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.