tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38049827291568309972024-03-13T01:17:37.641-04:00Ministry To Women Life Purpose CoachingLife coaching tips and tools for Christian women.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-61675829326781850942024-02-27T01:53:00.007-05:002024-02-27T01:55:31.409-05:00Do You Get Caught Up in the Game of False Guilt?<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC318C6SsYbRwDXqBdTHetvPXhXJS23sqJDBQ7OXmqOA1qu_1aEGbb0YAsMGXIw0nuAYWFZ6lltT-ldDGjchj_OqVRcJy_okj9odEFc5A1h2eiNaPZJd5IrTVL91C5oYmfl1klqZx3JyZMuyQp6lLHywAPWeKrB47a329E_5K8ZSX71goRNiylEReZsJf0/s5280/Grandma's%20Buttons.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4708" data-original-width="5280" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC318C6SsYbRwDXqBdTHetvPXhXJS23sqJDBQ7OXmqOA1qu_1aEGbb0YAsMGXIw0nuAYWFZ6lltT-ldDGjchj_OqVRcJy_okj9odEFc5A1h2eiNaPZJd5IrTVL91C5oYmfl1klqZx3JyZMuyQp6lLHywAPWeKrB47a329E_5K8ZSX71goRNiylEReZsJf0/s320/Grandma's%20Buttons.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />Do you find yourself often saying "I need to . . . " or "I should..." (fill in the blank).</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We have many needs. Some are real. We need housing, food, water, clothing. We also need relationships, wisdom, and balanced mental health. We need exercise, to clean our home, and to buy groceries.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Other needs are fabrications; you see a TV show and you covet what the actors are doing and their fictitious relationships. You read online articles about others and wish for their life. You scroll Facebook and start comparing yourself to others.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It's important to live in reality--in the purpose God made you for--and to recognize fantasy, coveting, and worldly voices when you come across them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">When you say "I should..." that's another example of being tempted into a life other than God has planned for you. It's like living under a harsh taskmaster. The word "should" is a control word when used against others. When you say he or she or you should be doing... it implies that you think you know what another person <i>should </i>be doing or that you're not doing enough.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Put your <i>should</i> in check. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">God is graceful, gentle, peaceful, and doesn't care about half the things you think you or another person <i>should</i> be doing. God can nudge you or another person with the plan of action he has in mind and speak directly to you or them. Are you patient to wait for him to do that? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's easy to fall into a mindset of guilt and pressure, criticizing yourself for not doing more, not eating better, not getting enough done in a day, and so on. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">No, we aren't to be lazy or inactive. Faith without works is dead. But acting in faith over force is much better. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Choose peace, pacing, and gentleness as you go through your day. Put down false guilt, and don't throw false guilt onto those around you. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-83057592539448199432024-02-23T23:45:00.003-05:002024-02-23T23:45:30.436-05:00The Half-Life Reflection <p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBQdOiKT5Yb4eUprWfpwgiwR_xgT06_YCMsxLH4sygNqi4SakywwO4hPPYlXddepc54DTTeBhnEDmE4IA8hqfypxMOVKQXVydhrc8wPb6whb0FJdPwm8P_iNYhfqsk_vC2Bc9yGOhtx7ee5VoXZ-2LPGLoie8WGvTjFvXnT4ghzUAHNtjQf2GnG5eZq1k/s500/hALF%20LIFE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBQdOiKT5Yb4eUprWfpwgiwR_xgT06_YCMsxLH4sygNqi4SakywwO4hPPYlXddepc54DTTeBhnEDmE4IA8hqfypxMOVKQXVydhrc8wPb6whb0FJdPwm8P_iNYhfqsk_vC2Bc9yGOhtx7ee5VoXZ-2LPGLoie8WGvTjFvXnT4ghzUAHNtjQf2GnG5eZq1k/s320/hALF%20LIFE.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br />I<span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">'ve been following some interesting stories on Twitter X where victims of abuse are finally telling their stories. There is no timeline as to when a person becomes triggered by a past experience or sees a need to share their story. There is no timeline for when a memory returns. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Often, a person sees a why for telling their story. They feel sharing the details will help them release the final remnants of the memory. Something in them wants others to know what they went through. And I agree with this as I have felt that way at times as well. I also agree with the idea that memories can fade to trick us over time. So we must be careful in the story we tell.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Some of the events being shared on Twitter happened years ago. At the time, with no social media to broadcast on, individuals handled life alone unable to pay the cost of therapy or unable to get past the stigma attached to "seeing a shrink". Or, they did not fully understand the issue then, but gained clarity later in life. </span></span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">As for social media--in some cases, it didn't exist at the time of a person's trauma. Now it is our community centre.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">*The World Wide Web became available April 30, 1993</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">*Google was founded on September 4, 1998</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">*Facebook was created February 4, 2004</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">*Twitter was created in March 2006 </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">A story told now that is 20, 30, or even 40 years old is not any less vital to tell than one that just occurred. Or do you disagree?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">An acquaintance of mine is sharing her story <a href="https://nomoregamesdivorcememoir.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">on this blog </a>and in a memoir she wrote a couple of years ago. Perhaps you will support her by reading her story.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-More-Games-Christian-Marriage-ebook/dp/B09R1PBYKC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37eJlgC_oV8NjztguIfI84-X5ZSbCVgRucFjp0uMfg0hhvGeXYiuP2fAAGifTrKV55mqD9ONKN3jChslC5Oy6PaILdgv9k2urZWOOwRPfDzZH600ltG-iAM7td7pyWv2_HTvq6H3VGcHoLVwPtIpG-Ibx8uNfrtHgjtS4JGrJa32oCWFObw5cEgdLvutB/s320/cover.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">What story do you have to tell? Have you written your story into a blog or ebook? Have you shared it on social media or with a professional therapist? Is it time to share those details? </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </span></span></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-60435372274466106632024-02-10T19:58:00.044-05:002024-02-11T15:03:34.771-05:00Time to Change Some Habits or Routines? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPg48l6u2AgGF2OTt0fYED00u3HnUhnslgQ7nxqAlb71nG1w4ouhhK4rOYH6l88vrC9Aq5y3Efnolz4jZPxxd-gRDlSbQK-2p24lMlvSzuhP7YGtA1g7bDcQXAXQAPNeXlloqHLN85FPAsFlW99idNGuSV1tyc9jLz4Y7Qa_WYRKVypBHUy98OipB5QA/s940/Enjoy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPg48l6u2AgGF2OTt0fYED00u3HnUhnslgQ7nxqAlb71nG1w4ouhhK4rOYH6l88vrC9Aq5y3Efnolz4jZPxxd-gRDlSbQK-2p24lMlvSzuhP7YGtA1g7bDcQXAXQAPNeXlloqHLN85FPAsFlW99idNGuSV1tyc9jLz4Y7Qa_WYRKVypBHUy98OipB5QA/w400-h335/Enjoy.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We do many things in life out of habit or routine. Some routines are good for us. They provide context and stability. Others need to change based on life phase. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>During different seasons, I have varying habits and routines. I set different rules for myself in winter than in summer. I have different rules for myself when doing paid projects with deadlines than I have now in semi-retirement. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Some habits have to do with our mindset in that we default to a certain way of thinking. We can think in black and white instead of grey. We might default to saying no too often, to thinking why we can't do something, to making excuses, and more. It is important to keep our thoughts in check to see if they are serving us in the best way possible. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwZ5BrvVYSpCsyUmI8GudzAWw2R95Ga9DXI-uBhvpnpfFNMMksTqXDb4oKaFBkI7X3nHZo0JH1t6mSeHSHe4hG5VpfqKHWEdHoKh4btmQsl0bgniu50hyphenhyphenbioF03X6ZkC89W0u-syAg6ZeRwyobOZrGOsEWrJLJotPw7BMz66L2Y2GrfwCnLBOBVzHKYhE/s2048/Dance%20of%20the%20Roses.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwZ5BrvVYSpCsyUmI8GudzAWw2R95Ga9DXI-uBhvpnpfFNMMksTqXDb4oKaFBkI7X3nHZo0JH1t6mSeHSHe4hG5VpfqKHWEdHoKh4btmQsl0bgniu50hyphenhyphenbioF03X6ZkC89W0u-syAg6ZeRwyobOZrGOsEWrJLJotPw7BMz66L2Y2GrfwCnLBOBVzHKYhE/s320/Dance%20of%20the%20Roses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Christian women want to excel and do our best for God, our family, and mankind. Sometimes that means breaking old habits and mindsets and developing new ones. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A Christian speaker I listen to shared that rather than focus on the old habit or routine, we should simply start a new one and the old one will be quickly pushed aside. That sounds like good advice! Is it doable?<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Old habits do need a replacement habit if we're to truly break away and move forward. Old thoughts need to be dismissed in favour of more helpful, positive thoughts. </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Habit change requires:</b></span></span><br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">recognizing which old habit, routine, or mindset it's time to change</span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">recognizing a new habit to put in its place</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">recognizing what the new habit might do for us.</span></span></li><li>implementing the new habit gracefully and consistently with patience</li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">realizing a shift will occur that may feel uncomfortable</span></span></li></ol></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxdhirpW5IonaLaKLwlri31ZWW-kYUbxlKN8b7WDzmGd7nxePUkAWPcnYSkoUK-A1cGE_vMpaI2BGEcm5XnJ7OnK5iCOMEPcLO2oWbY6guPq1Ztn5kXaIpvIYedk9-zvOrffonOzRIgoxa43VRMi54w2UuQgeIf8LPBwdZ4kWXVXS4aOT9b92SX-E9Q/s640/47690364_793317627669435_3668105656887111161_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxdhirpW5IonaLaKLwlri31ZWW-kYUbxlKN8b7WDzmGd7nxePUkAWPcnYSkoUK-A1cGE_vMpaI2BGEcm5XnJ7OnK5iCOMEPcLO2oWbY6guPq1Ztn5kXaIpvIYedk9-zvOrffonOzRIgoxa43VRMi54w2UuQgeIf8LPBwdZ4kWXVXS4aOT9b92SX-E9Q/w320-h320/47690364_793317627669435_3668105656887111161_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Artwork by Rosalie Garde </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Have you identified some habits to change? </span></span></li><li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Do you need to adopt some new ways of thinking? </span></span></li><li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Have you asked God if there are any new habits or routines he wants you to adopt?</span></span></li></ul><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What will you begin with?</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Pace Yourself</b><br /><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let me add, I've learned a lot in the last few years about my need to pace myself. I have chronic fatigue. I can't do what I could at 30. I believe in making choices that will serve me and not overwhelm me. I believe in sustainable changes. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When making plans for change, do consider your personal time, energy level, and ability to sustain the new habit change. This is why life coaches like to use the term <i>baby step. </i>It's okay to take one small step at a time over plunging in to make quick habit changes.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Examples of possible habit changes:</span></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Watch the time you spend on social media and limit it.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Catch yourself when beginning to feel angry and reframe what is triggering you.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Put items away after using them.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Compliment people more often.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Run your Roomba more often.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Tidy your desk weekly.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Pray before letting your mind get worked up.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Put laundry away as it's done. </span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Quit second-guessing yourself. </span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Analyze what might be adding unnecessary stress to your life. </span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Prioritize regular physical activity, even if it's just a short walk or some light stretching.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Prioritize healthy sleep.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Quit the constant search for better and be content and thankful for all you have.</span></li><li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Pat yourself on the back more frequently.