Mandy Mianecki
About the Author

Mandy Mianecki loves combining words and images online and on canvas. Her joys include her husband, her four children, and flowing with the Spirit.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
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  1. Interesting… I have always been one to think the worst and be surprised by God. Probably not the spirit of a “good” Christian. When I go on an interview, “oh I didn’t get the job”. When I get the job, “oh I won’t do well”. When I do well, “oh people are used to idiots..”

    I have been like that my whole life. It seems to be a defense against my delicate ego when I inevitably make a mistake, which everyone does. I can say, I knew I’d mess up.

    I’m gonna pray on this because I just realized how unhealthy this is! Thanks

    • I’ll pray on it , too! Heavenly Father, I praise You for the masterpiece You have created in Emilie. I praise you that You are Truth, and that You reveal Yourself to us. I ask You, Father, to wrap your precious daughter, Emilie, in Truth. Convict her of Your mad love for her, that You created her with amazing strengths and gifts to accomplish something great for You that only she can! Heal those places in her that have overgrown with with doubts, reassuring her that You love her in this moment as in every moment, that Your love for her does not change based on her performance. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. –Thank you for reading and sharing your heart, Emilie. When those negative thoughts fill your mind, just tell yourself that God has gifted you with amazing strengths, and He is for you!

      • What amazing faith you have and strength in prayer. All my life until 4 to 6 years ago I had faith like yours. I did not dread or avoid prayer. I looked forward to it. Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings were times of worship with friends and church family and those days were the highlights of my week. It gave me a feeling of renewal, strength and peace. I came to need that time and it was very unsettling if I went more than 3 days without it. Hurtful words and the abrasiveness of hateful people did not move me back then. Only Jesus moved me. And he moved me, my heart, to love most those people who hurt me.

        Often times I wonder if I will ever find my way back to Jesus. Back to that place where he was the center of my own little corner of the world.

        I can only hope that he hears the brokenness of my heart and my soul and that he is always listening. And I can only hope that he knows how little faith and strength I have left and that he is working powerfully in my life and my heart and my soul. And I can only hope that he will give me just one more miracle and guide me right back to him while I still have time left in this life.

        • Oh, precious friend. Jesus came, died, and rose specifically to heal brokenness! I have no doubt of his incomprehensible love for you. He sees every detail of you down to your core, and He wants to work powerful things in you! He desires your healing and wholeness even more than you do. I am so sorry for your pain. Such strife is not what He ever wanted for you. Thank you for visiting here and sharing your heart. May I pray for you? Heavenly Father, I praise You for the incredible masterpiece You created in your child. I thank You for the perfect plan You have for her, and the miracles You have for her. You promise that You are close to the brokenhearted and that You save those who are crushed in spirit. See into Your child\’s heart now. Rain Your grace down on her in abundance. Reveal to her her Who You are, and fill her with the assurance and knowledge of Your goodness and faithfulness. Fill her with Your perfect love, raise her out of her pain. Bind up her wounds, and heal her strife. Grant her Your holy peace. Draw her close, and keep her wrapped in Your tender loving-care. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. Blessings to you. Please know that you are welcome at my online space any time: http;//mandymianecki.com

  2. Hi Mandy, I’m so excited to see you here today! What a great word of encouragement about the lies that ring in our ears. One of my favorite ways to drown them out is to sing the chorus of “I Am New” by Jason Gray:

    I’m not who I was, I’m being remade, I am new
    I’m chosen and holy and I’m dearly loved, I am new

    How awesome is THAT!
    Hugs to you, sweet friend!

    • Hi Susan! Thank you:) Those are some great lyrics–truly awesome: remade, new, chosen, holy, dearly loved! Thanks for reading and sharing. Hugs!

  3. I really needed to read this today! It’s a crazy busy week at work and I keep telling myself it’s too much, I can’t do it… But my strength & hope are in Christ, not in me! Thank you for the encouragement!

    • Oh, you can do it, Amanda! You can do it! Seek Him and how He would have you order your week. He is your strength, and He is for you. I’m praying for abundant grace to cast out doubts for you this week. Thank you for reading and sharing!

  4. This is SO good Mandy. If ever there was a human lie detector and encourager wrapped up in one it must be those beautiful words of Scripture you remind us of. Thank you so much.

    • Thank you, Lisa-Jo! Isn’t God so good and faithful to give us His word as a reminder of His love? I appreciate your comment:)

  5. Satan has already been busy this morning. I’m battling the stupid stats lie today….That all this writing and work isn’t worth my time because I’m not reaching all that many people. Great word today Mandy!

