WORKSHEET
Envisioning Freedom in our Future
"B-O-U-N-C-E"
Envisioning Freedom in our Future
"B-O-U-N-C-E"
A "WORKSHEET" is simply a way for you to look squarely at yourself and see where you are. Like a GPS system in your car or in your phone, you have to know where you're at, honestly, clearly and completely.
At the beginning of these worksheets, take time to pause and quiet yourself. This is a great time for reflection as to how to care for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit for inspiration and insight as you work through this worksheet.
Worksheets can be printed so you can reflect on them later, or perhaps your device has the ability to make notes right on the Worksheet page, then you can save the Worksheet in your device for later review.
The “B” in “BOUNCE” stands for BREATHE and Pause, BELIEVE, BEAUTY and BOUNDARIES.
BREATHE and Pause. When you find yourself in distress (physically, emotionally, etc.) remember to first pause, and then practice, the type of breathing as described earlier in Comfort.Guide. This type of breathing calms the body and your emotions, so that you can think clearly. Then, and most important, turn your focus on, and talk directly to, Jesus Himself, face to face and heart to heart. This will bring the kind of relief you need.
BELIEVE. In your new, Spirit-filled life, let the Holy Spirit lead you to actively choose and fully believe God’s truths about you. The more you “practice” choosing to agree with his heart and mind, the more these truths will sink in and form the new basis for your thoughts and feelings. By doing so, you will find that your “head” knowledge will be settling into your heart! Ask yourself which truths you are most in need of!
BEAUTY. How much beauty do you see in yourself at this point in your life, as opposed to your self-image from 10, 20 or even more years ago?
How about the beauty of God’s care for you, and His plan for you, and His healing for you: are you seeing these in a new way that leads to life?
And how about beauty in general: in addition to the thorns in your life, how about the new beautiful flowers that you can see, touch, smell, enjoy, etc.?
In Philippians Chapter 4:8, in which we are exhorted to think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. When we choose to turn our eyes on Jesus, we are also turning our focus on seeing beauty through His eyes, beauty that is all around us and in us.
BOUNDARIES. What new Boundaries do you need to more firmly set, and with whom?
And the reverse … what new boundaries might you want to relax and open more, and with whom?
Begin to envision how the Lord would help you move forward in these areas. He will speak concretely to you to help you.
What other "B" words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom?
The “O” in “BOUNCE” stands for OPEN TO DISCERNING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S VOICE, YOUR VOICE, AND OTHER VOICES and OPEN TO SHARE HIS VOICE THROUGH YOU TO OTHERS.
OPEN TO DISCERNING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S VOICE, YOUR VOICE, AND OTHER VOICES. Envision your new everyday life, filled with the Holy Spirit, able to talk to and with Jesus Himself. Can you see the new ability to more easily, and correctly, sense what thoughts and feelings are from God Himself, and which might be “old” patterns and temptations? What positive changes, going forward, will you see in yourself?
OPEN TO SHARE HIS VOICE THROUGH YOU TO OTHERS. In the past, was your “voice” ever stifled and/or muzzled? Did that lead to frustration? In your new life of freedom, however, as God reveals truth to you, how would God encourage you to share your wounds, joys, emotions, wants, needs, views, opinions and suggestions? What difference would this make in your everyday life and relationships compared to your past experiences in this area?
What other "O" words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom?
The “U” in “BOUNCE” stands for UNDO.
UNDO. The gift God has for you is to UNDO old patterns in your life, patterns of speech, actions and thoughts. With His help, you can be successful in this effort!
This would be a great time to dive into the “Defense Mechanisms - Rewrite” following this Worksheet in Week #9. This will help you very concretely compare past patterns as opposed to new, healthy future patterns of thinking, patterns now based on meaningful truths that keep you safe.
What other "U" words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom?
The “N” in “BOUNCE” stands for the ability to say “NO” when needed and “YES” when needed.
As you think about a memory, it is also important to understand the freedom to say NO when needed and the freedom to say YES when needed!
Saying NO: The underlying freedom in saying NO to someone or some situation is actually the ability to identify, or envision, the underlying danger of saying YES!
When and where have you said YES in your life, perhaps because of an underlying fear, but you wish you had the strength to say NO?