</span></li></ul></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-72205419117070450602024-02-04T16:22:00.002-05:002024-02-04T17:59:40.255-05:00Unfortunate Abuser Protection Tactics Used in the Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VqiVlbz289tpDeNfttzvIh-MplURnYWW0qi_UYeiupoV1d_35V_gqsnqU-LQzSp8KihWOaOBF_OxyQaToR1xAI2Y0nklfg1C1oFigiO6gqbFP0K_o7_E18H3z8Uca4Xc-WAM6DZYrXGLMyhho8noZGLGFL4sXcezQAjHhGa4LHIXHC07EsgKReG_ar4o/s6664/Scan_20210306%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4795" data-original-width="6664" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VqiVlbz289tpDeNfttzvIh-MplURnYWW0qi_UYeiupoV1d_35V_gqsnqU-LQzSp8KihWOaOBF_OxyQaToR1xAI2Y0nklfg1C1oFigiO6gqbFP0K_o7_E18H3z8Uca4Xc-WAM6DZYrXGLMyhho8noZGLGFL4sXcezQAjHhGa4LHIXHC07EsgKReG_ar4o/w400-h288/Scan_20210306%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The church is being sifted it seems. </span><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> follow numerous USA accounts on 'X' (formerly Twitter) and am shocked by the recent surge in reports exposing various forms of abuse within the church. Some instances date back years, only now coming to light. The range of abuses includes pedophilia, sexual abuse, abuse of power, financial exploitation, and more.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><br /></p><h4 class="preFade fadeIn" style="background-color: white; font-weight: var(--heading-font-font-weight); line-height: calc(var(--heading-font-line-height) * (1 + (1 - var(--heading-4-size-value))/25)); margin: 0px 0px 2rem; opacity: 1; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-delay: 0.503226s; transition-duration: 0.6s; transition-property: opacity; transition-timing-function: ease; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 700; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/" target="_blank">Lori Adams-Brown</a>, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Podcast Host & Exec Producer posted an inciteful thread on <a href="https://x.com/loriadbr/status/1753526994979934418?s=20" style="font-weight: var(--heading-font-font-weight);" target="_blank">her X account</a><span style="font-weight: var(--heading-font-font-weight);"> on F</span><span style="font-weight: var(--heading-font-font-weight);">ebruary 2, 2024, calling out tactics used by what she calls </span><i style="font-weight: var(--heading-font-font-weight);">predapastors </i><span style="font-weight: var(--heading-font-font-weight);">to gaslight or silence followers.</span></span></span></h4><div><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Adams-Brown's thread is incredibly significant and warrants sharing. It's crucial to pay close attention and assess<b> </b>whether you might be in an environment that exhibits such concerning traits within the church you frequent.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Adams-Brown says, "Predapastors
groom their congregations so when their abuse is exposed and/or they are
arrested for their crimes, the congregation knows exactly what to say to
control the narrative, silence whistleblowers, and rally behind the abusive
pastor. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I hear these things often:</span></div><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">1. “We are praying for the pastor.” (This centers on the abuser, not the victims.)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2. “There are people out to get him.” (</span><span class="r-18u37iz" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; flex-direction: row; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1loqt21" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DARVO?src=hashtag_click" role="link" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d9bf0; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; text-overflow: unset; white-space: inherit;">#DARVO</a></span><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> 2 make u believe the abuser is a victim)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3. “The accuser is trying to use this to build their career.” (This is an easy sell if the accuser is a woman.)"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0ZEm5dS5PRYW9ESe2CpIeucHN5512R-_JYUDpQf0FQsQHn4b7bbsugfqIcJqPqDxpkPgSgqWBKvEx-NLAWhUVimSr7A73rVWn66wjbl8rFXyvKPJMoJ_8LAQ1rW-y__GKklkPnvrkqdnEv_P3_oQbNHIhm-4YO6qW77q7uKvNx56vmuxmGzmPc-Fw5yt/s640/43288926_1923937254320447_4431215939889813351_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0ZEm5dS5PRYW9ESe2CpIeucHN5512R-_JYUDpQf0FQsQHn4b7bbsugfqIcJqPqDxpkPgSgqWBKvEx-NLAWhUVimSr7A73rVWn66wjbl8rFXyvKPJMoJ_8LAQ1rW-y__GKklkPnvrkqdnEv_P3_oQbNHIhm-4YO6qW77q7uKvNx56vmuxmGzmPc-Fw5yt/w200-h200/43288926_1923937254320447_4431215939889813351_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(Break here to give readers the definition of #DARVO:</span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><a class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1loqt21" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DARVO?src=hashtag_click" role="link" style="border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d9bf0; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; text-overflow: unset; white-space: inherit;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">#DARVO</span></a></p><p><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Deny</span></span></p><p><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Attack</span></span></p><p><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Reverse the roles of </span></span></p><p><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Victim & Offender</span></span></p><p><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A tactic used to avoid taking responsibility & shifting blame onto their victim.)</span></span></p></blockquote><p><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" face="TwitterChirp, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83z9h6U06kKN5YiLtAkpptxCtx5hyphenhyphen_bO4vtAatEfC58HBy__esv_nC_6ytWE5a2eFAYYXGgos9MdNVYEnwy3tCe_sMYVrW_xqDBc0vhZqsr3arN_NCGC-grtFiuemCK6vnoVVwo1vPdM2tql5oqe9rFwF-z2Qn97378SqOoYbpS-dtUvE75eA3PvRr13H/s640/43400734_306049963336394_4655322852784733393_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83z9h6U06kKN5YiLtAkpptxCtx5hyphenhyphen_bO4vtAatEfC58HBy__esv_nC_6ytWE5a2eFAYYXGgos9MdNVYEnwy3tCe_sMYVrW_xqDBc0vhZqsr3arN_NCGC-grtFiuemCK6vnoVVwo1vPdM2tql5oqe9rFwF-z2Qn97378SqOoYbpS-dtUvE75eA3PvRr13H/w200-h200/43400734_306049963336394_4655322852784733393_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-overflow: unset; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Adams-Brown goes on, </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">4. “God has
forgiven the pastor.” (Implying you should also forgive, forget and be business
as usual too.) </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">5. “God has big plans for the pastor.” (Grandiosity to distract
from abuse.) </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">6. “Who among us hasn’t sinned?” (Downplaying abuse/crime.) </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">7. “We
shouldn’t judge.” (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DARVO?src=hashtag_click">#DARVO</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">8. “We need to be
unified.” (Culty language not to unify around the victim, but around abuser,
intended to silence <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whistleblowers?src=hashtag_click">#whistleblowers</a>.)
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN">9. “Spiritual
warfare,” or “God wants to do big things, and it needs to start with us.”
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change this way of thinking that is judgmental.” (Get in line, and don’t talk
about Bruno.)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">11. “We are no one. The only one who can judge is God.” (Worm
theology.)"<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">An added post from X user Joan,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"12. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">There are still good things happening here. People are getting saved. Look at the bigger picture. This is just the work of the enemy going after our church because we are doing such a good work."</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFktd8c0Kodyju3839bF8mS4se3I82pusjdm__4ISRYEuln3-Wfrj5scVOChrp2INN7HB-Ti7_3JV6AfZ4bjtyg46U1s7AN-m_Az5j-_chAADkXXOfPyodh9UGS7gh9RI_L4FSUPtVBIjHJ8RcqViFGd7-w-qrIU5NYvjL_oHOWQDpwikMvNSQNLBYslNv/s640/51161647_1836902253104704_2813181134403265327_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFktd8c0Kodyju3839bF8mS4se3I82pusjdm__4ISRYEuln3-Wfrj5scVOChrp2INN7HB-Ti7_3JV6AfZ4bjtyg46U1s7AN-m_Az5j-_chAADkXXOfPyodh9UGS7gh9RI_L4FSUPtVBIjHJ8RcqViFGd7-w-qrIU5NYvjL_oHOWQDpwikMvNSQNLBYslNv/s320/51161647_1836902253104704_2813181134403265327_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">These are good cautions for us all. Let us be vigilant and discerning in our faith communities.
The revelations surfacing demand our attention and call for collective
introspection. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">May this awareness prompt us to foster environments of
transparency, accountability, and support within our churches. Together, let's
strive for a community that stands against any form of abuse, ensuring the
well-being of all its members.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-48108011983669069352024-02-03T00:27:00.004-05:002024-02-03T00:28:13.770-05:00Divine and Perfect Order: A Companion Journal <p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I was reviewing an old blog post and decided to reprint much of it here. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In a previous year, I received this book, </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="a-row product-title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; width: 829.287px;"><h1 class="a-size-large a-text-ellipsis" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-wrap: nowrap;"><a class="a-link-normal" data-hook="product-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Perfect-Order-Companion-Journal/dp/0990988805/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #007185; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Divine And Perfect Order, A Companion Journal: </span></a></h1></div><div class="a-row product-title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; width: 829.287px;"><h1 class="a-size-large a-text-ellipsis" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-wrap: nowrap;"><a class="a-link-normal" data-hook="product-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Perfect-Order-Companion-Journal/dp/0990988805/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #007185; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">52 Simple Truths, Simple Tools & Simple Words of </span></a></h1></div><div class="a-row product-title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; width: 829.287px;"><h1 class="a-size-large a-text-ellipsis" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-wrap: nowrap;"><a class="a-link-normal" data-hook="product-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Perfect-Order-Companion-Journal/dp/0990988805/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #007185; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Wisdom for Your Life</span></a></h1></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">by</span><span class="a-letter-space" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; display: inline-block; width: 0.385em;"></span><a class="a-size-base a-link-normal" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Susan+Day&search-alias=books" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007185; line-height: 20px; text-decoration-line: none;">Susan Day</a></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">as a Christmas present (from myself). Yes, I often wrap things up and put them under the tree for myself to open on Christmas day. When I was handed this particular book to unwrap, I had actually forgotten about it, so it was a pleasant surprise!</span></p><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Perfect-Order-Companion-Journal/dp/0990988805/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V34K8BFMRFGJ&keywords=Divine+and+Perfect+Order+Susan+Day&qid=1706936763&sprefix=divine+and+perfect+order+susan+day%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_amjMAq0y5pkXrogyTHbRny9HRDTv4KdjufOlRaLWuxFMJN-FcuIdOWIEdYKrUvC6Me_yVwDQ6FjJpt0iQ_Shyb_Kj8ckURJd4Ny5tavYrtvOGbfWXvezA4jUyPZ-B9cQ-bvIzEcbNvpg/s320/DAPO.jpg" width="224" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I was immediately impressed with the layout. Before gift-giving continued I was already immersed in reading Susan's heartfelt introduction. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At first glance, the lessons may seem simple, as they are truths that I already know. It can be tempting to quickly read through the book since it is short and concise, but instead, I have chosen to pause and re-read each chapter repeatedly. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've glanced at the first four chapters and each time I'v</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">e re-read them I've been challenged.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Divine and Perfect Order (DAPO) is li</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">ke a cross between a devotional and a journal. The author reminds us that nothing catches God by surprise, and we are never alone in this journey... "Everything is DAPO." (Divine and Perfect Order.) </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Each section includes thoughts to reflect on, scripture, a simple tool to use, action steps to take, and a place for journalling. Susan suggests, a</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">s a child of God, everything is happening in your life, when and how it is meant to. It is a good tool for building your faith.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>A Few Questions Posed </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The first chapter asks us to list examples of synchronicity that have defied explanation in our lives. I have had many of those moments this past year and even recently. Have you?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm comforted by the truth that God is in control and I'm intrigued with what Susan has written. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm captivated by the idea that the clarity and peace I seek might be behind a door I didn't think to open. Now my mind is scurrying to think of what door I might not have opened. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I'm also intrigued by the sentence that says God has the answer to the question I've been asking. That made me think of how many questions I ask God, myself, my cat, dog, husband, or other person in a day. I realize God wants to help answer all my questions. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">If you are interested in obtaining this book, you can find buying information <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Divine-Perfect-Order-Companion-Journal/dp/0990988805" target="_blank">here</a> and in Canada, <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Divine-Perfect-Order-Companion-Journal/dp/0990988805/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Divine+And+Perfect+Order&qid=1706936513&sr=8-1" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">(note the shipping charges)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-18590512615430574682024-02-01T14:32:00.006-05:002024-02-03T02:18:21.463-05:00We Resist Waiting, But It May be God's Plan for Us<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIP_mPA8Gg0mhmYQVAzPkjJoEjT9r469OOjom8a6SXlD_I3XkRP6P_Re-RpMgjE-E04m2HLzbOL3fO8XjXD7tT13QBJiX7Md4UCzD4LbNl3woMUC1la8mZRXHLcAcxaVo7qsfThMTJTJkoFcJGYuWZ4B15hi85_SMNtURZQAN373QL5SX0x3kMazR1qfw/s2048/Beth's%20Seaside%20Cottage%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1984" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIP_mPA8Gg0mhmYQVAzPkjJoEjT9r469OOjom8a6SXlD_I3XkRP6P_Re-RpMgjE-E04m2HLzbOL3fO8XjXD7tT13QBJiX7Md4UCzD4LbNl3woMUC1la8mZRXHLcAcxaVo7qsfThMTJTJkoFcJGYuWZ4B15hi85_SMNtURZQAN373QL5SX0x3kMazR1qfw/w310-h320/Beth's%20Seaside%20Cottage%20(4).jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br />I recently posted <a href="https://ministrytowomenlpc.blogspot.com/2023/02/life-is-not-easy-finding-your-life.html">this article</a> on a desire to find life purpose (knowing how to invest myself) and balance once again. I ended the article by pointing out that life is full of ongoing change, and u</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ltimately, leading a purposeful life </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">revolves around maintaining hope in God. </span></span><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God will lead us where he wants us next, in due time. That means, instead of striving to find that next thing, we can focus on what is in front of us while listening to his still small voice. </span><div><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I admit, at the time I wrote that article, I was in a mood where I didn't feel I was doing enough. Christmas had passed. The calendar had turned. I felt overcome by the darkness of winter. But no matter what I might try, I could not bring on spring or a fabulous new revelation. I'd have to wait. </span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In moments of processing feelings like this, it's easy to mistake anxious thoughts for reality. There are so many online articles, guru posts, and books that lead us to believe we should constantly be busy, that we should get out of our comfort zone, and that we need to <i>fix</i> ourselves. But we need to be mindful that some feelings are merely passing mental constructs. We don't always have to be attempting to improve ourselves!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNLZmKc4ZgZDbZEeHoYjiQ_TM4NOthqYdM6vzOZlnat9rp0d04KAmqiCtj4pPcl71Fv7uOSXbxWCRXXiy8jjM3E0UclWlMeit9GPVjkEr38C_f511gbFWwAN8rCC3asWXUP38q2R4tBhOaAq5R8rDmeoBOfV2D7sYtrn87taeE7b3ZmUu3KspYj1XWbo_/s771/Rest.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="771" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNLZmKc4ZgZDbZEeHoYjiQ_TM4NOthqYdM6vzOZlnat9rp0d04KAmqiCtj4pPcl71Fv7uOSXbxWCRXXiy8jjM3E0UclWlMeit9GPVjkEr38C_f511gbFWwAN8rCC3asWXUP38q2R4tBhOaAq5R8rDmeoBOfV2D7sYtrn87taeE7b3ZmUu3KspYj1XWbo_/s320/Rest.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><b>Rest, Restoration, and Hibernation</b></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">What if God has called us to a season of rest and restoration?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></p><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Back in September while seeking God's leading, I was given a plan. He said to be a <a href="https://midlifechristianwoman.blogspot.com/2023/09/a-possible-life-map-to-help-your.html" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">REBEL</a><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> - to rest, recover, restore, and just <i>be</i> (for a season). </span><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> I had embraced the term "semi-retired" to ease into a more relaxed life phase. But God didn't tell me how long to stay in this relaxed phase and I was getting fidgety.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MfqDNvQxZuJwKJ8-qX104gIJA2-CkyamyvOp9vzOXNdvTpGCLHINeqaKewvgMSEz5mLSCMzdILfA31-YSxbRFWSRZxDEZ2Ui4m8wOZ8XTuB2RggMt18plTdpog8U_5oVACPCdlXkPtQ7rRa-cTbeuhZFsyZZ3KpTb96Tnb8bmc_y1o4WsZUB5mL2PRNd/s1640/REBEL.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MfqDNvQxZuJwKJ8-qX104gIJA2-CkyamyvOp9vzOXNdvTpGCLHINeqaKewvgMSEz5mLSCMzdILfA31-YSxbRFWSRZxDEZ2Ui4m8wOZ8XTuB2RggMt18plTdpog8U_5oVACPCdlXkPtQ7rRa-cTbeuhZFsyZZ3KpTb96Tnb8bmc_y1o4WsZUB5mL2PRNd/w400-h225/REBEL.png" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Breakdown of what 'Be a Rebel' means.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I joked at times that I was <i>hibernating</i> since it's winter right now. When humans refer to themselves as "hibernating", they typically mean taking a break and preferring to engage in less strenuous or demanding activities for a certain period. The goal is to take time for rest, recuperation, and reflection. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This is true for many who live in a four-season climate. I work hard physically during spring, summer, and fall, caring for my yard and gardens. By November, I'm ready for downtime. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Many women take January to re-evaluate life and make plans for going forward. And there is nothing wrong with temporarily slowing down and taking a break from the usual hustle and bustle.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRnfb3GDpHP3iIaSYiAdJTOozqIgwtuPTLRovEDWvN6GoVf2lXof2510dpEZ0cNtPoIEJcHpzPpAFzGLonUO1u7G_iaPDebnW3VJqX2MUl6Gdr63cfI0_tfF2l9ynmjNDyjU0sbpekmdRQrMCzP0s9BaqrZs9qC2kmQ6SBfzmJ5dyV0Cx6YutpkV7b942/s150/38903104_1908145732586186_7112414147949625344_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="150" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRnfb3GDpHP3iIaSYiAdJTOozqIgwtuPTLRovEDWvN6GoVf2lXof2510dpEZ0cNtPoIEJcHpzPpAFzGLonUO1u7G_iaPDebnW3VJqX2MUl6Gdr63cfI0_tfF2l9ynmjNDyjU0sbpekmdRQrMCzP0s9BaqrZs9qC2kmQ6SBfzmJ5dyV0Cx6YutpkV7b942/s1600/38903104_1908145732586186_7112414147949625344_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><p><b>Where Does Restlessness Fit In?</b></p></span><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But we are a people of forward movement. So it makes sense that with the turn of the calendar, I would go into evaluation mode. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Our pastor asked us to spend January fasting and praying. I decided on a spiritual practice of praying in the sauna at my massage therapist's spa once weekly for 30 minutes. With the first session, I became very aware of my inability to sit still to concentrate. I </span><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;">constantly had to redirect my focus back to the present. This revelation was glaring. I asked: </span><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Could this be how I am in everyday life? Always distracted?</span><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Years ago, my mother-in-law had said, "You never sit still". Perhaps she knew more about me than I knew about myself.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It was a good lesson to learn!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Back to the Restless Moods of Women</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Feeling restless and determined to take action can sometimes lead to positive results. At other times, it can cause negative feelings such as self-loathing, depression, and overthinking.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The feeling of chronic restlessness might be based on the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on our best life which is fear-based which is never good. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The website <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-restlessness.html" target="_blank">Got Questions: Your Questions. Biblical Answers</a> says this about restlessness: </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #081c2a;">Restlessness has been a part of human experience since civilization began. Part of God’s curse on </span><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Cain-in-the-Bible.html" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-color: var(--color-link-article);">Cain</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #081c2a;"> for murdering his brother Abel was this: “You will be a restless wanderer on the earth” (</span><a class="BRST_a" href="https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/4/Genesis-4-12.html" rel="ESV.Genesis.4.12" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-color: var(--color-link-article); text-wrap: nowrap;" target="_blank">Genesis 4:12</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #081c2a;">). Cain would never find rest and peace in any one place."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #081c2a;">The psalmist describes his restlessness like this: “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?” (</span><a class="BRST_a" href="https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/42/Psalm-42-11.html" rel="ESV.Psalms.42.11" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-color: var(--color-link-article); text-wrap: nowrap;" target="_blank">Psalm 42:11</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #081c2a;">)"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #081c2a;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8o14gViRgX367BJSt-FK-UCwhCN3wRU4q8hNisVZ-gxnZz9pCZnotnzrZWiwGnEH4dKyASub8xCzA_zj4qIMwYQn9ijrJWnmgdKORCBg-gU12bjbviH7INz559NuszbqeLQNgRQ-dfE8fplycIkvKF0h-DMZmxMCISiebZj8l8tQ6fwNPKeFbOPoWKCm9/s640/52630403_191572161802520_5219135726939648798_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8o14gViRgX367BJSt-FK-UCwhCN3wRU4q8hNisVZ-gxnZz9pCZnotnzrZWiwGnEH4dKyASub8xCzA_zj4qIMwYQn9ijrJWnmgdKORCBg-gU12bjbviH7INz559NuszbqeLQNgRQ-dfE8fplycIkvKF0h-DMZmxMCISiebZj8l8tQ6fwNPKeFbOPoWKCm9/w200-h200/52630403_191572161802520_5219135726939648798_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And so, in my restlessness, I scoured the Internet for new activities I could get involved in. In so doing, I met many blockages and also had a check in my spirit about one involvement. Then both my husband and I began having car troubles--the batteries in each vehicle were dying every couple of days. One event required we call a tow truck in -25 C weather. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The decision was made--until we had our batteries replaced, I would stay home except to go for walks. I was forced back into my comfort zone. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And that is sometimes how God works allowing external circumstances to hem us in. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I decided my time of hibernation is not over. And that's okay. Being okay with where we are is actually a cure for restlessness. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; white-space-collapse: collapse;">One of the most memorable statements in Scripture on this theme is when the Apostle Paul said,“</span><span style="background-color: rgba(80, 151, 255, 0.18); color: #040c28; white-space-collapse: collapse;">I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; white-space-collapse: collapse;">“ (Philippians 4:12).</span></span></span></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-59206236572357133532024-01-24T03:11:00.034-05:002024-01-31T18:48:02.420-05:00Life is Not Easy, Finding Life Purpose and Balance is Just as Complex in These Times <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK-FSnADXAYTyQEh-pot-dV7u0u0snapGI5_GIIVLCXTQdG72KmlSxe90jZI8DB-SCWOMiAZ6B4dzuGH0v0CEEMAEcqDaBj9uhJu6JP353iodM0EeyP6vcdhHct32CmsSxDlLN5C6vw7Xd_R8pERR59ivPeTyHfOsWayrV8CDhhpkKdodPu16JQ6ZyTEj/s640/69430206_532746553968629_7578615280216533723_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK-FSnADXAYTyQEh-pot-dV7u0u0snapGI5_GIIVLCXTQdG72KmlSxe90jZI8DB-SCWOMiAZ6B4dzuGH0v0CEEMAEcqDaBj9uhJu6JP353iodM0EeyP6vcdhHct32CmsSxDlLN5C6vw7Xd_R8pERR59ivPeTyHfOsWayrV8CDhhpkKdodPu16JQ6ZyTEj/s320/69430206_532746553968629_7578615280216533723_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div><span><br /></span></div>The pandemic taught us many things. A few things I've learned include:</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The pandemic was/is not easily solvable.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">People are divided and sometimes nasty.<br /><br /></span></span></li><li><span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The pandemic was/is bigger than us which proved, yet again, why we need to rely on God who is also bigger than us. </span></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We are in a post-pandemic era now in 2024, and many of us are having to rebuild our relationships and some, our careers. The world changed and is not finished shifting. Just today I heard of another shop closing due to low in-person customer traffic. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Many of us are ordering online and thus in-person shopping has taken a hit. That affects minimum wage part-time jobs for young people and business owners are struggling.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>My Semi-Retirement</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I decided to call myself semi-retired when I lost writing motivation during the pandemic. A paid writing job I had fizzled out and writers on the team were told the project had been stopped. I'd been writing furniture descriptions for a store, and I suspect they were finding sales a challenge. Other small businesses that used to buy my articles through content supplier <a href="https://www.constant-content.com/area/content-marketplace.htm">Constant-Content</a> faced challenges too resulting in fewer article sales (at least from <a href="https://www.constant-content.com/area/browse.htm?keywords=Joy+R.+Calderwood&authors=&category=&timestamp=&minLicNew=&maxLicNew=&minWords=&maxWords=&sortby=&page=1">my inventory</a>). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Churches in my city and elsewhere have amalgamated since church attendance and financial giving has dropped. Many individuals have reexamined their faith and are moving away from organized religious practices. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>My Social Network</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">As I've sought to restart my social network, I've hit a lot of brick walls. Covid is still an issue in various parts of the world and I'm now in the higher risk age and health range so I'm careful even now but am getting out more.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">My husband has been working from home since 2020. It's been challenging to be around each other so much, but in other ways, it's been helpful to have him home. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My craving to be part of in-person events, even if I wore a mask, came to a head in April 2022. My husband and I joined a twelve-week in-person diabetes workshop with real live people! It was perfect timing for us before we went completely mad. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">But I didn't make any new long-term connections there. I still need to build a social life. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I've recently looked for other in-person events to attend locally and found many organizations are still doing their events online. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #01ffff; font-size: medium;"><b>PEOPLE ARE ISOLATED AND LONELY. </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">(Do I speak for myself?)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Does any of the above describe where you're at? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2LYSmDjZfUo6qBSk_qWk76TyCH1bsL0P0Np_DvcuTDBq5j9A-HSYtL_YBDeCureZ9I0y53OsejEvzcFXICvDj8orIV_J0zfnA_y-freaAkA_bLSbvFSVw51Z6db5PhQs16s0uSozLWDcWchbA2U2yW5r7GLRvgpwzGwrFI3XWv-PDUcume3IQnkMfki4/s640/53906814_1006346636230628_4609124012842219610_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2LYSmDjZfUo6qBSk_qWk76TyCH1bsL0P0Np_DvcuTDBq5j9A-HSYtL_YBDeCureZ9I0y53OsejEvzcFXICvDj8orIV_J0zfnA_y-freaAkA_bLSbvFSVw51Z6db5PhQs16s0uSozLWDcWchbA2U2yW5r7GLRvgpwzGwrFI3XWv-PDUcume3IQnkMfki4/w200-h200/53906814_1006346636230628_4609124012842219610_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>I embraced the semi-retired label to alleviate the disappointment and guilt associated with the absence of article sales or daily work commitments. It allowed me to grant myself permission to ease off the constant pursuit of goals.</span></span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But, while I find myself at the age when many people retire, the void has become noticeable, particularly with the onset of winter. Now, my focus is not just on rediscovering life purpose but, more importantly, on achieving a harmonious life balance.</span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxer1aecDzDP63VR4idf9qd6tn0HoxMQssYUs0YPVmo7a4eN9rFJTTGTD86S7g3XFHuN4weYJCLaDlf3qUZhNPx4EJyxYDmycVVhtxhJ8ElvjdEpNxqFNl9Pxu5kDzHSNHas66-NkuCd7Xu8teS84j71EoUgpVl0_M-SThPDcVELtD9aV5dIWPBYtdswM/s640/52630403_191572161802520_5219135726939648798_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxer1aecDzDP63VR4idf9qd6tn0HoxMQssYUs0YPVmo7a4eN9rFJTTGTD86S7g3XFHuN4weYJCLaDlf3qUZhNPx4EJyxYDmycVVhtxhJ8ElvjdEpNxqFNl9Pxu5kDzHSNHas66-NkuCd7Xu8teS84j71EoUgpVl0_M-SThPDcVELtD9aV5dIWPBYtdswM/s320/52630403_191572161802520_5219135726939648798_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Life Balance and Life Purpose </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">At times, it is difficult to find life balance. Are you in that spot? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Life purpose and life balance are interconnected aspects of overall well-being, and finding harmony between the two can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable life (or so the experts say). And that's important because Jesus came to give us life more abundant. We are his hands and feet, so it makes sense we find the right balance so we can live out our purpose with sustained dedication. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Life purpose often extends beyond career or personal achievements. It encompasses our relationships, health, personal growth, spiritual growth, and contributions to the community. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyfJzYfOdPe9UQ1-9Ig-NSYCVPDYMnq9tMHPTWdzui4gykmylDsrEsahVjIfUxy7OrFKTW5Is4ah3SPqgbmP4rUg0z2Ak2AKO4zrKBuGxQFpVIySAE7fUxUl0XQox3x9_7L4fSd6lJt0u1d696JBXitl9Ryo3RV46WevjoGNDzRlp4m3ryET6qRV6Ad6z/s640/56502846_267963724155359_5951032069893395601_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyfJzYfOdPe9UQ1-9Ig-NSYCVPDYMnq9tMHPTWdzui4gykmylDsrEsahVjIfUxy7OrFKTW5Is4ah3SPqgbmP4rUg0z2Ak2AKO4zrKBuGxQFpVIySAE7fUxUl0XQox3x9_7L4fSd6lJt0u1d696JBXitl9Ryo3RV46WevjoGNDzRlp4m3ryET6qRV6Ad6z/w200-h200/56502846_267963724155359_5951032069893395601_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I can tell you from experience you will never find one big purpose in life that never changes. And, your social groups will change. Life is full of starts, excitement, pauses, lulls, seasons, joy, grief, and transitions.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ultimately, leading a purposeful life </span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">revolves around maintaining a sense of hope. Hope that God will lead you where he wants you in ways that fill the voids in your life in due time.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So instead of looking for a role or title, look for the hand of God and renew your hope in the everyday events of life.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151;">Clinging to the belief that God has a specific plan for your life, as assured by Jeremiah 29:11 in the Bible, will help you navigate both the challenging days of uncertainty and, subsequently, the demanding days when a specific task, challenge, or opportunity is set before you. Stay addicted to hope in God! Be patient </span>in the waiting room.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: collapse;">For I know the plans</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: collapse;"> I have for you,” declares the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; white-space-collapse: collapse;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: collapse;">, “plans to prosper</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: collapse;"> you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jer 29:00 (NIV).</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #374151; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3uaPsb4fJrfYn6qUKm-AxAgSY-OrxHPH3E8C6WlABs_tB1wlcNG80YZ_qFp3zNNwAuZBB3eipWNMxrI0puNGboRiBX_BLUKRwEfIGA4JluIXGMblnDflz2_kN06ufLpDg_pc6rJILBRygjTrZ2veCpOcAZ6QwQz7_HPxhwQ4_YbnIRkoqKSHnhfKNVqT/s960/Hopeful.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="898" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3uaPsb4fJrfYn6qUKm-AxAgSY-OrxHPH3E8C6WlABs_tB1wlcNG80YZ_qFp3zNNwAuZBB3eipWNMxrI0puNGboRiBX_BLUKRwEfIGA4JluIXGMblnDflz2_kN06ufLpDg_pc6rJILBRygjTrZ2veCpOcAZ6QwQz7_HPxhwQ4_YbnIRkoqKSHnhfKNVqT/s320/Hopeful.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-21549912775810417332024-01-04T15:21:00.004-05:002024-01-27T04:11:30.216-05:00A Self-Coaching Exercise to Help Your Life <p> (A partial repost from 2020) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45vZ-cub-YYS-zWdVG1ipxgcFeECKmklSgvh-is30_JDG-4C_alviYT7MeXR98P2W7dVLhkEL0XZBlggGzfsNaOjqHhbe5cpAI5H-dnaf0whVCRKbQ5gLphCg2Iy59L5yvCEABwxWyyHV/s1600/When+It%2527s+God-Approved.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45vZ-cub-YYS-zWdVG1ipxgcFeECKmklSgvh-is30_JDG-4C_alviYT7MeXR98P2W7dVLhkEL0XZBlggGzfsNaOjqHhbe5cpAI5H-dnaf0whVCRKbQ5gLphCg2Iy59L5yvCEABwxWyyHV/s400/When+It%2527s+God-Approved.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I just booked an appointment with my therapist. My psychotherapist that is. I'm not afraid to admit I sometimes use one because the process is helpful. (And my medical coverage pays for most of it.)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I believe it's important to take care of our mind, body, and soul. My counselor will be my safe person to confide in.<br /><br /><br /></span></p><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; margin-top: -1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a class="bibleref" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A2&version=ESV">Galatians 6:2</a> <span class="note" style="color: #444444;">ESV </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; margin-top: -1em;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="note" style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></span><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."</span></blockquote></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'm doing well, but have realized just how many stressors I'm still processing (2020). Stress and change are part of life but sometimes it mounts inside our body. I carry mine in my shoulders. Especially in the doldrums of winter I'd rather have the <i>sweetness</i> talked about here for myself:</span><br /><br /><a class="bibleref" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+27%3A9&version=ESV" style="background-color: white;">Proverbs 27:9</a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #625529;"> </span><span class="note" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">ESV </span><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">"...and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel."</span> </span><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm29ZdLGz4jHHTvrIMgji25sjhOw1ayFjztl8bzGHjOTincQ1J8_GEfdllSTajWUXz6pDEKa7d0FTlQGKchP0wdCrlG_K22AVbOMFPn4U3kzDtGo5pG1V_LAwsC2JE8K9Dfg5DAuT7hsld/s1600/waterfall+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm29ZdLGz4jHHTvrIMgji25sjhOw1ayFjztl8bzGHjOTincQ1J8_GEfdllSTajWUXz6pDEKa7d0FTlQGKchP0wdCrlG_K22AVbOMFPn4U3kzDtGo5pG1V_LAwsC2JE8K9Dfg5DAuT7hsld/s320/waterfall+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><b><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">What I hope to Achieve</span></b><br /><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I don't know what I'll talk about with my therapist yet but I want her take on things. </span><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Proverbs 20:5 says, "</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">understanding will draw it out." </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">She will draw out some of the deep water in my heart and analyze it. </span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I want to neatly package my woes and register them with her. I want her input and suggestions, and to know if I'm processing all well or burying it. I want to leave her office better than when I arrived. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ61ox6Xwiik0GXAkFBME5ROtl2HGvSR685t-pKea0HN17sWzKrRsXLZ8YPXy4hpdNRO56uJEolH9NMNQyJ7HUIwlQBjqyJu86VrQWcxy19lS4D5VN225KDV0N4BJqtHBgJrY2P2p3Ut9ig3PgJl_x5BJVlQNhILaIIz9HMDw5yZd5DHP90qo6Slj0mpBg/s500/Celebrat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ61ox6Xwiik0GXAkFBME5ROtl2HGvSR685t-pKea0HN17sWzKrRsXLZ8YPXy4hpdNRO56uJEolH9NMNQyJ7HUIwlQBjqyJu86VrQWcxy19lS4D5VN225KDV0N4BJqtHBgJrY2P2p3Ut9ig3PgJl_x5BJVlQNhILaIIz9HMDw5yZd5DHP90qo6Slj0mpBg/s320/Celebrat.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">There is a Bible verse that talks about being caught in the <i>transgression of sin </i>and that those who are spiritual should restore such. </span></span><span>It's not so much sin I might be embracing, but a lesser way of living. (Although I was in a Bible study once where the book title was</span><span> </span><i>Worry is a Sin.</i><span> Do you agree that worry is a sin?</span><i>) </i></span></div><div><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'm not suggesting my therapist will point out where I'm <i>sinning, </i>but I know from working with her, that <b>she will help me see </b>where I might be<b> <i>catastrophizing</i>, <i>holding onto a grudge</i> </b>or <b>where I might be <i>embracing wrong thinking </i></b>instead of focusing on the good. And we need to focus on the good if we're to thrive.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>A Therapeutic Exercise</b></span><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">An online friend who is a counselor gave me advice for deciding how to spend my valuable one-hour session:</span><br /></span><ol><li><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Draw a line across a page.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Above the line write what is going well.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Below the line, write what isn't going well, negative events, or stressors.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">As you do this, pay attention to where pain comes up that could be addressed with your therapist.