    • Precious Mary Beth! Girl, your words have SO blessed in the few months I have known you! If you need a stat, look at your amazing link up–you are reaching so many people:) Better yet, you are serving the ones He wants you to serve. It is worth it, you are doing it, and He is for you! We need your voice. Stick with us. Thanks for reading, sharing and encouraging me in my process.

  6. Thanks for these words today! It is so easy to just get discouraged and not even try to combat the lies that squirm their way into my brain, but your post helps me fend them off. I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me!

    • Beth, my mom told me once that discouragement is never from God. I had never thought of that, but it is so true. I love the truth you’ve stated here. You can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens you. Amen! Having just one phrase of truth to repeat when you’re attacked with lies is all you need to start, so keep proclaiming it! Blessings, Beth. Thank you for reading and sharing.

  7. Ahhhhhhh! Soaking it all in! He loves me in a reckless sacrifice His-own-Son-to save me sort of way! Thank you:)

  8. Mandy, have never heard your first sentence response to Beth about discouragement never coming from God. I am going to recopy this statement and put it on my wall in my quilt room which is also the room I meditate and do alot! of thinking in. Perhaps this will get me out of a bondage of regret and into a life full of peace.

    • Terre, I am so touched and blessed by your words. The knowledge that God loves us personally, individually and wants only our good are crucial truths! He is love, and love does not desire discouragement. I love that you are posting this where it can remind you and nourish you. Lord Jesus, thank for the gift of your daughter Terre! Embrace her with the truth that Your desire is for her to live in freedom. Peel away the regret, and replace it with Your truth, peace, and unconditional love. In the name of Jesus, Amen. Terre, He has erased your past. He has redeemed it, and He longs to transform your pain in beauty! Blessings to you.

  9. The lie to me – you should be able to do it all, be happy about your burdens and never get weary of all you have to do — taking care of disabled husband, work full time job, monitor 83 year old mother, encourage grown children, etc. etc. etc. I must remember that before I even ask His promised are on the way. Thanks.

    • Oh, I am so glad you have recognized this lie! Holley Gerth’s book, “You’re Already Amazing” was pivotal for me in realizing this: I only need to do what God is asking of me. He has equipped me to do what He has called me to do. I do not have to do every good thing simply because it is a good thing. He had equipped others to do some of those things. Another truth: she who is the most miserable is not the most holy! Life has a way of bringing hardship our way, so we don’t need to seek it out in order to please God. The amazing truth is that God loves you just as much now as He does when you feel you have failed miserably! Our success, as perceived by the world, doesn’t define our worth, and praise God for that! Yes, Sarah, He will be your grace and strength when you are weary. I pray you feel Him lifting you up! Blessings to you.

  10. Beautiful piece my dear friend!! Great reminder and like the way you say how it sneaks in like that, snake-like. The evil one tries so hard on our hardest days too, good to remember how much we are loved by God and made for His purpose. Great work!

    • Thank you, my dear, sweet friend! So very good to see your name here! I need so many reminders, and you do that for me. Thank you again. Love you!

  11. Hi Mandy,

    Thank you not only for writing this post, but for taking the time to pray with people in the comments. I’ve never met you, but you’re a blessing.

    • Hi Sarah,

      It is my pleasure to be able to share in prayer with you wonderful women! Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts here. Your words bless me, too.

  12. Oh wow! This is EXACTLY what I needed to read this morning. Satan has been busy in my life persuading me to believe that I am not good enough to marry my fiance and not measure up to his ex-wife (she is so beautiful). Although he has never made me feel like I needed to compare to her, satan sure has. Having battled revolving image issues and eating disorders, I have put my faith in Jesus to rescue me from these lie regarding external beauty. Daily it is still a struggle, but I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Christ and fearful of not measuring up I will not be! Thank you so much for this Mandy. Praying for all my sisters in Christ! Hugs and love!

    • Jen! You need to know and cling to this: Jesus loves you SO much, more than you can comprehend, just as you are! He made you just as are for purposes and a plan that ONLY you can can fulfill. You are a blessing to this world with gifts that no one but you can offer! It is good that you have identified the lies in your life. We are fallen and human, and reality is hard. I hear you on that. You are more than good enough. People fail, and we ourselves fail (praise God for His unfathomable mercy to cover that), but He will never fail or stop loving you. Remind yourself every day, and you will start to grow in confidence of how amazing He made you! Thank you for your thoughts here, and your prayers. You remain in mine. Hugs and love back!

