online to become a prophetic teacher for the School. I also co-hosted, helped and attended online levels 1, 2 & 3 courses.
- MENTORSHIPS. I graduated from seven years of mentorship by Mark Iles, School for Prophecy. I also attended mentoring by Steve Backlund of Igniting Hope Ministries.
- MIND RENEWAL COURSE. A five month intensive, run by Steve Backlund and his team at Igniting Hope Ministries.
- LEADERSHIP. Online meetings as a member of Bethel Leaders Engage.
- SERVING VINEYARD CHURCHES IN THE UK: My husband and I were the online welcome team leaders for our Winchester Vineyard church services during lockdown. We also served church planters and leaders across the UK Vineyards in online prophetic slots as group hosts and prophetic input.
Till next time… and read on for news about Martina Davis Studios.
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Martina Davis Studio News:
Books page – here you can find endorsements and reviews of Martina’s two published books, The Posture Principle: A practical guide to embracing your true calling, and The Identity Key.
Art page – Martina has added the following paintings: Approaching Land – 30x30cm acrylic on birch cradle board; The Voice on the Mountain – 50x50cm acrylic on birch cradle board; and A New Dawn in Pembrokeshire – 30x30cm acrylic on birch cradle board; the latter painting immediately sold. It went to a lady in Pembrokeshire who has already bought two.
Cards page – cards can be chosen individually or in packs; postcards, or greetings cards with envelopes. So far, Martina has added: Sunset at Strumble Head Lighthouse, Pembrokeshire (1); Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire (1); and Dewdrops on ‘Breath of Life’ Rose. She writes: I seek atmosphere in my photography. What you see expressed should touch a chord, and take you into the scene. Not simply a record of where you have been, but an emotive symbol of what it meant to you and what you want to portray to others in your written messages to them. When you write on the card, try and express something that will uplift and encourage the person.’
Contact page – go to this page to order books, art or cards by filling in the Contact form, or writing Martina an email.
Martina Davis Studio 