<br /><br /></span></li></ol><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">What A Life Coach Might Do </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">For an alternative from a life coaching perspective, we wouldn't look at the past so much (that's the role of therapy). A life coach would applaud what is going well and ask probing questions to help me see where I might want to take the <i>what's working </i>list next and what boundaries I might want to set. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The above exercise can be done on your own. You can look at the list of what is going well and be grateful. You can ask yourself probing questions such as: Why am I worrying about this and not just giving it to God? </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> You can ask yourself </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">what you might want to change, decrease, or ramp up.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">If you do such an exercise, please share in the comments. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></blockquote><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-82707102110239013992024-01-03T19:09:00.005-05:002024-01-03T19:43:19.704-05:00Dealing with the Winter Blues? <p><span style="color: #374151; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #374151; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6CYMGTjj0S2R90Y_5tLdLK1pATKfNuWNaUWHo-YfXCXAkypX9N2Lh5kwt4-2O504otfI4nTUuGyUFPCHUT8cSUZfv-9cAiN1e22m2RXtsCsrgD8iU70PIZFsYVrYScqmsvmjAh7xiebaXzVa_mVTP3iZhyInECt4xtnBOAMC6RsHEy4q_9kJHBT09VVz/s3476/2024-01-01%20004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3476" data-original-width="2607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6CYMGTjj0S2R90Y_5tLdLK1pATKfNuWNaUWHo-YfXCXAkypX9N2Lh5kwt4-2O504otfI4nTUuGyUFPCHUT8cSUZfv-9cAiN1e22m2RXtsCsrgD8iU70PIZFsYVrYScqmsvmjAh7xiebaXzVa_mVTP3iZhyInECt4xtnBOAMC6RsHEy4q_9kJHBT09VVz/s320/2024-01-01%20004.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #374151; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br />The winter blues touch the lives of many, and the long anticipation of spring's arrival seems to prolong those feelings. I only go on Reddit.com occasionally, but I have seen others share how the dark skies this month have them emotionally struggling. Where I live, we haven't seen the sun in 30 days. </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #374151; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If this resonates with you, know you aren't alone. </span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q9yP4C4yDOnXpc8g5trjTe9s1zdW6KMzRA0cyYVH9siU4tDr1FccoUtVjS3f_N11-RlRllE_1asf0qN184Cy-5VVJCYDaB51_JU3tFNc0XxOvFXfRleQvu3MEb3WZIycIky-pcfGPdriokGYuAmbSKJ1Y71mH9wOIlKQf7vcbxX74oKpIpi2eDS5Q7WH/s3902/2023-12-30%20007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3902" data-original-width="2927" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q9yP4C4yDOnXpc8g5trjTe9s1zdW6KMzRA0cyYVH9siU4tDr1FccoUtVjS3f_N11-RlRllE_1asf0qN184Cy-5VVJCYDaB51_JU3tFNc0XxOvFXfRleQvu3MEb3WZIycIky-pcfGPdriokGYuAmbSKJ1Y71mH9wOIlKQf7vcbxX74oKpIpi2eDS5Q7WH/s320/2023-12-30%20007.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">If you find yourself feeling down more than up these days, here are some tips you can try to shift your mood. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Firstly, try increasing your dose of Vitamin D and take walks outside, even if it's raining. Fresh air, nature, and body movement are great ways to improve your mood. Secondly, turn on a high-intensity light in the room where you spend most of your time. I turn on every light I have in my office during daylight hours. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #374151;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">It's important to control your thoughts because they may generate temporary feelings of sadness. Instead of evaluating or fixating on negative thoughts, accept them and move on.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>JUST STOP IT! </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It's easy to overthink and analyze late-night feelings, but they can be misleading. Stop yourself. Don't let Satan take control of your thoughts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Look for events to get yourself out of the house. Last night I went to a new group for ladies - gentle yoga called <i>phoga</i>. I focused on stretching and breathing along with 20 or so other ladies I'd never met before. I felt so good after, I went on Facebook to search for other events in my area over the next two months.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>RECOGNIZING NEEDS</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Feelings can be difficult to handle, especially during the winter months when our mood tends to be low. However, they can also serve as indicators of our needs. Our emotions can help us identify something that is missing in our lives and guide us toward taking new steps to fill the gaps. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It's a good idea to ask God for his opinion on what might be missing and for suggestions on how to fill the gaps. (While it's important to wait on God, it's equally important to take new small steps.) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">WRITE OUT YOUR THOUGHTS</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It can be beneficial for some people to write down their emotions or make a vision board that reflects their feelings. However, it's important not to dwell on negative emotions. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3dZDiIRn07y-rbyg8U9MogTndjwiSbMkqEMNCkD044EJEVXZwIodL_ZDMMnInFE37jp4jCBL_HuTz0BJWgryUPQc_tpp2aWlHMzLPhn1rLPJJ82GcA_1qIKfvENdN8MOGuDe_Sc3JSxdGYm4nRl4wA9e-1KKDr43cXdTCMxRy2wKCjaQegfFNwY5rD2y/s2124/Truth%20about%20Love.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="2124" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3dZDiIRn07y-rbyg8U9MogTndjwiSbMkqEMNCkD044EJEVXZwIodL_ZDMMnInFE37jp4jCBL_HuTz0BJWgryUPQc_tpp2aWlHMzLPhn1rLPJJ82GcA_1qIKfvENdN8MOGuDe_Sc3JSxdGYm4nRl4wA9e-1KKDr43cXdTCMxRy2wKCjaQegfFNwY5rD2y/w400-h291/Truth%20about%20Love.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It's important to note that what we concentrate on tends to grow, hence, it's better to acknowledge our emotions and shift our focus towards more positive thoughts. If you create a vision board or art piece that represents negative emotions, it's recommended to follow it up with a positive one that represents the opposite. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Choose words and photos that bring a spark of joy. I have created this with a word cloud generator. Try it for yourself <a href="https://www.freewordcloudgenerator.com/generatewordcloud">here</a>: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPmDsPPvqx-jTJ7-S59osHeoFyUgqvD7aj7ok0hTmATlF60eQ1ZmFW-z_L-tbGerSj7OFAOgF7ULMqBGDv9bX88dVz94Cj7FZG5lT15ypVupSapK5wHWxezYksmDCyvKUo8dnlHv3Bh0PNdiIaccXvHxcCY98pYmmA4PMp0eAQNk8SMhp-BAtoX-ZT0y11" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="942" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPmDsPPvqx-jTJ7-S59osHeoFyUgqvD7aj7ok0hTmATlF60eQ1ZmFW-z_L-tbGerSj7OFAOgF7ULMqBGDv9bX88dVz94Cj7FZG5lT15ypVupSapK5wHWxezYksmDCyvKUo8dnlHv3Bh0PNdiIaccXvHxcCY98pYmmA4PMp0eAQNk8SMhp-BAtoX-ZT0y11=w400-h198" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Get to Know Yourself</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I'm reading Dr. Caroline Leaf's book <i>The Perfect You</i>. I'm not quite ready to recommend it because it is a rather difficult book to digest. My goal with it is to identify my personality better and embrace the good parts of it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I know I am a melancholic who feels deeply. I overthink. I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I've been told I'm hard on myself. It doesn't matter the root causes, especially, what matters to me is com</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ing to terms with the idea that it is how God created me and being aware how these traits affect my feelings and choices. They'll help me be on my guard. They'll help me make better choices. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="437" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGSEivBn5So3uUYFLch6FiCUsqTrnlaLCtS7aix8dJzLJN4mwN1kdAoJY37NViR7qhZ8eRg1TOm8rRBEtqdJBS-BEdWiByXIrhI-6PdVWN4O5mHTMzo5vI_JF2xYE_5R7oq_3NlO1hFTfYbFNzjbgQ59uC6WfPqEv3KHkF2a6AeY45wjeTFMECiDmMj1-/s320/2023-12-30%20016.jpg" width="240" /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Beyond these ideas are many more. Let me know the tips and tricks you use to get through the dark-sky days of winter. And until winter passes, trust the Lord, do your best, and go easy on yourself. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGSEivBn5So3uUYFLch6FiCUsqTrnlaLCtS7aix8dJzLJN4mwN1kdAoJY37NViR7qhZ8eRg1TOm8rRBEtqdJBS-BEdWiByXIrhI-6PdVWN4O5mHTMzo5vI_JF2xYE_5R7oq_3NlO1hFTfYbFNzjbgQ59uC6WfPqEv3KHkF2a6AeY45wjeTFMECiDmMj1-/s582/2023-12-30%20016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIoIAHTNTdhtE4EIqB2Xadj6mqnCfJVBS3tr30oYunEz3IHFLw-90rhNdHL8HclYrWOxdq8HFpfYO0RxMtc2bH-yp_5wI9TUl0-jqJtDuzyLX2F1S-VhtOhOJfc3D_oHPOvvPiKEOKe6OkAITmdaphAlxqmP-wK6exc9X5BGGMGAP-OVEsqLsx9RRjVHFd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1687" data-original-width="1349" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIoIAHTNTdhtE4EIqB2Xadj6mqnCfJVBS3tr30oYunEz3IHFLw-90rhNdHL8HclYrWOxdq8HFpfYO0RxMtc2bH-yp_5wI9TUl0-jqJtDuzyLX2F1S-VhtOhOJfc3D_oHPOvvPiKEOKe6OkAITmdaphAlxqmP-wK6exc9X5BGGMGAP-OVEsqLsx9RRjVHFd=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-16752381886993772023-12-31T21:05:00.008-05:002024-02-02T01:50:08.038-05:00Year End Ponderings <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus94IMNLA1s69nytJ2lxVyCszW_maRUBm_qF3o4yCvn_QXyEZAJv732e4UDcXzCf86Bw_-KFHy9NjlUaN3IFXRLNCnGFOijsz81ycBfh5L_IQJC7FCqY2n3apIGu0GnZgqu9F07FNaORmhCoOrGXcQC9A42NgznFt9v89869ZohmQRN5dQ9vd8Y6PxjPu/s560/Design%20Your%20Life%20Roadmap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus94IMNLA1s69nytJ2lxVyCszW_maRUBm_qF3o4yCvn_QXyEZAJv732e4UDcXzCf86Bw_-KFHy9NjlUaN3IFXRLNCnGFOijsz81ycBfh5L_IQJC7FCqY2n3apIGu0GnZgqu9F07FNaORmhCoOrGXcQC9A42NgznFt9v89869ZohmQRN5dQ9vd8Y6PxjPu/w640-h360/Design%20Your%20Life%20Roadmap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">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. <br /><br />Here are some of my current ponderings. Take some time to make your own list and feel free to share it in the comments.</span><br /></span><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QwiZJnxlqT5_FDth-Q_Y-buFWLg4_skuiT3EPw-vtnVm8X7KUzJnyId0iS8cR6VjTpoQnPh0AM4WHHBU-krhEvM2i2DD6uRdenmzETxRAGyh0wfDSgYNaRDj9RUTFsiagD-XGAMagF7EKvj6EvB0XfTCJl_lDneXlGU24MFoSLctXCGb-9Jp29A-yFWl/s785/Mind%20(2).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="708" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QwiZJnxlqT5_FDth-Q_Y-buFWLg4_skuiT3EPw-vtnVm8X7KUzJnyId0iS8cR6VjTpoQnPh0AM4WHHBU-krhEvM2i2DD6uRdenmzETxRAGyh0wfDSgYNaRDj9RUTFsiagD-XGAMagF7EKvj6EvB0XfTCJl_lDneXlGU24MFoSLctXCGb-9Jp29A-yFWl/w289-h320/Mind%20(2).png" width="289" /></a><br /></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Stop ruminating about past situations<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Stop thoughts of self-criticism</span></li></ul><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>Have faith in God working through you<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZtMVV60XHv15yRPmtuKlpqGPQk3NpPAFsyDZtiBRFmsqK3ywJjkkqTcmsn3VecQWkNQ6q80QMjFDFA-XGqVMdmuqatmN5rop1z2egAeyQL_8AJ015QWBGeFCzvP8KZCvfkhDdu7NSOjDdAWM-Tm6z74M7v2lAKnKRMooKQNyvJldEusKe2KVaCAacAfW/s940/too%20serious.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZtMVV60XHv15yRPmtuKlpqGPQk3NpPAFsyDZtiBRFmsqK3ywJjkkqTcmsn3VecQWkNQ6q80QMjFDFA-XGqVMdmuqatmN5rop1z2egAeyQL_8AJ015QWBGeFCzvP8KZCvfkhDdu7NSOjDdAWM-Tm6z74M7v2lAKnKRMooKQNyvJldEusKe2KVaCAacAfW/w320-h268/too%20serious.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><span>Stop trying to fix yourself<br /><br /></span></li><li><span>Be careful of all the advice out there--not all is of God nor is all necessary<br /><br /></span></li><li><span>Enjoy the life God has given you</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNULttpNBH7MeFY7dkv85NEnsw1hwITaGAq894xyOqQ4_JiRLoW71N2xCFcKNJ0IwUTtylZdKffu5FYE0WBqkVxgmJl9d0rVeWeWKUVwcOwnaMlEClUkbTv1BMjIVxlAuHvg3dgYUhJr5RZUoMxv65NlbUN7UnNGY-E423oEAYGrZdyHS6WG48RAl81D5U/s1080/thoughts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNULttpNBH7MeFY7dkv85NEnsw1hwITaGAq894xyOqQ4_JiRLoW71N2xCFcKNJ0IwUTtylZdKffu5FYE0WBqkVxgmJl9d0rVeWeWKUVwcOwnaMlEClUkbTv1BMjIVxlAuHvg3dgYUhJr5RZUoMxv65NlbUN7UnNGY-E423oEAYGrZdyHS6WG48RAl81D5U/w320-h320/thoughts.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Choose your thoughts intentionally<br /><br /></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span><span>Normalize boredom, we all deal with it<br /><br /></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span>Take care of your home and all God has given you<br /><br /></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span>Trust God to make changes in your life supernaturally<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0amrNNMDpeX8rTE6UbJYD2CZ7OHVEzfkQ1HtCc130-XVGGcyN_aK0n1EvErZOpxpYLuJw-1Cn2xpA_oR-GHJ-0d6lQGe5WwUiuVtq0pyoHS0eaC2prwVhtSf8RV6odki0c0rPcOEk0L54uJ4ihB2QbUTklmGGjYV5FnHVa3QqL5lr4t9z4Zch4fhtfcb/s940/march%209%20mid%20morning.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0amrNNMDpeX8rTE6UbJYD2CZ7OHVEzfkQ1HtCc130-XVGGcyN_aK0n1EvErZOpxpYLuJw-1Cn2xpA_oR-GHJ-0d6lQGe5WwUiuVtq0pyoHS0eaC2prwVhtSf8RV6odki0c0rPcOEk0L54uJ4ihB2QbUTklmGGjYV5FnHVa3QqL5lr4t9z4Zch4fhtfcb/w400-h335/march%209%20mid%20morning.