  13. I must confess, I was jumping up and down before I even read your post — just seeing you here! Yay! And as I read along…I couldn’t stop. What a beautiful, encouraging post. One most of us should read every day. just to remember. Oh how He loves us…relentlessly. and I’m His. What more do I need.

    Hugs to you, friend! (so proud of you)

    • Oh, Nikki! Hello, sweet friend:) Your words bring tears to my eyes. Thank you so, so much for your kindness and support! Yes, He loves us relentlessly, so, so much! And He wants that to fill us, not the ugly lies of the enemy. Hugs back! You have blessed my life so much:)

  14. I have been struggling with major insecurity. I am a divorced single mom of a 3 year old amazing little girl. My mom and family love me and help me. My ex- husband is in another country and there is absolutely no contact whatsoever. I am ok with that part- that is a gift. I feel in alone, unworthy of friendships and love. Last night, the deep feelings surfaced and popped out of my mouth before I realized what was happening, “I AM LESS THAN.” It struck so deep and so hard, because it is the lie that has lived in there for so long. I feel it in so many ways. I prayed and gave it to God and went to bed. This message was so well-timed, thank you.

    • Anna, (and that is my oldest daughter’s name, so I am smiling) your situation is hard. I am sorry for the struggle you have. That you have identified the lies in your life is good! The Lord wants to free you from your struggles, friend. He came, died, and rose so you can be free! It’s not easy, I know. I struggle with insecurity, too. In His tender mercy, Jesus is peeling off my layers of fear, anxiety, insecurity, and feelings of worthlessness. I have felt what you are saying so often, in those ugly words: “less than.” Such a lie! The Lord laid it on my heart to start writing about how He is freeing me from this lie. If you would like to read more about that, here is the post where I talk about going from less than to more than: http://hissongtomeshalom.blogspot.com/2012/09/set-world-on-fire.html –Anna, you have amazing things to offer others that no one else can! He planted them in you to bring others to Him. We need you, just as you are! You can do it, because He is your strength, and He is for you. Hugs, blessings, and joy and peace in abundance to you!

  15. Ah, what a great post, Mandy! I loved how you shared that you felt like you couldn’t encourage your husband because you are better at encouraging women. Crazy the lies we believe, isn’t it?

    • Hi Becky:) Thank you. Yes, the crazy lies sneak in, and I find that I am so quick to believe them. I am slowly learning though. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here!

  16. I think sometimes we say those things about ourselves because we need and crave to hear otherwise. We can think it all we want, but once the words come out, we need to be buoyed up. Your words were perfect affirmations.

    • Yes, Lisa, I think you’re right. I know I need people to continually speak truth to me. It’s wonderful to have people who will do that. We all need encouragement. Thank you for yours!

  17. You know, I can catch myself believing lies about myself, but you helped me see the lies I sometimes believe about others. Yes, there are times when I see or hear someone doing something and I think, “Are you stupid?” I’ve on occasion even said it. I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve fed the lie in others… I also often hear one of my daughters say, “I can’t do it. It’s too hard.” My response is usually along the lines of her being smart and she can do it, but she’s being stubborn. Sometimes I emphasize that she can do all things through Christ who gives her strength, but not often enough. I need to be more quick to show people the truth that God has shown me and to help dispel the lies rather than perpetuate them. Thank you for opening my eyes today. Maybe you’ll pray for me as I try to change my course, according to His will, so I can better serve Him and encourage others.

    • It such a good point that you make here! The devil can lie to us about other people. He sneaks in so easily like that. It’s awesome that you’ve identified that. Now you can fill up with truth about others and be an encouragement to them as well! Thank you for pointing this out. I appreciate you sharing here. Heavenly Father, thank You for your precious daughter, Chick. I praise You for the marvelous insights and wisdom You have poured into her. Continue to enlighten her mind and shower her with grace, that she may walk with you, seek Your will, and bless others with Your truth and love. Remind her continually of your mad love for her, that she may overflow with it to encourage others. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. –Blessings to you!

