Tag: Blogging With Gardenia

Blogging with Gardenia is the idea of sharing wellness, and spiritual health from a Biblical perspective.  The author shares posts related to discipling as servant leaders.  Updating blogs is a primary to keep the interest of subscribers and provide informative support. Subscribe and receive updates, when we publish directly, in your email. We encourage you to share via Social Media platforms to encourage others on this journey.  bulluckg.com

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The Role of Prayer in Healing and Wellness

Man kneeling on grassy hill with hands slightly raised, facing sunrise over foggy mountains
Rev. Dr. Bulluck connects leadership from the perspective of everyday living.

Eternal Healing – The agenda of God is to bring everything, His creation, in alignment to His will. A new earth and a new heaven for His people.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Understanding the Connection Between Prayer and Wellness

Yes, prayer is a powerful tool in wellness. Do you sometimes shout as if God is deaf? Other times, speak in a whisper. And what about those unspoken words uttered within the mind? God knows the heart of the prayer. Prayer is a mighty weapon commanded by the Creator. Yes, I speak from personal experience.

One of the most important things that you must do in this life for success is to have a prayer life. Yes, I make this statement from personal experience. This blog post is not to beef up those who identify as skilled prayer warriors. Rather, it is to encourage the everyday warrior to use the power of prayer daily. In as much, there is more and more scientific evidence about the connection of prayer to wellness, why not engage! Thus, is our purpose to develop an understanding of this connection between prayer and wellness to impact the way you operate in the physical and spiritual realms (world). Yours is a paramount decision for movement toward what God says who you are and what you can have.

Why the Tool

First, there is no doubt that God wants you to be a success (defined by Him). Secondly, God’s plans for each of us are uniquely designed. The blueprint is known by him. So, why not ask him to reveal and direct you in carrying out the plan? Thirdly, the plan exists for the Kingdom of God. Why? He wants you to have everlasting wellness with Him.

The agenda of God is to bring everything, His creation, in alignment to His will. To do this, God’s wellness plan consists of prayer. Prayer is the tool of working out the knowledge and will of God in our lives (Luke 11:13).

“Not my will, but Your will be done.” The Holy Spirit knows the will of God. Our human spirits do not know the will of God, but the Holy Spirit who lives within us, knows the Father’s will. As we relate in our blogs, God does not desire for you to have a sick mind and body. He wants you to be well.

The Role of Prayer in Healing Practices

There are many examples of healing in scriptures. But there are even more examples of healing, in this season, because of the Word of God spoken in faith. Exercising this type of faith and prayer for wellness is a continual experience. By example, I am learning the importance of how the words spoken out of my mouth must align with the Word of God. Psalm 91:11-12 is a personal reminder that I have angels to keep me from falling.

Mine is to speak this Word continuingly, consciously and intentional. Even in situations when others speak something that is contrary to my prayers, I declare it not so. For example, recently a technician told me that she saw metal in my stomach during an examination. Prior to the tests, I had already prayed that morning before the lab visit. So, when she openly said that I immediately lifted up another prayer to counter-act her words. A follow-up exam showed no metal!

As to time, there are several experiences that I can give where God immediately answered my prayer. Then, there are other experiences that it took more than a decade for my prayer requests to come to fruition. Just “Don’t quit.” You are a participant in the role of prayer and wellness.

Building a Prayer Routine for Enhanced Wellness

No one has the magic answer as to when healing or prayer requests will take place (instantly or over time) because we are each unique to God. What He wants is our faith in Him and obedience. Every day, He wants communication with us. Every day, He gives us new mercy. So, every day, be accepting of the grace that He gives. Do not “veer off the road” when the signpost says, “Just ahead, you will arrive.”

As previously noted, science is now verifying the connection between the role of prayer and wellness. Recent studies show that prayer in the faith-community is not bound by culture nor region. For instance, in older adults, studies indicate that the routine practice of prayer is related to cognitive protection of the brain (Is prayer protecting the brain? Dr. Neal K. Shah). In addition, research about the practice of routine prayer contributes to a sense of focus, calmness, and emotional balance. Comparatively, there is a continuation of studies as to prayer and the treatment of mental disorders by Harvard from its Neuroscience of Spirituality Study.

Communities and Support Systems in Prayer for Wellness

Chiefly, the role of community and personal prayer supports wellness. The manifestation of healing in the physical body is a testimony of the power and grace of God. But God’s grace is more than that. It is the working of His power that He has given to us. To say that by his (Jesus’) stripes we are healed but refuse to walk in obedience is contrary to what God wants for us. God wants to deliver us from the power of darkness (enemy). His ultimate desire is our everlasting healing in mind, body and spirit.