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span>Seek peace</span></li></ul></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Stay meditative and mindful<br /><br /></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>Hibernating in the winter is okay</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Imx6xuYyflPDSiizCaZQETrX8FDqTE7HF62INoZ5B60N7qRTnR2EEkG1stU1XTx4rBsOkEiYqmC-AmygWAXttpIKqmkeKfs9cTlX6XvljZVG5GXg8cxY69lZMWuZbtcnj3uP2Z1M5KXHxQi5vHqpwbYUh89Fu1h6Y1QQfc-HiN_apox7Utn90JFkE4z8/s940/Pause2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Imx6xuYyflPDSiizCaZQETrX8FDqTE7HF62INoZ5B60N7qRTnR2EEkG1stU1XTx4rBsOkEiYqmC-AmygWAXttpIKqmkeKfs9cTlX6XvljZVG5GXg8cxY69lZMWuZbtcnj3uP2Z1M5KXHxQi5vHqpwbYUh89Fu1h6Y1QQfc-HiN_apox7Utn90JFkE4z8/w400-h335/Pause2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div><span><br /></span></div></div></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Choose joy, kindness, and peace over negativity or constant activity<br /><br /></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Stay out of others' business<br /><br /></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Withdraw from troubling social media<br /><br /></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Encourage others as you can<br /><br /></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Don't try to control your adult children or spouse; set them free<br /><br /></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HnETjDkQWfQr3ZNzIeY3GFwQu_lt9HgmBe72FPo9JYhcsGbYFwOi-JjfvJtuJPLmhSfCvZOOX1_c0h4oczY0ndpCPrcKSjxvQwZia68iiXa4ysCh_m8tWeIa2qo5QR1tZjakF4pdwaFty6gRHeXH3JYRGerWe9itQRmOLGSJOYgZQJGmEkz4Sl6JzW5-/s2000/Add%20a%20heading%20(6).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="2000" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HnETjDkQWfQr3ZNzIeY3GFwQu_lt9HgmBe72FPo9JYhcsGbYFwOi-JjfvJtuJPLmhSfCvZOOX1_c0h4oczY0ndpCPrcKSjxvQwZia68iiXa4ysCh_m8tWeIa2qo5QR1tZjakF4pdwaFty6gRHeXH3JYRGerWe9itQRmOLGSJOYgZQJGmEkz4Sl6JzW5-/w400-h285/Add%20a%20heading%20(6).jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>You don't have to report to the outside world everything you do<br /><br /></li><li>Pace your purchases, especially of reading material. Read what you bring home<br /><br /></li><li>Let God write your 2024 <br /><br /><br /></li></ul></div></div></span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>What I will continue to do in 2024.</b></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #38761d;">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.</span><br /><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">"Take a moment to reflect on the powerful message below:</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">💚💚💚</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-72355822005166891972023-12-22T12:24:00.003-05:002023-12-22T12:24:35.595-05:00Read Scripture and Let it Speak to You <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixByP6e_FZNaETGcrPlu7YYhqelLm4v_MRSwpABnWQnmrzgG4TSrvuygkGOxblbnguqAjzAukXH9SS7P2xy-YiO3Go-Ngp7wHchf4iZf-v5oKDIRbuwNog0XTVS72SlFLMsUJtG8OyRc8lFfDA-_bS1yzI0CN3R55K8TfJ1x7Ae_FdTRtyjOZnHqWJxaPn/s640/45261995_2021423687965197_4957084189510335282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixByP6e_FZNaETGcrPlu7YYhqelLm4v_MRSwpABnWQnmrzgG4TSrvuygkGOxblbnguqAjzAukXH9SS7P2xy-YiO3Go-Ngp7wHchf4iZf-v5oKDIRbuwNog0XTVS72SlFLMsUJtG8OyRc8lFfDA-_bS1yzI0CN3R55K8TfJ1x7Ae_FdTRtyjOZnHqWJxaPn/s320/45261995_2021423687965197_4957084189510335282_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I'm currently reading <span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>the</i> </span><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">poverty and justice bible (CEV) Contemporary English Version</span>. </i>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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDvbLURY9Y4r7NcfmfeIRMtwE0O4DB3BcxhLEYJGJ6TGD1AzG65Wh6URgLveupsFZcUozCC2KZFBtPuTNAoXr41tLy7XKl1KjPY6jwhWBvN0Dv7_o8l8WipzjuzXyrehFsls28Ch2F097iKpxdHUmsW9enfzvmIhLdV4JRspgpezCDfZDwTxi5kPGpaey3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="256" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDvbLURY9Y4r7NcfmfeIRMtwE0O4DB3BcxhLEYJGJ6TGD1AzG65Wh6URgLveupsFZcUozCC2KZFBtPuTNAoXr41tLy7XKl1KjPY6jwhWBvN0Dv7_o8l8WipzjuzXyrehFsls28Ch2F097iKpxdHUmsW9enfzvmIhLdV4JRspgpezCDfZDwTxi5kPGpaey3" width="176" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Here is a list I also came across in my journal notes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">When you are spoken to with scripture: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">1. Underline it and write it down. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">2. Think about what it means.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">3. Look up meanings of words if you need to or desire to.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">4. Adjust your life to what it says.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">5. Take any action you sense from it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">6. Watch how God reinforces the truth during your day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1FsfFcikkG6CQdnPeXO2cq7seIdZvaQySRbpJyoyFEX6ptslK5VQExe8pX6ja9YywcHNM6Wvk-U3dsBavx9NrND4v5frximz6AAtFQucoMHPCDvc1EaalTZtVoSfWkbcx5vehOKnZsHJ8hDPi0sN_4ZWTau4h2yez-DU3zawNcfb1NWowOVGlUhGw7bK/s877/A%20Bit%20of%20Whimsy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="877" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1FsfFcikkG6CQdnPeXO2cq7seIdZvaQySRbpJyoyFEX6ptslK5VQExe8pX6ja9YywcHNM6Wvk-U3dsBavx9NrND4v5frximz6AAtFQucoMHPCDvc1EaalTZtVoSfWkbcx5vehOKnZsHJ8hDPi0sN_4ZWTau4h2yez-DU3zawNcfb1NWowOVGlUhGw7bK/s320/A%20Bit%20of%20Whimsy.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIz7A4sQP9x_ngM1gf5pXK2L7wQyN8DTRjsWFpPob1JDt4NimtuR6vMhLnVjDaZ_n26WlrTE7a5AAzWDczBauTsSi7qUQcxMt3OdFoflq2Osl8sopCH0b2xjS6OdomOZyXegU14AsGqc17lZAP3U-pORQ0p4gFkZjmKdBPxcFQzxL8E2ZlYqr74avj-TL/s4000/DSCF5516%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIz7A4sQP9x_ngM1gf5pXK2L7wQyN8DTRjsWFpPob1JDt4NimtuR6vMhLnVjDaZ_n26WlrTE7a5AAzWDczBauTsSi7qUQcxMt3OdFoflq2Osl8sopCH0b2xjS6OdomOZyXegU14AsGqc17lZAP3U-pORQ0p4gFkZjmKdBPxcFQzxL8E2ZlYqr74avj-TL/s320/DSCF5516%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">If you don't already spend time on an exercise as described above, why not make it your goal? </span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-45232571891537677402023-12-11T14:00:00.006-05:002023-12-11T14:01:31.814-05:00Let the Voices in your Head Go!<p> </p><p class="p1" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iMjYmIuoq3AU4gDKo1eT701X-_gE5fsFIR60hdzxbLaa0ipl_evucvT6gfcs_mGa2mkcn8IJzYNWx4KZ4EUYVl4zz-wfPxaMWFtXQ0jFWH1IiYYD6pHb1mlmR_0J-92FQpRmMs953-8m3iWv9LOEEB_Q9K4d3fcqfCXaANTGCwaG6hAIlhskxOk7k-Ya/s3059/Faith%20or%20Worry.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2223" data-original-width="3059" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iMjYmIuoq3AU4gDKo1eT701X-_gE5fsFIR60hdzxbLaa0ipl_evucvT6gfcs_mGa2mkcn8IJzYNWx4KZ4EUYVl4zz-wfPxaMWFtXQ0jFWH1IiYYD6pHb1mlmR_0J-92FQpRmMs953-8m3iWv9LOEEB_Q9K4d3fcqfCXaANTGCwaG6hAIlhskxOk7k-Ya/w400-h291/Faith%20or%20Worry.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #505050;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="line-height: 18pt;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The following is an excerpt from a Rick Warren's Daily Devotional email: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Whose
approval are you depending on for your happiness? </span></span></li><li><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Who are you still trying to
please? </span></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><span>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. </span></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">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.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3fwy9NdunOx55Rxm_RSf8_XP2k97Uh11mfeYL3DTWwTh7zedxpZFMOzW4KUFSKEvDBN1XQHJJF3Opyi5tOdeBu8_aV-QdoowUbz3zMUrKT6Ck-4fsZX3J3zJA8ryRMaNuAWJ-Iz1EOuXU5l2geshBZn5iK83yEXCmb8VOQJ41ab16ZGEYrotqlYKXxP5/s2239/Adventure%20Tree.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2239" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3fwy9NdunOx55Rxm_RSf8_XP2k97Uh11mfeYL3DTWwTh7zedxpZFMOzW4KUFSKEvDBN1XQHJJF3Opyi5tOdeBu8_aV-QdoowUbz3zMUrKT6Ck-4fsZX3J3zJA8ryRMaNuAWJ-Iz1EOuXU5l2geshBZn5iK83yEXCmb8VOQJ41ab16ZGEYrotqlYKXxP5/s320/Adventure%20Tree.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-90728676994158081252023-11-02T03:37:00.143-04:002023-11-03T15:34:56.574-04:00Keep Creating and Become a Generous Giver<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCcKIPY7DV6c0z4zHKSbn63Qm00d-B0meVQ1n5mRUVzHynq6JqogxQBqzAnv9cFO8rI0jWQv6Portr-8UMS1V9ry9_TfvvVtaFywzVgTNPPqXBMX5Uuas_XQ62UdJyh4okbgzVd5fmwnAdhfF0gn3lL-8iYfyQO4TyaYTe7H_E3uXK9D4uHV0GPonaIhV/s1200/JGive.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCcKIPY7DV6c0z4zHKSbn63Qm00d-B0meVQ1n5mRUVzHynq6JqogxQBqzAnv9cFO8rI0jWQv6Portr-8UMS1V9ry9_TfvvVtaFywzVgTNPPqXBMX5Uuas_XQ62UdJyh4okbgzVd5fmwnAdhfF0gn3lL-8iYfyQO4TyaYTe7H_E3uXK9D4uHV0GPonaIhV/w266-h400/JGive.png" width="266" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br />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. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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, <b>but </b>share them with the world. Don't keep them to yourself. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Be a Giver</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I share my art online. I share about my other niche interests on social media too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Sometimes OUR GIFT is as simple as using our network to share the giftings of others. (see verse)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Proverbs 27:2 <span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Don't call attention to yourself; </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">let others do that for you.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Creativity is Therapeutic </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And snapping photos on my Sabbath is a way I do something different that day that is enjoyable and calming. </span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijgZx1xLnnHP9PkbM0vuiYm072y7oB3tsmky6sAugY51eDT0RPfSWU46fLkgCZHVohsuEL8VbbMSgRka78aH-Kb7VEavA00_zXSxlavCQP4wzZ8uGDzS5313uBV0GcnRaWz_KBn74NuDfGGFtYxdsh7VNVPqbSTlgt_qLd6icEBVOgaUg1hLTumWZsEtz3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijgZx1xLnnHP9PkbM0vuiYm072y7oB3tsmky6sAugY51eDT0RPfSWU46fLkgCZHVohsuEL8VbbMSgRka78aH-Kb7VEavA00_zXSxlavCQP4wzZ8uGDzS5313uBV0GcnRaWz_KBn74NuDfGGFtYxdsh7VNVPqbSTlgt_qLd6icEBVOgaUg1hLTumWZsEtz3=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(A Facebook post by </span><h4 class="x1heor9g x1qlqyl8 x1pd3egz x1a2a7pz x1gslohp x1yc453h" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; transition-property: none;"><span class="xt0psk2" style="animation-name: none; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; transition-property: none;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/CurrysArtStore?__cft__[0]=AZUXy6Bfkx8a_5UfL8Ey24ZuTWtossBa3lGLaA1Nv5ErQu3pstWv2RNoFoT1Sc4SYxSHhXwm41Txh5ZBO3k_odHv25mtjY0dFgroB0CavmgUkCp0guudkRG1jKjbT1TGvEVmqPSOT7bGBKib7KPOS42oG6dQ7FSMBFHWXaeG52NaUqJXmCwtxYWRjKdqI35MgvaR5b5UEMA3DFcfl8nz_jxz&__tn__=-UC%2CP-y-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none;" tabindex="0"><span style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;">Curry's Artists' Materials</span></a>)</span></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b>Self-Coaching Prompt </b></span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What gifts do you have? </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you need help in identifying them? </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What is one thing you can't not do? </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">(<span style="font-size: medium;">To discover your passions, consider a look at my ebook </span></span><h1 class="a-spacing-none a-text-normal" id="title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="a-size-extra-large celwidget" data-cel-widget="productTitle" data-csa-c-id="ygxzbc-rzsh5x-ifbrg5-66pbc0" id="productTitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 36px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Whats-Next-Midlife-Essential-Self-Coaching/dp/1717976387">What's Next? In Midlife: Identify Your Top 5 Essential Passions</a>.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">)</span></span></h1><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br />In order to bless others as mentioned above, consider these tips:</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>1. <b>D</b></span><strong>evelop</strong><span> the gifts God has given you. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span>2. Move forward in </span><strong>confidence</strong><span> that God will work through you. </span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Philippians 2:13 (NIV) for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"> </p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. <b>But God will multiply the little we do offer. </b></span></p><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLmpaqjqiWn3CmrY1F09oLNEGdoggFHai7agieieTDLzJqbczhzJn1BrAqvgT7p8_S29FS21YqZ7Yw2mKmbXRQX5InW4u34qj3u0XULKxbx7ioqEU3A2rctHxn9R12p0ngC3L73R5IxQNBfc_ok3e6YpVRTkbqhnJtdSnViI0YlonuywA_6BGeGpmKvBXj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLmpaqjqiWn3CmrY1F09oLNEGdoggFHai7agieieTDLzJqbczhzJn1BrAqvgT7p8_S29FS21YqZ7Yw2mKmbXRQX5InW4u34qj3u0XULKxbx7ioqEU3A2rctHxn9R12p0ngC3L73R5IxQNBfc_ok3e6YpVRTkbqhnJtdSnViI0YlonuywA_6BGeGpmKvBXj=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></div></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-60149502343248018932023-11-02T03:25:00.006-04:002023-11-04T15:56:03.249-04:00A Few Tips to Infuse Your Life with Spiritual Balance <p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj937owd75NlTGXtGLahhGW-4jgKrqlPUxOg1VGo4EDsMslgMptPRl86n00AzcPqW6APEiBe4Ork_Gs-WaZkuIjvC-hzYzSGagbpMOYH-WlqrhlaFK3NJuaFjuuMxYUS3P3ZSOH99o6mIcg7pDqTKMizWICYcC0R8Rt9qNeYz60NMWaoH8-Aqk6DxAwInb-/s2992/2022-03-17%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj937owd75NlTGXtGLahhGW-4jgKrqlPUxOg1VGo4EDsMslgMptPRl86n00AzcPqW6APEiBe4Ork_Gs-WaZkuIjvC-hzYzSGagbpMOYH-WlqrhlaFK3NJuaFjuuMxYUS3P3ZSOH99o6mIcg7pDqTKMizWICYcC0R8Rt9qNeYz60NMWaoH8-Aqk6DxAwInb-/s320/2022-03-17%20007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A collage I created this past spring.