  18. Your words today could not have been more timely. I had to have my husband call one of our daughters to tell her we would have to put off picking up two of the girls who were going to spend the night because I woke up with diarrea. At first glance someone might say, “Well, that doesn’t sound so bad. You’ll get through it and have them another day.” They would be right in their thinking, but for me, having to cancel time with my family is more common than not. Until 18 years ago, I was the high energy daughter, wife, mother, aunt, and friend, always the one to be counted on to cook a meal, make a prom dress, alter a bridesmaid gown, make a wedding or birthday cake, play the keyboard and sing on our worship team, work full-time as a Radiological Technologist, carrying all the kids, with their arms and legs wrapped around me, on the zip-line over my brothers pond, and on and on…having an absolutely wonderful though tiring time, doing it all! Yes, there were times of illness, some of it unexplained, but usually everything ultimately got better after going through some type of corrective surgery.
    Eighteen years ago I suffered a whiplash, from a car accident, and my life changed dramatically…to the point of intermitant paralysis in my arms and legs plus a long list of other debilitating symptoms. After 6 months of dealing with it all and still working full-time, I finally admitted to my doctor that something was seriously wrong. MRI’s were done and I found out I was born with a condition called Arnold Chiari Malformation…the lower lobes of my brain protrude down into my cervical spine…thus the whiplash literally crushed my brain and nerves leading to my spinal-cord. After under going brain surgery…they damaged a major nerve…I became completely disabled.
    There is much more to my story but I want to get back to your encouraging words today. So many times, over this past 18 years I’ve battled with the “Lie”…you are nothing but a useless burden on your family, you must be a bad person somehow if you are going through all of this, and many more self defeating thoughts. The biggest thought I’ve battled with is, “There mu

  19. Your words today could not have been more timely. I had to have my husband call one of our daughters to tell her we would have to put off picking up two of the girls who were going to spend the night because I woke up with diarrea. At first glance someone might say, “Well, that doesn’t sound so bad. You’ll get through it and have them another day.” They would be right in their thinking, but for me, having to cancel time with my family is more common than not. Until 18 years ago, I was the high energy daughter, wife, mother, aunt, and friend, always the one to be counted on to cook a meal, make a prom dress, alter a bridesmaid gown, make a wedding or birthday cake, play the keyboard and sing on our worship team, work full-time as a Radiological Technologist, carrying all the kids, with their arms and legs wrapped around me, on the zip-line over my brothers pond, and on and on…having an absolutely wonderful though tiring time, doing it all! Yes, there were times of illness, some of it unexplained, but usually everything ultimately got better after going through some type of corrective surgery.
    Eighteen years ago I suffered a whiplash, from a car accident, and my life changed dramatically…to the point of intermitant paralysis in my arms and legs plus a long list of other debilitating symptoms. After 6 months of dealing with it all and still working full-time, I finally admitted to my doctor that something was seriously wrong. MRI’s were done and I found out I was born with a condition called Arnold Chiari Malformation…the lower lobes of my brain protrude down into my cervical spine…thus the whiplash literally crushed my brain and nerves leading to my spinal-cord. After under going brain surgery…they damaged a major nerve…I became completely disabled.
    There is much more to my story but I want to get back to your encouraging words today. So many times, over this past 18 years I’ve battled with the “Lie”…you are nothing but a useless burden on your family, you must be a bad person somehow if you are going through all of this, and many more self defeating thoughts. The biggest lie I’ve battled with is, “There must be some unconfessed sin in my life causing all this pain and suffering.” This last thought was spoken to me more than once by “well meaning Christians.” I’ve put that lie to rest by saying, “Yes, I am a sinner saved by grace but what I am experiencing now has nothing to do with it.” Other lies do attack me from time to time and today was one of those times. I felt like,”I am letting two of my granddaughters down again. I am disappointing them to the point they will never trust “Mema” to follow-through with her promises. They will be angry with me!” In my heart of hearts I know these lies are not true but for a time, this morning, I felt so useless and defeated.
    Thank you, Mandy, for being the “Voice” that calmed my spirit and reminded me that God does not make junk even if we are born with a debilitating condition. God can use all of us right were we are even if it is for limited periods of time!
    God bless you and your ministry!

  20. Sweet Ruth! Thank you for sharing your heart here, I’m so glad I got to read the entirety of it, as I didn’t see the last portion at first. I’ve learned that God does not cause pain and suffering. In fact, your trials are things that He never intended for you to have to suffer! He doesn’t initiate pain, but He transforms it. If you are willing to let Him in, He will make beauty of your trials. Yes, He can use you! He wants to use you. He created you to fulfill a plan that only you can, Ruth. Take heart in your incredible worth to Him. He loves you as you are. He is merciful with our stumblings, and He desires that we grant ourselves grace and mercy as well. You do what you can do, and that is all He asks. You love your grandbabies in a way that only you can. You will shine Jesus onto them! No, you didn’t cause your condition. It isn’t a punishment. Jesus took care of all that when He died for you. I am so heartened to know that you had calm in reading this today. Thank you for blessing me by telling me so. I will continue to pray that the Lord keeps you in His embrace of truth and love. We need you Ruth, just as you are! Blessings to you.