As a body of Christ, we are a community – a great support system. As a community, we are to develop the principles of God through prayer. Speak the Word of Truth in our situations for wellness. We are to prosper and be in good health as our soul prospers (3 John 2). Yes, through prayer, each one of us can exercise the Word in faith and put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the LORD our God fights for us; just as he has promised.one person can chase away two thousand and (Deuteronomy 32:30-31; Joshua 23:10). As prayer groups and community, we chase even more of the enemy. Obedience and prayer work in our favor. The Holy Spirit is present to guide, teach, and guide us in warfare. Finally, Psalm 91 says, “They will call upon Me, and I will answer them and deliver them (Psalm 91:14-15).”

We invite you to share this message in love. For other blog posts, we suggest:

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The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership

Community group

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Understanding Vulnerability in Leadership

We, as humans, are capable of inflicting hurt or harm on another. Thus, in leadership, it is important to understand that vulnerability exists in our natural world (world leadership). Merriam-Webster dictionary defines vulnerability as capable of being easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally. Our acceptance of this responsibility is meant to improve personal leadership skills. Unfortunately, too many congregants’ view vulnerability as weakness.

Conversely, some of the most influential people, in the business, believe that vulnerability enhances their relationships with others as a leader. Businesses encourage leaders to distinguish themselves from others. In fact, leadership is to highlight these as distinguishing traits for building relationships. For example, recent studies show that vulnerability in leadership creates (1) psychological safety, (2) increases employee engagement, and (3) accelerates innovation (Brené Brown). Predominately, these studies relate mostly to organizational leadership style, i.e., authentic leadership and less about ministerial leadership. Authentic leadership, by definition, is a leadership style that is primarily about trustful relationships between employees and the leader. Together, the employee and leader work as a team to accomplish goals. Vulnerability is meant to strengthen the relationship.

Thus, how can ministers of Christianity, bridge vulnerability in leadership with a purpose of growing spiritually for the Kingdom of God?

Building Trust Through Vulnerability

First, experiences of congregants vary. Once, in the beginning of my Christian walk, a well-respected Pastor, gave me pause to mistrust church leadership, especially pastors. His words in regard to his personal misconduct were, “I do not go into my own hen house to scout the chickens but, I will scout out chickens to catch in other hen houses.” Needless to say, over a period of time, mistrust in him was proven in several instances, this individual took advantage of vulnerable sheep and lambs. What did the church learn from this? One individual leader can cause years of harm.

As congregants, mentally and emotionally, our spiritual well-being was harmed by this ministry leader. Especially among young adults, the circle of confidence in the church body was broken.

What can you to do as a servant leader when trust is a challenge in ministry? Without safe spaces, within the ministering body, the harm and hurt will destroy congregants spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Start with building safe spaces. We invite you to check our blog post about strategies to create trusting, safe environments.

The Relationship Between Vulnerability and Effective Leadership

The relationship between vulnerability and effective leadership is backed by case studies. Studies show that vulnerability has a connection to communication and authenticity. According to Mckinsey studies, millennials, in particular, want their leaders to share their human side, including their vulnerabilities. As congregants in ministry, the thoughts are “Can I trust you with this information? Can I be vulnerable and explain my hurt and harm?” In both worlds, background knowledge is part of building trust in relationship. However, remember, opinion(s) is not fact (s).

Not “OK”

As much as we may think we are “ok,” there are circumstances that people face which are so dire, that we know that they are not “OK.” In these circumstances, you may notice changes in behavior, i.e., absences, outbursts, text messages, etc.

Jesus is a primary example of what it means to be in a place of vulnerability and ask for help. For instance, the night before Jesus was ceased in the Garden of Gethsemane, he poured out his emotions to the Father. “Take this cup from me; but yet, not my will but Your will be done,” (paraphrased). In the very next moments, he did not even summon angels, and he could have, to come and help him (Matthew 26:50-53). His willingness to be vulnerable to save us speaks of the level of trust that he had in His Father.

What should leaders do when challenges persist?

Challenges Leaders Face in Embracing Vulnerability

Face it! As a leader, embrace vulnerability as an opportunity for better. Common fears and misconceptions about showing vulnerability is not unusual. In fact, in the natural world, you may hear conversations that speak of finding your “inner compass.” For instance, a leader may rely upon his/her inner compass to guide their responses or actions. This inner compass may lead that person to check in with others or make a self-inventory. How am I doing? What did I learn from the experience(s)? Ultimately, in their leadership journey, there are certain issues and challenges that motivate them.