What situations can you identify that you, because of an underlying fear, said YES rather than NO.
Can you identify the underlying fear that pressured you to say YES rather than NO?
Can you envision the freedom to say NO TODAY?
What changes in your perspective of SAFETY would need to be worked within you?
Pause and envision these changes. The work of the Holy Spirit is to set us free.
Saying YES: The freedom to say YES involves being able to envision the blessing that is being offered, even when we are blind, fearful or dealing with twisted beliefs that cloud our decision-making.
When and where have you been unable to give yourself permission to truly receive a gift from God, others, or even from yourself?
Can you identify the underlying fears and beliefs that may have blocked you? Can you accept the changes necessary to be open?
Now envision yourself receiving these blessings!
What other “N” words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom???
The “C” in “BOUNCE” stands for the ability to CARESS and CARE for ourselves, CREATIVE problem solving and CHOOSING rather than Reacting.
CARESS and CARING. The word “caress” originates from French and Latin words that are translated into the concept of showing gentle affection. This brings a new awareness of the deeper freedom and meaning to the “hows” and “whys” of taking care of ourselves. In freedom, we take care of ourselves because He loves us with deep affection; we then care for ourselves as He would care for us, with tender affection, truth and gentleness.
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING. The first book of Scripture is Genesis, where we meet God as Creator. He created our universe (and us!) by simply speaking out His Word. And in that creativity an intricate (yet simple when we try to understand it) plan became the reality that is all around us. Although His entire plan is too intricate for the eye to see, the mind to understand and the heart to believe, creation stands as a simple testimony to His Existence and Presence.
In Genesis we also are told that we are created in His image! So, we too are creative, able to envision and plan what we want our own personal reality to become. As we let Him, He speaks His plan in our hearts and we can envision it. He then gives us the creative ability to implement His plan for our healthy growth! What were “problems”, “confusion” and “uncertainty” turn into answers, clarity and assurance!
Where in your life have you been implementing your own plan for your life?
Where have you come to see a difference between your plan and His plan?
CHOOSING rather than REACTING.
He has created us with the Creative power of CHOICE! How exciting it is that as we actively CHOOSE HIS PLAN, we not only see “life”, but also freedom! And by the way, it is interesting that God’s CHOICE for us is for our complete and total healing and growth and all that this implies!
What plans may you need to let go of and what NEW PLANS do you need to receive?
What other “C” words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom???
The “E” in “BOUNCE” stands for the ability to EXPLORE with Hope, have EXCITEMENT from Faith, and enjoy new EXPERIENCES based on God’s Truth.
EXPLORE with hope… The freedom to Explore involves an attitude of being open to change with hope by seeking out truth for growth, healing and transformation. Exploration is the opposite of survival, survival being associated with denial and rigidity of thought or perspective. Exploration takes courage and strength to seek out the light when you are trapped in darkness and denial.
What fears or rigidity of thought may prevent you from exploring new ways of thinking and relating?
EXCITEMENT... “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike ‘What’s next, Papa?’” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.
Romans 8:15-17 MSG Can you give Papa God permission to bring His excitement into your life? Say yes to Him today. You will be challenged but never disappointed.
EXPERIENCE... The experience of God’s deep love and the joy of becoming His children is not earned through our efforts, but freely received through what Jesus has already done through the cross and resurrection! This involves a shift from Asking Him to set us free, to Realizing and Thanking Him for already setting us free.
Can you begin to thank Him for what He has already done?
What other “E” words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom???
At the end of each part of “BOUNCE”, we have been asking you if any additional words come to your mind. The following are additional “E” words as suggested by participants in an actual Comfort.Guide group session..
Elevate, Emulate, Encourage, Encore, Endure, Endeavor, Engage, Enjoy, Envision, Escape, Evaluate, Evolve, Excavate, Expect, Expedite, Experiment, Explore, and Extend mercy…
Can you relate to some of these words? Perhaps now you could go back to the six letters in “BOUNCE” and come up with your own words!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PROMISES ..... short Scriptures to build you up and give you hope!
"...fear not, for I have redeemed you; when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze ..... you are precious and honored in my sight, and ..... I love you..." (Isaiah 43, NIV)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Click HERE to return to "Week 17 Outline".
