Year End Ponderings

As we enter the new year, it's a great time to reflect on our past accomplishments and to set new goals for the future. Let's leave behind what no longer serves us and reach out towards what we desire.

Here are some of my current ponderings. Take some time to make your own list and feel free to share it in the comments.

• Stop ruminating about past situations
  
  
• Stop thoughts of self-criticism

• Have faith in God working through you
  
  
  
  

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  Stop trying to fix yourself
  
  
• Be careful of all the advice out there--not all is of God nor is all necessary
  
  
• Enjoy the life God has given you
  
  
  
  

• Choose your thoughts intentionally
  
  
• Normalize boredom, we all deal with it
  
  
• Take care of your home and all God has given you
  
  
• Trust God to make changes in your life supernaturally
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Seek peace

• Stay meditative and mindful
  
  
• Hibernating in the winter is okay
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  
• Choose joy, kindness, and peace over negativity or constant activity
  
  
• Stay out of others' business
  
  
• Withdraw from troubling social media
  
  
• Encourage others as you can
  
  
• Don't try to control your adult children or spouse; set them free
  
  

• You don't have to report to the outside world everything you do
  
  
• Pace your purchases, especially of reading material. Read what you bring home
  
  
• Let God write your 2024 
  
  
  

What I will continue to do in 2024.

Currently, my daily routine includes stretching, feeding the outdoor birds, walking, attending church, creating art, reading devotional material, writing as inspired or requested, journalling, doing house chores, and taking care of a feral cat as well as my pets.

"Take a moment to reflect on the powerful message below:

💚💚💚

These three green hearts are a reminder to embrace love, kindness, and compassion in everything we do. Let's strive to spread positivity and make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. Together, we can make a difference."

Read Scripture and Let it Speak to You

 

I'm currently reading the poverty and justice bible (CEV) Contemporary English Version. It was given to me at a church years ago when they had a focus Sunday on the topic of justice. I'd put it aside until recently. 

But over the last few years, I've been intrigued by the topics of poverty and justice. I've worked voluntarily on a project related to justice--to hold violaters of such accountable. I've also been part of giving circles that reach out to those less fortunate than I. When decluttering my bookshelf, I came across this bible again. My first thought was to donate it to a homeless person. But I stopped short of that. I began reading segments instead. 

 

Here is a list I also came across in my journal notes. 

When you are spoken to with scripture: 

1. Underline it and write it down. 

2. Think about what it means.

3. Look up meanings of words if you need to or desire to.

4. Adjust your life to what it says.

5. Take any action you sense from it.

6. Watch how God reinforces the truth during your day. 

I had thrown out a lined paper notebook during my decluttering process there in my art table area. I know that doodling and journalling are therapeutic to my soul, so while reading this bible, I decided to retrieve the notebook and write down the points that spoke to me. Being at my art table, I was able to use various coloured pens. 

As it turned out, while I did read a few highlighted verses on poverty, I mostly came across verses on wisdom and valuable lessons for navigating a current life issue. 

If you don't already spend time on an exercise as described above, why not make it your goal? 

Let the Voices in your Head Go!

 

The following is an excerpt from a Rick Warren's Daily Devotional email: 

Jesus said in John 5:30, “I am not trying to do what I want, but only what he who sent me wants” (GNT). Jesus knew who he was trying to please.

If you’re not trying to please God, then in all likelihood, you’re trying to please a bunch of people. It’s a lot easier and less stressful to decide you’re going to please God—because whatever you do that pleases God will always be the right thing. This is why Jesus was so stress resistant. He was only trying to please one person.

• Whose approval are you depending on for your happiness? 
• Who are you still trying to please? 

For some, it’s a parent who never showed approval or encouragement. For others, it may be a boss who’s impossible to please, no matter how hard you try. But you are not a victim. You are as free as you choose to be. Nobody can pressure you into meeting their expectations without your permission.

Keep Creating and Become a Generous Giver

We are all creators. Made in the image of Creator God, we pour out from our being the ideas he places in us. For some, it is home decorating. Others, creating art or writing. Still others, building websites or creating graphics. 

I'm convinced that when we use the gifts God has blessed us with to bless others, we in turn will be blessed again. That is why I say develop your gifts, but share them with the world. Don't keep them to yourself. 

Be a Giver

I share my art online. I share about my other niche interests on social media too. 

I look for opportunities to give generously to various charities or individuals. But I know I can't give away all our family's personal resources, so I try to encourage others to also join in. 

I share on social media, posts and information I think will either be helpful to the person who created the original post, or helpful to the person who will see it. 

Sometimes OUR GIFT is as simple as using our network to share the giftings of others.  (see verse)

Proverbs 27:2  

Don't call attention to yourself; 

let others do that for you.

Creativity is Therapeutic 

The act of creating is helpful to us personally too. I don't have scientific studies to share, but I know creating at my art table is one way I unwind. It's therapeutic. I look forward to it at day's end.

And snapping photos on my Sabbath is a way I do something different that day that is enjoyable and calming. 