In ministry leadership, by comparison, you may have misgivings as well. You are not an exception. In fact, you are in good company. As previously stated, Jesus is an example of how vulnerability help in shaping his dependence on the Father. His willingness to be on God’s agenda is the inspiration for our faith.

Self-Reflection

What can we do to analyze the role of vulnerability in our personal leadership? Self-reflect! Here are a few thoughts that I use as part of my self-reflection. in this manner, I encourage myself to use tips to incorporate vulnerability into my leadership style to grow my ministry spiritually. Not necessarily in this order. I choose to:

  • Identify my list of trustworthy partnerships outside of the ministry
  • Identify key people who congregants trust and are faithful to the ministry
  • Identify and engage credible resources to strengthen authentic relationships, i.e., community support groups
  • Be honest about my challenges and commitment to Godly principles; i.e., integrity, accountability, self-control. Am I honest? Am I accountable and work to grow good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)?
  • Daily speak the Word of God
  • Read scriptures for building emotional support
  • Prayer consistently with the Word of God in agreement that God wants the best for my ministry, family, connections, and you.

Summative, this is my good ” startup” to incorporate vulnerability into my leadership style as a servant leader. The Holy Spirit is your guide!

Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

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Prayer Time – Your Grace and Mercy

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Thankful for His Grace and Mercy!

Prayer time is another opportunity to remember that God’s mercy is new today. Today, new mercy is ours. Today, you rise up with grace and mercy, no matter the circumstance. The lyrics and sounds of this video are that of Soulful Sounds. I hope it is a reminder of how faithful God is even in this moment.

For more of Soulful Sounds background music

Prayer Time – Saved by Grace

Grace is unmerited favor. No, I did not deserve another chance; but God gave it me. I am thankful for that right now. It is wonderful to know that Jesus is presenting me before God’s throne of grace. What about you?

The songwriter sang,

"Your grace and mercy brought me through, if it wasn't for Your love,
tell me what would I do?  Your blood redeemed me, made me brand new, it was Your grace and mercy that brought me through."
Was it grace and mercy that brought you through?

Renewed Strength

Prayer will refresh the mind and spirit. It is a time that we can renew our strength in conversations with the Lord. We can ask for forgiveness of all my sins, (known and unknown). God, today, looked beyond our faults and saw our immediate need: MERCY. He understands that only the Lamb of God is worthy; so, God, in His love, extended mercy.

Above all, the writer reminds of us of what Our Heavenly Father did:

Thank You for saving a sinner like me
To tell the world salvation is free
There were times when I just didn’t do right
But You watched over me all day and night
Your grace and mercy brought me through
I’m living this moment because of You
I want to thank You and praise You too

For that reason, we should desire to be obedient to God’s Will and God’s Way. Will you praise Him for His grace and mercy from where you are right now?

For more opportunities of prayer, always available to you is our Morning Glory Prayer and listening meditation – DappyTKeys

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The Shepherd Knows the Sheep

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

What is Forbid?

Stature of Woman With Covered Mouth

The meaning of the word forbid is “to refuse to allow.”  What an action word!  Only six letters and yet it has consequences.  If I can forbid you to do something…. then…I am taking authority over it? Well…How extraordinary is my power!  If I refuse to allow you to do something….then…  But what happens if the very thing that I wish to accomplish is counterproductive because “I forbid?”

Be Careful

Take any situation and consider what the consequences could be if “You forbid.”  By simply exercising the action of forbidding, you have authority over the situation or person(s).  On whose authority, did you take such action?  Will you adjust and allow the Holy Spirit to govern? Will you allow the Holy Spirit to help you make the choices for today?

Consider the Scriptures

Consider the Scriptures of Matthew 19 and Matthew 22. Then children were brought to Jesus. They wanted Him to place His hands on them for a blessing and pray. The disciples reprimanded them.  But He said, “Leave the children alone. Do not forbid them from coming to Me. The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Do not allow the enemy to forbid you from having your victory!

The verses in Chapter 19 identify an example of forbidding that were counter-productive to what Jesus wanted. Jesus desired the willingness of people to freely come and accept him as Christ.

Laws of Nature Forbid

Today, you have the victory. God is not forbidding you to walk in His grace and mercy. Willingly, you have that right now.