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3ARBVVRIkxaKG4knEylxLfoBSYzixJffapiNeEjAyJsK8WQFUBqpPfcJAa7MX3UX6hMTYkI6PiCZLFkpRtuMjULceWFhZEc9c5GB-1dOJSUTOP-7Y5D8tZZJOTzjn8eueQW3sfphwQbPOXTGH1Be20fMgL9ZPSfx-xgLqmZvF6jtruGd7GUXAHVIi1nO/s940/Green%20Earth.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3ARBVVRIkxaKG4knEylxLfoBSYzixJffapiNeEjAyJsK8WQFUBqpPfcJAa7MX3UX6hMTYkI6PiCZLFkpRtuMjULceWFhZEc9c5GB-1dOJSUTOP-7Y5D8tZZJOTzjn8eueQW3sfphwQbPOXTGH1Be20fMgL9ZPSfx-xgLqmZvF6jtruGd7GUXAHVIi1nO/s320/Green%20Earth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An acrylic painting. Available for purchase on my <br />Fine Art America page. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The life message conveyed in the following guidance is about cultivating a balanced and spiritually enriched life. H</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ere are some special ingredients I'm offering you to infuse into your own life journey:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>1. Care Less</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>2. Empathize but with Boundaries and Prayer</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>3. Use the word 'Opportunity' instead of 'Problem'</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Life's issues become opportunities for asking God what to do about them.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">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.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>4. Trust that God is Actively Working</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>5. Seek Out Beauty in the Everyday </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Beauty is all around you if you seek it. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">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. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96RyzCCU2YcX7Gm1XCWS72C3-3h5-e6IUzTotKyxKKZRuku1Y2y_9qYVTM3UkyoWnLFyxxNQsPC3RQvfuPcsz1vRwI4NSFQeuqle1H7DKIidyWIRUOmdDezCknhCZ1cj2yAcRfU5-VBSeQFGs4w3GnIeRK0jKAxc3Y-K1MHZeffBMaFo4SXZR8iZTrVLT/s2165/Scan_20220815%20(7).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2165" data-original-width="1573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96RyzCCU2YcX7Gm1XCWS72C3-3h5-e6IUzTotKyxKKZRuku1Y2y_9qYVTM3UkyoWnLFyxxNQsPC3RQvfuPcsz1vRwI4NSFQeuqle1H7DKIidyWIRUOmdDezCknhCZ1cj2yAcRfU5-VBSeQFGs4w3GnIeRK0jKAxc3Y-K1MHZeffBMaFo4SXZR8iZTrVLT/s320/Scan_20220815%20(7).png" width="232" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">May your
days be filled with joy, purpose, and spiritual enrichment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #0f1419; font-family: TwitterChirp, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. </div><div style="color: #0f1419; font-family: TwitterChirp, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="TwitterChirp, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 19px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><span face="TwitterChirp, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1419; font-size: 19px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: center;">Psalms 55:22</div></span></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-56887965171445805392023-10-31T02:44:00.005-04:002023-10-31T02:50:24.172-04:00What is Your Rut? How Can You Climb Out of It?<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-FNqJXkOdP-pOpyMI5Z77Pt7xTpanfS21Thgu614F4pr-FeScVrYMy1mkYj6PIhsfVEGymiVN9xUfJAtYOVvYtCpaHwf4Qv-285_QKRIfNRpVYy8BBGLOeZC7sBv3n7yZ9Z_P7qHN7AV3XHmp33zTAiY0br5V78i1amJUe2dk_qAdDsHiQroFsTNez8B/s2876/Scan_20220815%20(3).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2876" data-original-width="2875" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-FNqJXkOdP-pOpyMI5Z77Pt7xTpanfS21Thgu614F4pr-FeScVrYMy1mkYj6PIhsfVEGymiVN9xUfJAtYOVvYtCpaHwf4Qv-285_QKRIfNRpVYy8BBGLOeZC7sBv3n7yZ9Z_P7qHN7AV3XHmp33zTAiY0br5V78i1amJUe2dk_qAdDsHiQroFsTNez8B/s320/Scan_20220815%20(3).png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">An abstract painting by Rosalie Garde.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I understand that overcoming trauma such as these situations can be an arduous
journey. It necessitates support and a process of healing. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some women
experience immediate healing when they turn to their </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">faith in God. However, for
many others, the healing journey is a gradual process and a journey of maturity and personal growth.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhResU113ylwfH_8uCixE-NW3Jj5v9ls8qwsIHTSIGTxoTBbMb8o13CE7d7q_VqsFRj46Am49LgsYa1oiK6uxoa7wKLX2NwuJpWPo4wF3O67zsGfhvp8I9WJtAjRxyloT7VJ68R4s_EG-QdMR7oXB3gnKCttjat-CWUeH4BlaIIEhe_RjqcqBGGQk7xkT/s300/roses.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhResU113ylwfH_8uCixE-NW3Jj5v9ls8qwsIHTSIGTxoTBbMb8o13CE7d7q_VqsFRj46Am49LgsYa1oiK6uxoa7wKLX2NwuJpWPo4wF3O67zsGfhvp8I9WJtAjRxyloT7VJ68R4s_EG-QdMR7oXB3gnKCttjat-CWUeH4BlaIIEhe_RjqcqBGGQk7xkT/s1600/roses.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Biblical account in John 5:1-15 is a powerful reminder of the question, "Do you want to get well?"</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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?"</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTWl9J9HetL_J6Wrgg5Qm9SqLaCmrCl-PgV4dLyVQAuGrV_aQdOP5ltOhDe5-ARuP7t8wL2P8WYsNQWfiV9HZsn2fHo6fBxAYNwoNyl2cDty0LqkrKuBUXBRMcdPZAb8YAFqN2XB5IbGTY-Tw2mruzoYfWeRv5A0g4GOmJfC76znwnhKzDFf28mAEI-86/s726/coachpage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="580" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTWl9J9HetL_J6Wrgg5Qm9SqLaCmrCl-PgV4dLyVQAuGrV_aQdOP5ltOhDe5-ARuP7t8wL2P8WYsNQWfiV9HZsn2fHo6fBxAYNwoNyl2cDty0LqkrKuBUXBRMcdPZAb8YAFqN2XB5IbGTY-Tw2mruzoYfWeRv5A0g4GOmJfC76znwnhKzDFf28mAEI-86/w160-h200/coachpage.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was me around age 50. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">What needs to change in your life?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Will that change include new boundary setting?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">What professional may be of help to you right now?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Are you already on a path to healing and growth? How can you celebrate your mile markers?</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9B5hsD88xIWLwHU5a29ZAbODdgFUjz9GIBC1bwKDEQdG__1cV0lc621jQ5zigdPrkj-CQ_KUO_OY0OB8j8-hg26pwX5ARek4bbv4weK9_0NOq7aCFeW19LgjsAAKygiM1IvX5AWk4kNwofwiOkZobDlpDDuxTL-bEJ6PNYmFukXdIsHvv-NxZh61Tar2/s1024/Waterfall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9B5hsD88xIWLwHU5a29ZAbODdgFUjz9GIBC1bwKDEQdG__1cV0lc621jQ5zigdPrkj-CQ_KUO_OY0OB8j8-hg26pwX5ARek4bbv4weK9_0NOq7aCFeW19LgjsAAKygiM1IvX5AWk4kNwofwiOkZobDlpDDuxTL-bEJ6PNYmFukXdIsHvv-NxZh61Tar2/s320/Waterfall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-85687920800355034042023-10-24T16:30:00.004-04:002023-11-04T16:05:56.543-04:00Take Your Heart's Desires Seriously and Work on Them<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="630" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMS0tAt_9-fcqc0rfmYiBoTZWP857cnOntxxSO41_pfLEEI-ZstCTazaSCGCKSi7-yySg0sHrxAp4qsp2JJRf5GNPS00Gwro407qyP7MFyQPG60mw_gLnhMcqBHXd7JdaITGb7CITxBerzlDNLaIM8zkp0Zm9xOSarrYcgluomgREMWpRgFzoDdMKXg/w293-h400/Pattern%20and%20Colour.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="293" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An art collage I did this past winter.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMS0tAt_9-fcqc0rfmYiBoTZWP857cnOntxxSO41_pfLEEI-ZstCTazaSCGCKSi7-yySg0sHrxAp4qsp2JJRf5GNPS00Gwro407qyP7MFyQPG60mw_gLnhMcqBHXd7JdaITGb7CITxBerzlDNLaIM8zkp0Zm9xOSarrYcgluomgREMWpRgFzoDdMKXg/s862/Pattern%20and%20Colour.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxarBMcKW_I3Ayb4EGfr9oxb9PMhcwR3AgvQnsG6EdThlbYsSgyb55Cy8Do8CHMJ0ykfLahgDptoJViu11dBoLY2f583CEGG_MFFvANpy7J9NODeId7TGzwyE1IBPgWE3Tb_ElLMBqN5WqWQYQNoGFN5-RaHpen1-Iaz1HDSPnG7rNB_JPh4kQbT-Tw/s4000/DSCF5513.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxarBMcKW_I3Ayb4EGfr9oxb9PMhcwR3AgvQnsG6EdThlbYsSgyb55Cy8Do8CHMJ0ykfLahgDptoJViu11dBoLY2f583CEGG_MFFvANpy7J9NODeId7TGzwyE1IBPgWE3Tb_ElLMBqN5WqWQYQNoGFN5-RaHpen1-Iaz1HDSPnG7rNB_JPh4kQbT-Tw/w400-h300/DSCF5513.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">My art area. <br />One of my heart's desires was to have an in-home studio <br />where I could create, paint, draw. <br />God provided this area in 2010 when we moved and I was 52.</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjAELxy4-O4PHT7yBAgDt5378yV60_LClVwCkik3k_nLQNJWbLvFu1A_imr0jycgln4Amja4LkLu2Q-f5i8Pgez3qF3isuW8MzM7Fb9QGI7EuizidVH9sxIag7n2QV1A_9SfmTHVlCIgS-ZrGXrnnhW_dg4bo4nZOO_oU1MsfSCEiI-yhElWoGJ0JxQ/s3093/DSCF5518%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2735" data-original-width="3093" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjAELxy4-O4PHT7yBAgDt5378yV60_LClVwCkik3k_nLQNJWbLvFu1A_imr0jycgln4Amja4LkLu2Q-f5i8Pgez3qF3isuW8MzM7Fb9QGI7EuizidVH9sxIag7n2QV1A_9SfmTHVlCIgS-ZrGXrnnhW_dg4bo4nZOO_oU1MsfSCEiI-yhElWoGJ0JxQ/s320/DSCF5518%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><span><b>What are your interests? </b>Do they include caring for wildlife, helping the poor, drawing, singing, or hiking? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>What are the things you enjoy spending time on? </b>Do you like organizing, web surfing, cleaning, solving complex problems, or woodworking?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>What are your desires?</b> What do you wish would happen in your life or in your community? How might you help? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>What door do you hope will open? </b>Is there a secret door in your mind you are hoping God will open for you to walk through?<br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">As a Christian woman, do you know that your deepest desires and even some of your whims are placed within you by God?</span><br /><br />Philippians 2:13 <em>for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.</em></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="text Mark-16-16">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. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><em></em></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6-O1WcRqY5xsR2xPWOYgiM2971zTaJL4b74_wrHy3m6rmT3tYfyt2rx7rHYbqnfcvh0Du57rAJE7olPzt3ZjuUboRjJ6diH8TV8lvOPrQ53LDEYATpYTVeuq3kO7DrRoGOYD5XWucyy5CHktbK-Pqg-8qTBagfObY0mLLlU14ZA2tOqrNS-SmSvROmHP/s2992/2022-09-18%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6-O1WcRqY5xsR2xPWOYgiM2971zTaJL4b74_wrHy3m6rmT3tYfyt2rx7rHYbqnfcvh0Du57rAJE7olPzt3ZjuUboRjJ6diH8TV8lvOPrQ53LDEYATpYTVeuq3kO7DrRoGOYD5XWucyy5CHktbK-Pqg-8qTBagfObY0mLLlU14ZA2tOqrNS-SmSvROmHP/s320/2022-09-18%20039.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I like to sit on my deck. <br />I don't like to view the junk that<br />might be under my neighbour's treehouse. <br />So I wondered long and hard about how to enhance my view. <br />And these door panels and old gazebo parts were sitting in my yard. </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">I ordered a roll of peel & stick nature wall paper and <br />created this privacy screen </span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><strong>FOR GOD'S SAKE</strong><br /><br />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. <br /><br />Mark 16:15-16<span class="text Mark-16-15" id="en-NIV-24889"><em><sup class="versenum"> </sup>He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel [</em>publish openly the good news] <em>to all creation."</em><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24889A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span><br /><br /><span class="text Mark-16-16" id="en-NIV-24890"><strong>WHAT TO DO ABOUT DESIRES</strong></span><br /><br /><span class="text Mark-16-16">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. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="text Mark-16-16">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. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The ups and downs of life are part of our humanity. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happiness is hard to sustain. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">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.</span></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2441" data-original-width="1594" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU1bFe2NVEqsdFpUiC-8D1syJu4_vE1bGyJOjpJIr2gU3QqCJ6LL0y3rFGOCSmyOg2vHZJ0IGmBqNThWlXfowLm97O9kxi9ZRgZmMhAvE7OrpuKi7K9Dq-hUDGz4KPC8Xs4tPtAw422SMTt8r4dAnhdevTtu-XnMbQSqJoyIUdrQNrMYiCw_MxCQCIQ/s320/Along%20The%20Mossy%20Trail.jpg" width="209" /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="text Mark-16-16"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A PRACTICAL LIST</span></strong></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span><span class="text Mark-16-16">Do you want to know some practical steps you can take to help hone your desires? Try working through this list:</span><br /><br /></span></span><p></p><ol><li><span class="text Mark-16-16"><span class="text Mark-16-16" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Commit your plans to God.</b> Proverbs 16:3 puts it this way, <em>"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."<br /><br /></em></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span><span class="text Mark-16-16"><span class="text Mark-16-16"></span></span><span class="text Mark-16-16"><b>Take your desires seriously for they are clues to your calling. <br /></b></span></span><span><span>1 Corinthians 12:11</span> "</span><em>All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."