(A Facebook post by 

Curry's Artists' Materials)

Self-Coaching Prompt 

What gifts do you have? 

Do you need help in identifying them? 

What is one thing you can't not do? 

(To discover your passions, consider a look at my ebook 

What's Next? In Midlife: Identify Your Top 5 Essential Passions.)

In order to bless others as mentioned above, consider these tips:

1. Develop the gifts God has given you.   

2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV)  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

2. Move forward in confidence that God will work through you.  

Philippians 2:13 (NIV) for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

 

Sometimes, like the boy in Mark who seemed to be the only one in the crowd with food (bread loaves and fish), we feel we don't have much to offer.  But God will multiply the little we do offer.   

We are each unique. Our niche interests are God's gift to us, and what we do with them is our gift back to God. 

A Few Tips to Infuse Your Life with Spiritual Balance

 

A collage I created this past spring.

In my life journey, I stumbled upon a profound truth: we can't possibly master everything through trial and error alone. The secret? Learning from one another. 

Everything in life is spiritual--our relationships, our creativity, and all that is in the world. And when we operate with love and do what we do for God, our activities are a form of spiritual worship.

An acrylic painting. Available for purchase on my
Fine Art America page. 

The life message conveyed in the following guidance is about cultivating a balanced and spiritually enriched life. Here are some special ingredients I'm offering you to infuse into your own life journey:

1. Care Less

Focus less on worldly concerns. Yes, care deeply about loving God and others, but let go of excessive worry, stress over material possessions, and care about the opinions of others. 

2. Empathize but with Boundaries and Prayer

Be loving. That is what God wants. But it is also important to not allow someone's pain and problems to become your own. How can you care less? Entrust it all to God's care in prayer.

3. Use the word 'Opportunity' instead of 'Problem'

Life's issues become opportunities for asking God what to do about them. Every situation that arises is an opportunity to learn something, try something, take a risk, or even fail. Even in failing, there is growth. Once you give it to God, watch Him work things out. Then thank him.

4. Trust that God is Actively Working

God speaks to others just as much as He speaks to you. You're not so unique that you're the only one He communicates with. He can guide and speak to your husband, son, daughter, or friend. Step aside, relinquish control, and witness God in action.

5. Seek Out Beauty in the Everyday 

Beauty is all around you if you seek it. Working from my home office, I'm surrounded by windows that offer ever-changing glimpses of nature. I often pause to capture these views in photographs. I step outdoors often. I make a point to savour life's simple pleasures. I adorn my workspace with delightful decor that I enjoy. Embracing beauty adds a touch of joy and enrichment to life. 

May you walk your life's journey today with a heart filled with love and faith, finding balance, embracing opportunities in every challenge, trusting in God's guidance, and discovering beauty in the everyday. 

May your days be filled with joy, purpose, and spiritual enrichment.

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.

He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”

Psalms 55:22

What is Your Rut? How Can You Climb Out of It?

An abstract painting by Rosalie Garde.

Throughout my coaching journey, I've had the privilege of listening to numerous stories filled with heartache and confusion. I provided one-on-one coaching sessions over the phone, and I also worked as an online coach with two different organizations. In the latter role, there was no initial prequalification meeting; I would simply respond when my computer rang. Then, I'd embark in a chat messaging session. 

I sincerely hoped and prayed that my skills would prove helpful, and that the person on the other end of the computer chat would be serious and not a troll. Despite the uncertainty, I offered this as a paid service knowing I'd receive compensation regardless of whether they were genuinely seeking help or just looking to joke around.

Also, participating in a now defunct Christian chatline, I often found myself staying up late to mentor those who were going through challenging times. The stories they shared were genuine and filled with tales of abuse, involvement in witchcraft, recovery from abortion, battles with alcoholism, struggles in damaged marriages, financial hardships, dealing with loneliness and health dilemmas, and more.

I understand that overcoming trauma such as these situations can be an arduous journey. It necessitates support and a process of healing. 

Some women experience immediate healing when they turn to their faith in God. However, for many others, the healing journey is a gradual process and a journey of maturity and personal growth.

There are indeed people who find it extremely challenging to begin the healing process because they are still trapped in their trauma. They may be unsure about where to seek help, or they might choose to stay in their familiar but damaging circumstances. It's a complex and deeply personal struggle that many individuals face. It can also be hard to identify what needs to change by yourself. Hearing input from others is valuable. 

The Biblical account in John 5:1-15 is a powerful reminder of the question, "Do you want to get well?"

In this account, Jesus visited a healing pool and saw a man who'd been laying by the pool as an invalid. Jesus asked him, "Do you want to get well?"

That's a question each woman needs to ask herself. And then it's up to her to take one healthy step forward at a time.

 

This was me around age 50. 

I know well, many women contend with legitimate health issues that can be physically and mentally taxing. Chronic fatigue, myalgia, pain, injuries, and depression can be incredibly challenging to manage. However, your journey can include building a support team and seeking guidance from various professionals. I myself went on a journey many times for personal ailments. I'm doing well now. And that is my wish for all women. 