As it was then, so it is in today’s society, humans seek to make laws to govern. There are the laws of nature and there are spiritual laws that govern. But there are NO laws of nature that man can devise that will rule above spiritual matters. You have the right to be well in Him.

Matthew 22: 37-40 says: And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart. Love the Lord with all your soul. Love the Lord with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  The second is like it. ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ This means to unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others. The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend on these two commandments.” This is the free will for an abundant life. It is not just words.

Forbidding – A Personal Responsibility

Take actions now to walk in that abundance. Yes, desire to think on those things that will please the Father. Therefore, choose to pray that the actions that align with His will. Pray that your actions do not cause anyone to turn away from the Father. For God is Wisdom and Truth. Pray, “Open my eyes, Dear Lord, that I know your law. I trust you God, in the name of Jesus, that:

  • my actions will show mercy.  Obedience will please and honor You. 
  • my action(s) will be as a peacemaker not a peacebreaker; my actions will be guided by the Holy Spirit and not man’s ways.
  • I know You are able and willing to help any person who seeks You. If I really trust God, then my actions will be LOVE.
  • the Holy Spirit will speak on my behalf. I will bring others to You because of Your leading me.”
  • I now forbid any demonic forces to sabotage what You have for my family, friends, and me
  • .I am a servant of Yours.

Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

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    Celebrating the Impact: Stories of Transformative Servant Leadership

    Messages of Hope

    Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

    Understanding Transformative Servant Leadership

    Transformative Servant Leadership is too radical for most inspiring leaders, even in modern times. Without the Truth and acceptance of Godly principles, it is inconceivable for the human spirit. Transformative Servant Leadership operate under the concepts of God’s principles, the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). In modern society, there is a form of this type of leadership. Realistically and truthfully, it is not even what most in ministerial leadership gravitate toward. Statistically, data supports this statement. In carrying out its principles, there must be a commitment to prioritize service over leadership authority (Mark 10:42–45). This calling is beyond what most leaders are willing to do. Giving a list of ten ways to transform people into God’s principles is not the answer. Transformative Servant Leadership is a matter of the heart. It is, however, in the business world, an important contrast.

    Traditional leadership is more about self-ambition, hierarchy, competition, tracking successes, and levels of authority. Most leaders and organizations continue to think and drive this style of leading, even while they speak about transformation.

    Greenleaf’s Foresight

    Among scientists, most researchers credit the Servant Leadership style to that of Robert K. Greenleaf (1904-1990). However, while his contributions did make an impact, my view of Transformative Servant Leadership is that Greenleaf had the ability and intuitiveness to identify biblical principles into a modern theory of acceptance for aspiring leaders.

    Quite often, in the natural (business, education, science, government, etc.) world, excitement for something new is always trendy until something else emerges to take its place. When it comes to variation of leadership styles i.e., authoritative, each can be scripturally found. However, Jesus, is the model of Transformative Servant Leadership. This is not to say that we should not try to move toward this model of better leadership in all areas of our lives. Why?

    Why Transformative Servant Leadership

    First, the word transformative, by definition, is about change. Second, the word servant, by definition, is about serving. Third, the word leadership, by definition, prioritizes guidance. Together, the philosophy of Transformative Servant Leadership is the continuity of change for serving and guidance beyond self. In contrast to other leadership models, the primary goal is to serve others with humility. That is a higher standard than any human can achieve without true guidance.

    Transformative Servant Leadership model advocates “Grace.” The same grace that is given to you must be afforded to others. Therefore, to describe oneself as a Transformative Servant Leader is to wrestle with the weight of suffering, challengers, and victories under the free gift of GRACE.

    Inspiring Stories of Transformation

    Traditional leadership was my foundation in the business world; it was useful, in that roles and assignments were clearly defining. Even in education, as a leader, although I was providing a great service, leadership was still a more traditional in style. However, my most humbling experiences stem from learning the principles baked into Transformative Servant Leadership.

    In fact, any story that I have about prosperity is because of grace. No silver or gold could buy what God did in transforming me. At the appropriate time, I will share more about the merciful Father who continues to give me more than I deserve. But for now, I share that those experiences of grace are my testimonies and causes of my willingness in supporting others for transforming their relationship with God. Perfection is not a requirement for transforming as servant leaders. One of the most effective means of transformation in leadership is sharing your truth. Unfortunately, there are too many leaders who hide behind their “coat of arms.”