<br /><br /></em></span></li><li><span class="text Mark-16-16" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Ask God to fan your desires into flame.</b> "<em>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</em>." 2 Tim. 1:6<br /><br /></span></li><li><span class="text Mark-16-16" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Take small steps towards your hearts desires with realistic expectations. </b>That is, don't shy away from them or use negative self-talk to talk yourself out of them "<em>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<br /><br /></em></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="text Mark-16-16"><b>Practice, work hard, and do your best when given the chance to make your desires a reality. </b></span><span class="text Mark-16-16">"<em>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<br /><br /></em></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="text Mark-16-16"><b>Leave the outcome to God.</b> 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. </span>"<em>My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure" Isaiah 46:10<br /><br /><br /></em></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn5vZsXeAYylugajg9nPn1zYBCHwPiFMU9f3dkrzgXmuRIvkmB-DYFo6ZW_6mFNOYZK1JBG6LGzZn_V6M-HhWuqtX8W92uKo__YQnc7Jktic_8-eanq6nCDgfNJVzBWQpQMn0PWSVcw-y4QIkii5uH54n7JH8ikA45bmy16m5CKHcZGLXOFcKgU58vA/s960/cards.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn5vZsXeAYylugajg9nPn1zYBCHwPiFMU9f3dkrzgXmuRIvkmB-DYFo6ZW_6mFNOYZK1JBG6LGzZn_V6M-HhWuqtX8W92uKo__YQnc7Jktic_8-eanq6nCDgfNJVzBWQpQMn0PWSVcw-y4QIkii5uH54n7JH8ikA45bmy16m5CKHcZGLXOFcKgU58vA/w223-h400/cards.jpg" width="223" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">At the start of the pandemic, some ladies I knew made masks. Another makes cards. I purchased from them and gave <br />them to health care workers in my community. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></li></ol><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="text Mark-16-16">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:</span><br /></span></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td></td><td valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="btext" colspan="2" height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="orange2" width="99%"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="http://bible.cc/parallel7.gif" /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span><span class="versiontext"><a href="http://niv.scripturetext.com/psalms/138.htm">New International Version</a><a href="http://biblica.com/">(©1984)</a></span><br />The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me.<br /><span class="versiontext"><br /><a href="http://nlt.scripturetext.com/psalms/138.htm">New Living Translation</a> <a href="http://www.newlivingtranslation.com/">(©2007)</a></span><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="versiontext"><a href="http://nasb.scripturetext.com/psalms/138.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> <a href="http://www.lockman.org/">(©1995)</a></span><br />The LORD will accomplish what concer<span style="color: #ff00fe;">ns me.<br /><br /><span class="versiontext"><a href="http://kingjbible.com/psalms/138.htm">King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)</a></span><br />The LORD will perfect <i>that which</i> concerneth me.<br /><br /><span class="versiontext"><a href="http://kj2000.scripturetext.com/psalms/138.htm">King James 2000 Bible (©2003)</a></span><br />The LORD will <strong>perfect </strong>that which concerns me.<br /><br /></span></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAY5SoP4QoUKCg5gQ8vLxyDcEfZfXDjqZ6_s7r9zAjVc_fkh-oXyoiWPXVfclVEchhbiRCjGsyQ2JoZ5VMNM-QrjVqa2s-imsJVG3IDS2cYYzEMBWhqvDHnf9aKcueNeJLbyD4N-8CJEEwc-Sm-u3DLRZz1Cj22lyJDg6s_fURc9Ne2y-l1txzD77Wg/s2000/Wildflowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAY5SoP4QoUKCg5gQ8vLxyDcEfZfXDjqZ6_s7r9zAjVc_fkh-oXyoiWPXVfclVEchhbiRCjGsyQ2JoZ5VMNM-QrjVqa2s-imsJVG3IDS2cYYzEMBWhqvDHnf9aKcueNeJLbyD4N-8CJEEwc-Sm-u3DLRZz1Cj22lyJDg6s_fURc9Ne2y-l1txzD77Wg/w309-h400/Wildflowers.jpg" width="309" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">An art piece I created with <br />watercolour pencils in 2020.</span> </span><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #990000;">Here is a random LIST OF IDEAS to spark your thoughts. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #990000;">CHOOSE THOSE THAT MIGHT FIT YOU:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #990000;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">I like to learn about technology.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">I like to draw and paint.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">I love walking dogs.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">I'd love to volunteer at a library, book store, thrift shop, or similar location.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I want to start a vegetable garden.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I love the study of archaeology.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Sewing, knitting, or crocheting are me.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">I'm a writer.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">I enjoying viewing artwork online or at galleries.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Cooking and new recipes are me.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e69138;">I love playing video games.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">I would love to be the </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">social media specialist for a company.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span>Scrapbooking and crafting </span>describe my interests.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Fish. I love fishing or aquarium fish.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I love reading and bookclubs.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I would love to tutor.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Golfing is my passion.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Blogging is something I'd like to try.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">I would like to be a cheerleader for others in small business.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Walking or hiking describe a desire I'd like to do more of.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">I love taking care of my home and family.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;">I love taking courses. A course I'd like to take next is _____.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I hope to grow and tend flowers this year.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">My desire is to exercise more, I just need motivation.</span></li></ul><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Share in the comments any ideas you've had from reading this list. </span></div></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /><br /></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-4836836843555535672022-12-10T15:03:00.010-05:002024-02-04T03:29:45.649-05:00Don't Stay Stuck, Focus on Your Life Purpose Today!<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hL7F_qArmpsD01QWrwkzfBky95FHOMD4G_WPJL4MaBSVOUdt56FIvIje8eQYIkb4YJZfzrdOS_OsrjwTQCzuCpv6nCrtIkgvlmjXmZXnL51c46dgE7ZEIiVc_H893-w94U3ePFjbsA-M5G4KoocjTZyRPbUkeDg0BseDs3_N3xfG6Bb3yjsLbIcVFA/s169/creativeorder1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="147" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hL7F_qArmpsD01QWrwkzfBky95FHOMD4G_WPJL4MaBSVOUdt56FIvIje8eQYIkb4YJZfzrdOS_OsrjwTQCzuCpv6nCrtIkgvlmjXmZXnL51c46dgE7ZEIiVc_H893-w94U3ePFjbsA-M5G4KoocjTZyRPbUkeDg0BseDs3_N3xfG6Bb3yjsLbIcVFA/w348-h400/creativeorder1.jpg" width="348" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">If you have been feeling a little down, a little anxious, or a little fatigued after all the pandemic-related events combined with a world in chaos, you aren't alone. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">The answer to all that kind of stress is, as always, <b>to reach out to God</b>. In him, you will find the comfort you need. Trust that he has you in the palm of his hand. He IS WORKING where you cannot see. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fXXQpJ3OKrZyCqmfbn7tAu5XigD9osXCbiLk2HLscFM_-oO42-xPBhIP7P0f1rcN7sny-dlRcv1CaS9osp-lRh0dZIO0KwfdSJ3uKjlssICylnxEtSyHlfd0IwHufcdlsF4tUr93FhA4grYUGUAIUQXOZheCAcS0j7VOPiPQo1nMlByKDiwTP7nxVD_x/s640/45261995_2021423687965197_4957084189510335282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fXXQpJ3OKrZyCqmfbn7tAu5XigD9osXCbiLk2HLscFM_-oO42-xPBhIP7P0f1rcN7sny-dlRcv1CaS9osp-lRh0dZIO0KwfdSJ3uKjlssICylnxEtSyHlfd0IwHufcdlsF4tUr93FhA4grYUGUAIUQXOZheCAcS0j7VOPiPQo1nMlByKDiwTP7nxVD_x/s320/45261995_2021423687965197_4957084189510335282_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p>Don't rely on the circumstances around you as your compass. </p></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Matt. 7:24 Jesus said that everyone who hears his words and obeys them is like a wise (wo)man who built her house on solid rock. That is, she has a healthy foundation that won't crumble when life's storms hit it. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>KEEP TO YOUR LIFE PURPOSE</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even though you may feel down right now, tap into remembering your life purpose here on earth. God created you for his enjoyment. He has assignments for you.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your purposes include loving yourself, your neighbour, but most of all God. When you ask him for his agenda on your day, he will go to work through you. As you develop your gifts and talents and share them with the world, God works through you to mentor, teach, guide, and bless others in the world, and you, in turn will be blessed</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which of your talents should you work on tonight or tomorrow? </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804982729156830997.post-77532591960039074972022-12-10T02:28:00.004-05:002024-01-02T23:38:09.082-05:00Update December 2022 - Pace Yourself and Ask God for a Guiding Word<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumXBtcjPbLx9zXtc12g8HrPKu1Py5sis0k5VI2A8dVQ58tomRaVjS59VLgN8XkxP0zP0Byl5Feqx7QdMxM1BMQu6mZx1eJn2QLc8qNnRzjG_Ar64qIJ8Zoa-9GYIPWGgjIgkrJaPnmrHLtYOBsCrTzcBrtBYwxaftVWG_6iEjHIbQRlRz1Ml7G6YJyw/s4000/DSCF5543%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumXBtcjPbLx9zXtc12g8HrPKu1Py5sis0k5VI2A8dVQ58tomRaVjS59VLgN8XkxP0zP0Byl5Feqx7QdMxM1BMQu6mZx1eJn2QLc8qNnRzjG_Ar64qIJ8Zoa-9GYIPWGgjIgkrJaPnmrHLtYOBsCrTzcBrtBYwxaftVWG_6iEjHIbQRlRz1Ml7G6YJyw/w400-h300/DSCF5543%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I've been busy living my life purpose in other areas over the last little while, so haven't added much to this blog. But as the special project I was involved in winds down, I am here to check in and decide the direction of this blog going forward. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I am so blessed that the stats show, that even with my absence, there have been many visitors. I hope those who landed here came across something worthwhile that applies to their own life. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>COMPETING PRIORITIES</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkI7IvJgfO0EnJoD78EPzE2_voy_8wvick9NR9suOUE_aWHtk6hfBs9z5wkVsm2KsXec3KvNZRKwXxghmwSHOPlUuaUvSlDkMcCFT3TqfSejLydp-9Dg0DerToJ3T8m68U8JbfAzwOTC4YJxp38EXScbwCnIehbaJIZ2MQeJjowgNLYzfnvccmG7ubA/s714/New%20Balance%20TrueFuse.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="714" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkI7IvJgfO0EnJoD78EPzE2_voy_8wvick9NR9suOUE_aWHtk6hfBs9z5wkVsm2KsXec3KvNZRKwXxghmwSHOPlUuaUvSlDkMcCFT3TqfSejLydp-9Dg0DerToJ3T8m68U8JbfAzwOTC4YJxp38EXScbwCnIehbaJIZ2MQeJjowgNLYzfnvccmG7ubA/s320/New%20Balance%20TrueFuse.PNG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">At times, we can take on too much. We find we are juggling too many competing priorities. That is why I stopped posting here regularly--God sent me on a path that had a greater priority and urgency. I am honoured.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Have you asked God what his priority for you is right now?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>PACE YOURSELF </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">One of my mottos over 2021 & 2022 has been to PACE myself. I am working at putting perfectionism down. I am content if a project takes three times as long as I first assumed it would. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Do you pace yourself? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>ASK GOD FOR A GUIDING WORD </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">My word for 2022 was <span style="color: #e69138;">ENJOY</span>. This year, that word came to mind often! It went along with the idea of pacing myself. I felt God saying to me--whatever you are doing should be done with enjoyment, not with stress. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">That word got me off the hook many times. I tried hard to default to it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I think God has already given me my word/phrase for 2023. It is <span style="color: #b45f06;">LET GOD</span>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">As women, we are tempted to try to work things out--find solutions--fix ourselves or others--and work hard. But God has been showing me that it is HE that works through me. I need to LET him show me solutions, fix me, fix others, and take the pressure off myself. For me, that may mean less planning and more being ready to be spontaneous--to be surprised by what he tells me to do in a day. It's a very empowering way to live. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Did you have a word for 2022? Did it guide you?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Do you have a new guiding word for 2023 yet?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0