  21. This is a great post… Thank you so much. My husband has been on a journey of learning not to beat himself up for his mistakes…something he has REALLY struggled with in the past. I couldn’t be prouder of him.

    He often reminds me…and himself…and others… “You are WORTH the blood of Jesus.”

    Jesus’ blood speaks a better word over us than all our self-criticism and condemnation and false guilt and all the lies of the enemy that we tend to want to agree with.

    Oh Father, give us grace to take our thoughts captive in obedience to the Truth that You’ve spoken over us by Your death and resurrection.

    • So well said, Dana! i am praising God for your husband’s victory. What a great encouragement you both are to others. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts here! Blessings to you both.

  22. I am 23 weeks pregnant with my 3rd and really too busy to care well for myself–exercise, eating well, etc, with 2 kids under 5 and currently remodeling a house in which we hope to be living in in the next 11 days. My lies are about how my rounding and softening body looks– fat & ugly & the like. The truth is I HAVE been abundandly blessed to bear these children I was once told I would not be able to bear. My husband adores me and lavishes me with compliments, but my broken tape is so loud. I am desperate to replace the lies with God’s truth.

    • Megan, I know too well the strain of pregnancy, caring for little ones, and insecurity. You are facing hardships, and it’s OK to acknowledge that. You are participating in a miracle right now, and growing that baby is hard work! A practical truth; it’s OK, good, and necessary to carve out a little time to take care of you! Even if it is 5 or 10 minutes a day to sit, breathe, enjoy a favorite drink or snack, and not be responsible for doing ANYTHING in those few minutes. Close your eyes and let God love on you. Soak in the truth that He couldn’t love you more right in that moment…no matter what you look like, what you’ve accomplished, no matter what. You are beautiful, and He made you just how he wants you! Be kind to yourself. He wants you to extend grace and mercy to yourself just as He wants you to extend it to others. Oh Heavenly Father, I thank You for the masterpiece You have created in Megan and your crazy, mad love for her. You know well the hardships she faces. Flush out the lies that bombard her and replace them with your love and truth, Carry her, sustain her, guide her. In the name of Jesus, Amen. Blessings, Megan!

  23. I keep wondering about my service to God. We go to a small church where my gifts are not being used. Not because they say no but because so far they are not needed. So I think I should look outside the church for how I can be used and then I’m overwhelmed by how many places there are but are at least an hour away. I’m on the road so much that this discourages me. I have been use to serving in the church in some way or another. When we came to this church I had been taking care of my parent’s and my children and I still am. I love the people there they are very encouraging. I just don’t feel complete because I’m not serving God. I start to think maybe He is upset with me and doesn’t want my service. I search and confess everything I know possible and still nothing changes. Joyce Meyer says you don’t have to search to find service it will find you. I love the Lord very much and being able to serve Him makes me feel I’m doing what He wants me to. Without service I feel incomplete.

    • Bonnie, thank you for sharing your heart here. It sounds like the lie, “I am incomplete” is bombarding you. The way you live your life, in each decision you make, is worship of God. There are many kinds of service, and caring for parents and children is service! You are putting much energy into that, I’m sure, and they are blessed to have you. After reading Holley Gerth’s book, “You’re Already Amazing”, it was clear to me that you only need to do what God is calling you to do, nothing more. There are seasons when your load will be lighter: perhaps for healing, perhaps to rest up for the next phase He is calling you to. Might I suggest that you continue to pray to see if there is a way God wants to use you, and in the meantime, focus your energy on loving the people God has put in your path. Silence is NOT because He can’t use you:) He loves you just as you are–He made You the way you are because of the perfect plan He has for you! It will come. Fill up on how much He loves you, praise Him through it all for His love and faithfulness, and He will show you what He wants when the time is right! I will pray, too:) Waiting is hard, I know. He will be your strength and shower you with grace, friend. Blessings!

  24. Chiming in late here…another great post Mandy. Lies are so awful because they just drain away our trust in ourselves, others, and God! For me, the lie I struggle with the most is the one that says “I need to do it ALL!” All as in everything from household perfection to fixing peoples lives! It is better than it has been in the past, but still rears it’s ugly head! Replacing the lie with The Truth is the only way to overcome :0)!

    • Hi Donna! Amen:) Those lies just send us into a tailspin so quickly, don’t they? So, remember, sweet friend, you only need to do what He is calling you to do–He has the perfect balance for you. And your worth is not in those things anyway (we do them so imperfectly) but in your identity in Him. You are loved beyond comprehension because He made you on purpose. The joy is in the being, not the doing! Blessings to you.