    The Role of Storytelling in Ministry

    The role of storytelling in ministry must be truthful and shared from our experiences. The most transformative servant leader that ever walked this earth is Jesus. What a powerful ministry to have of messages for faith and leadership! His transformative leadership is the one to model. Jesus’s art of storytelling is still a powerful one for witnessing and serving to the oppressed, to the foreigner, to the less fortunate, to the rich, and including to yourself.

    There are many examples of his storytelling to all types of people. He met people where they were and his stories were analogies not to impress anyone; but to give understanding. To the farmer, it was the parable of the farmer; to those who wish to divide, read the parable of the wheat and weeds and parable of the woman making bread and yeast (Matthew 13:18-23; Matthew 13:24; Matthew 13:33-35). In furtherance, his messages of ministry highlight the importance of sharing stories and giving grace to all. His type of engagement was the result of transformation in others to serve and elevate others, continuingly. Percept upon percept; line by line – it is a continuous operation. That is why we must support and encourage one another, another principle for growing.

    Encouraging Servant Leadership in Your Community

    No, I am offering a list of ten ways to transform. However, I am to encourage you to remember that fostering practical steps of Transformation Servant Leadership can shape a community. In your transformative walk as a servant leader, work with the Holy Spirit to build up and out. Yours, is to build leaders and witnesses for His glory. If we aspire to this type of leadership, then we will be instruments of transformation by exhibiting Christ-like behaviors that pleases the Creator. We are not selectively teaching those we like or dislike. Thus, examine yourself to see if you are predominantly:

    • Building relationships or badgering for submissiveness
    • Harvesting or hindering
    • Hospitable or Hoarding (Matthew 25:37-40)
    • Blessing or persecuting (Matthews 5; the Beatitudes)
    • Creating or Misusing Opportunities for Transformation

    Thus, Transformative Servant Leadership, designed by God, is to be equipped by the Holy Spirit to do the work. Contrasting the world’s view, Transformative Servant Leadership was at the beginning of Creation, and it was expounded by leaders for God’s purpose (i.e., Moses, Joshua, Isaiah). In summary, the most powerful one was, of course, was Jesus. His leadership of obedience elevated people as communities of love and faith. Therefore, as joint heirs, ours is to be a continuation of serving others for transforming lives that leads to eternity.

    Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

    Look for more about this topic. For now, we want to encourage your calling through the following blog posts. May you be uplifted:

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    Somedays – It’s Just About Music

    Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

    Music is part of our mental health as never before. Beyond conversations with God, today is one of the those days that only music seems to soothe the soul.

    I was a caregiver. Even today, there is nothing that I can compare with taking care of my Mom. February 23, 2021, she fell in love with instrumental gospel jazz. On that day, I wrote the following:

    February 23, 2021

    ,Some days, the stress can get to you. Not only is it stressful for me, but it is more stressful for my Mom.” Relying upon others for basic care is frustrating for her. It makes her angry. Lately, she has not been able to take an afternoon ride with me. Sightseeing! I miss it too.

    It has been one year since she has been outdoors. For decades, my Mom loved singing in the choirs. So, it is not surprising that music still delights her. Still, there are times that nothing seems to work. BUT TODAY….February 23, 2021….. she “fell into jazz.”

    She wasn’t a jazz lover before. She loved gospel music more than any other. But today, the sounds of Jazz is calming to her soul. She closed her eyes and listened for two hours!!!

    Dad and Mom#2 Left Us Too

    Just a year and half ago, Dad took his journey also. When my father was dying, my brother dealing with his own ordeal, would play my podcast for him in the late nights. He said hearing my voice soothed our Dad; especially Gardenia’s Garden Podcast Episode #6 Morning Glory. It gave him the sense that I was in the room. I guess that is what music can do. Give a voice to the voiceless. Within two years, three parents took their heavenly flight.

    Today, music and their favorite songs remind us of good times. It soothes and puts smiles on our faces.

    I thank God for the spirit of music that permeates across cultures and mindsets. God loves music. He loves the sounds that celebrate Him.

    “Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, the shepherd body David, would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him,” 1 Samuel 16:23 NIV.

    Rest in peace, Mom and Dad.

    Today, this is the sound from my YouTube list of favorites that soothed my Mom’s soul: BGM Channel, Weekend Cafe Jazz. I hope it soothes your mind, body, and spirit.

    it is because of this, that I created a playlist of some of my favorites on the Servant Leadership NOW YouTube Channel. I hope you enjoy them. You can Subscribe and listen to Gardenia’s Radio for a great playlist featuring music from various genres.

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