• What needs to change in your life?
• Will that change include new boundary setting?
• What professional may be of help to you right now?
• Are you already on a path to healing and growth? How can you celebrate your mile markers?

 

 

Take Your Heart's Desires Seriously and Work on Them

 

An art collage I did this past winter.

My art area.
One of my heart's desires was to have an in-home studio
where I could create, paint, draw.
God provided this area in 2010 when we moved and I was 52.

What are your interests? Do they include caring for wildlife, helping the poor, drawing, singing, or hiking? 

What are the things you enjoy spending time on? Do you like organizing, web surfing, cleaning, solving complex problems, or woodworking?

What are your desires? What do you wish would happen in your life or in your community? How might you help? 

What door do you hope will open? Is there a secret door in your mind you are hoping God will open for you to walk through?

As a Christian woman, do you know that your deepest desires and even some of your whims are placed within you by God?

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Perhaps you have a desire to write a book, to get a paid job, to earn a degree, to make friends, to cultivate a garden, to paint, to record music, to travel, and so on. Many of these are accomplishable desires. 

I like to sit on my deck. 
I don't like to view the junk that
might be under my neighbour's treehouse.
So I wondered long and hard about how to enhance my view. 
And these door panels and old gazebo parts were sitting in my yard.
I ordered a roll of peel & stick nature wall paper and
created this privacy screen  

FOR GOD'S SAKE

Your desires aren't only about you and your happiness. While God likes to give good gifts to his children, the gifts and desires he places within you are ultimately for his glory and to accomplish his purposes. We may not understand the reason behind the things he gets us to do. We may not see how we glorified him in any adventure we undertook. We may not gain feedback about how anything we have done has helped another. Regardless, our part is to complete the assignment we sense he is asking us to do. 

Mark 16:15-16 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel [publish openly the good news] to all creation."

WHAT TO DO ABOUT DESIRES

There is a chronic restlessness in humankind that is difficult to put a finger on. I've read that this underlying restless feeling is actually a yearning for heaven. This yearning needs to be tempered because we don't live in heaven while on earth. It makes sense that as humans we can try to fill our earthly life with all the right ingredients and still feel a void.  

Have you ever experienced a let down after a fun event or after achieving a worthwhile goal? Do you have days when you feel both tremendously happy and content and empty at the same time? This is the restless dynamic we all deal with. 

The ups and downs of life are part of our humanity. Happiness is hard to sustain. So rather than rely on one specific desire to be fulfilled to make you happy, ask God to course-correct your desires and help you to develop the ones he shows you.

A PRACTICAL LIST

Do you want to know some practical steps you can take to help hone your desires? Try working through this list:

1. Commit your plans to God. Proverbs 16:3 puts it this way, "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
   
   
2. Take your desires seriously for they are clues to your calling. 
   1 Corinthians 12:11 "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."
   
   
3. Ask God to fan your desires into flame. "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." 2 Tim. 1:6
   
   
4. Take small steps towards your hearts desires with realistic expectations. That is, don't shy away from them or use negative self-talk to talk yourself out of them "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6
   
   
5. Practice, work hard, and do your best when given the chance to make your desires a reality. "We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us" 1 Cor. 4:12 LB
   
   
6. Leave the outcome to God. If you have specific expectations of how things should work, chances are you will be disappointed. Just take steps and see what God does with what you offer. "My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure" Isaiah 46:10
   
   
   

   

   At the start of the pandemic, some ladies I knew made masks. Another makes cards. I purchased from them and gave
   them to health care workers in my community. 

   
   

Sometimes it seems as though our desires will never fully be realized. It helps to trust in this verse, Psalm 138:8. Here it is in various translations:

New International Version(©1984) The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me. New Living Translation (©2007) The LORD will work out his plans for my life--for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me. New American Standard Bible (©1995) The LORD will accomplish what concerns me. King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.) The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me. King James 2000 Bible (©2003) The LORD will perfect that which concerns me. An art piece I created with watercolour pencils in 2020.  Here is a random LIST OF IDEAS to spark your thoughts.  CHOOSE THOSE THAT MIGHT FIT YOU: I like to learn about technology. I like to draw and paint. I love walking dogs. I'd love to volunteer at a library, book store, thrift shop, or similar location. I want to start a vegetable garden. I love the study of archaeology. Sewing, knitting, or crocheting are me. I'm a writer. I enjoying viewing artwork online or at galleries. Cooking and new recipes are me. I love playing video games. I would love to be the social media specialist for a company. Scrapbooking and crafting describe my interests. Fish. I love fishing or aquarium fish. I love reading and bookclubs. I would love to tutor. Golfing is my passion. Blogging is something I'd like to try. I would like to be a cheerleader for others in small business. Walking or hiking describe a desire I'd like to do more of. I love taking care of my home and family. I love taking courses. A course I'd like to take next is _____. I hope to grow and tend flowers this year. My desire is to exercise more, I just need motivation. Share in the comments any ideas you've had from reading this list.