Click HERE to go to the next page: Re-Write: "Defense Mechanisms".
At the beginning of these worksheets, take time to pause and quiet yourself. This is a great time for reflection as to how to care for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit for inspiration and insight as you work through this worksheet.
Worksheets can be printed so you can reflect on them later, or perhaps your device has the ability to make notes right on the Worksheet page, then you can save the Worksheet in your device for later review.
The “B” in “BOUNCE” stands for BREATHE and Pause, BELIEVE, BEAUTY and BOUNDARIES.
BREATHE and Pause. When you find yourself in distress (physically, emotionally, etc.) remember to first pause, and then practice, the type of breathing as described earlier in Comfort.Guide. This type of breathing calms the body and your emotions, so that you can think clearly. Then, and most important, turn your focus on, and talk directly to, Jesus Himself, face to face and heart to heart. This will bring the kind of relief you need.
BELIEVE. In your new, Spirit-filled life, let the Holy Spirit lead you to actively choose and fully believe God’s truths about you. The more you “practice” choosing to agree with his heart and mind, the more these truths will sink in and form the new basis for your thoughts and feelings. By doing so, you will find that your “head” knowledge will be settling into your heart! Ask yourself which truths you are most in need of!
BEAUTY. How much beauty do you see in yourself at this point in your life, as opposed to your self-image from 10, 20 or even more years ago?
How about the beauty of God’s care for you, and His plan for you, and His healing for you: are you seeing these in a new way that leads to life?
And how about beauty in general: in addition to the thorns in your life, how about the new beautiful flowers that you can see, touch, smell, enjoy, etc.?
In Philippians Chapter 4:8, in which we are exhorted to think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. When we choose to turn our eyes on Jesus, we are also turning our focus on seeing beauty through His eyes, beauty that is all around us and in us.
BOUNDARIES. What new Boundaries do you need to more firmly set, and with whom?
And the reverse … what new boundaries might you want to relax and open more, and with whom?
Begin to envision how the Lord would help you move forward in these areas. He will speak concretely to you to help you.
What other "B" words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom?
The “O” in “BOUNCE” stands for OPEN TO DISCERNING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S VOICE, YOUR VOICE, AND OTHER VOICES and OPEN TO SHARE HIS VOICE THROUGH YOU TO OTHERS.
OPEN TO DISCERNING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S VOICE, YOUR VOICE, AND OTHER VOICES. Envision your new everyday life, filled with the Holy Spirit, able to talk to and with Jesus Himself. Can you see the new ability to more easily, and correctly, sense what thoughts and feelings are from God Himself, and which might be “old” patterns and temptations? What positive changes, going forward, will you see in yourself?
OPEN TO SHARE HIS VOICE THROUGH YOU TO OTHERS. In the past, was your “voice” ever stifled and/or muzzled? Did that lead to frustration? In your new life of freedom, however, as God reveals truth to you, how would God encourage you to share your wounds, joys, emotions, wants, needs, views, opinions and suggestions? What difference would this make in your everyday life and relationships compared to your past experiences in this area?
What other "O" words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom?
The “U” in “BOUNCE” stands for UNDO.
UNDO. The gift God has for you is to UNDO old patterns in your life, patterns of speech, actions and thoughts. With His help, you can be successful in this effort!
This would be a great time to dive into the “Defense Mechanisms - Rewrite” following this Worksheet in Week #9. This will help you very concretely compare past patterns as opposed to new, healthy future patterns of thinking, patterns now based on meaningful truths that keep you safe.
What other "U" words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom?
The “N” in “BOUNCE” stands for the ability to say “NO” when needed and “YES” when needed.
As you think about a memory, it is also important to understand the freedom to say NO when needed and the freedom to say YES when needed!
Saying NO: The underlying freedom in saying NO to someone or some situation is actually the ability to identify, or envision, the underlying danger of saying YES!
When and where have you said YES in your life, perhaps because of an underlying fear, but you wish you had the strength to say NO?
What situations can you identify that you, because of an underlying fear, said YES rather than NO.
Can you identify the underlying fear that pressured you to say YES rather than NO?
Can you envision the freedom to say NO TODAY?
What changes in your perspective of SAFETY would need to be worked within you?
Pause and envision these changes. The work of the Holy Spirit is to set us free.
Saying YES: The freedom to say YES involves being able to envision the blessing that is being offered, even when we are blind, fearful or dealing with twisted beliefs that cloud our decision-making.
When and where have you been unable to give yourself permission to truly receive a gift from God, others, or even from yourself?
Can you identify the underlying fears and beliefs that may have blocked you? Can you accept the changes necessary to be open?
Now envision yourself receiving these blessings!
What other “N” words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom???
The “C” in “BOUNCE” stands for the ability to CARESS and CARE for ourselves, CREATIVE problem solving and CHOOSING rather than Reacting.
CARESS and CARING. The word “caress” originates from French and Latin words that are translated into the concept of showing gentle affection. This brings a new awareness of the deeper freedom and meaning to the “hows” and “whys” of taking care of ourselves. In freedom, we take care of ourselves because He loves us with deep affection; we then care for ourselves as He would care for us, with tender affection, truth and gentleness.
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING. The first book of Scripture is Genesis, where we meet God as Creator. He created our universe (and us!) by simply speaking out His Word. And in that creativity an intricate (yet simple when we try to understand it) plan became the reality that is all around us. Although His entire plan is too intricate for the eye to see, the mind to understand and the heart to believe, creation stands as a simple testimony to His Existence and Presence.
In Genesis we also are told that we are created in His image! So, we too are creative, able to envision and plan what we want our own personal reality to become. As we let Him, He speaks His plan in our hearts and we can envision it. He then gives us the creative ability to implement His plan for our healthy growth! What were “problems”, “confusion” and “uncertainty” turn into answers, clarity and assurance!
Where in your life have you been implementing your own plan for your life?
Where have you come to see a difference between your plan and His plan?
CHOOSING rather than REACTING.
He has created us with the Creative power of CHOICE! How exciting it is that as we actively CHOOSE HIS PLAN, we not only see “life”, but also freedom! And by the way, it is interesting that God’s CHOICE for us is for our complete and total healing and growth and all that this implies!
What plans may you need to let go of and what NEW PLANS do you need to receive?
What other “C” words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom???
The “E” in “BOUNCE” stands for the ability to EXPLORE with Hope, have EXCITEMENT from Faith, and enjoy new EXPERIENCES based on God’s Truth.
EXPLORE with hope… The freedom to Explore involves an attitude of being open to change with hope by seeking out truth for growth, healing and transformation. Exploration is the opposite of survival, survival being associated with denial and rigidity of thought or perspective. Exploration takes courage and strength to seek out the light when you are trapped in darkness and denial.
What fears or rigidity of thought may prevent you from exploring new ways of thinking and relating?
EXCITEMENT... “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike ‘What’s next, Papa?’” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.
Romans 8:15-17 MSG Can you give Papa God permission to bring His excitement into your life? Say yes to Him today. You will be challenged but never disappointed.
EXPERIENCE... The experience of God’s deep love and the joy of becoming His children is not earned through our efforts, but freely received through what Jesus has already done through the cross and resurrection! This involves a shift from Asking Him to set us free, to Realizing and Thanking Him for already setting us free.
Can you begin to thank Him for what He has already done?
What other “E” words would be meaningful to you as you envision Freedom???
At the end of each part of “BOUNCE”, we have been asking you if any additional words come to your mind. The following are additional “E” words as suggested by participants in an actual Comfort.Guide group session..
Elevate, Emulate, Encourage, Encore, Endure, Endeavor, Engage, Enjoy, Envision, Escape, Evaluate, Evolve, Excavate, Expect, Expedite, Experiment, Explore, and Extend mercy…
Can you relate to some of these words? Perhaps now you could go back to the six letters in “BOUNCE” and come up with your own words!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PROMISES ..... short Scriptures to build you up and give you hope!
"...fear not, for I have redeemed you; when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze ..... you are precious and honored in my sight, and ..... I love you..." (Isaiah 43, NIV)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Click HERE to return to "Week 17 Outline".
Click HERE to go to the next page: Re-Write: "Defense Mechanisms".