So many different things happen in peoples lives that make it difficult for them to get past and let go of. The list is long; from personal, to professional, hurt, from others, to the loss of loved ones and everything in between.
It takes a lot of work, prayer, counseling for some, meditation, self-help, and determination to overcome it all. The healing process can be long as well.
In the mix of it all; there are blessings to be found from the growth, learning, and the scars. The release of the past is liberating, and the freshness of a new start is rejuvenating.
Let go of the past; let the Lord heal your heart, count your blessings, and enjoy the start of your new journey in life.
Psalms 25:17 NIV Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.
Doors come in all sizes, shapes, and forms. Some are massive and heavy, small and light, made of wood, metal, glass, etc. and with locks; that you can open and close at will.
Doors
Then there are those doors that are invisible and you can’t see them; but they are there. Some of them will open and some stay locked forever.
These are the doors that require faith. The ones that you can’t physically open; the ones that you can’t always understand why they remain closed; the ones that seemingly force you to take a different path and door.
Not all doors are meant for us; or are good for the well being of our lives. There are hidden traps, disasters, and unknown events that cause havoc upon us.
Then there are some that are seemingly great, but are not meant for us right then; because it is not time for that door to open; or a better door lies ahead.
Understanding this and having the patience to wait is hard, and will take every ounce of your strength to get through. It may take, days, weeks, months, and even years for one to open; but the benefits of waiting are worth the reward that waits upon you.
Be thankful for the blessings of closed doors, detours, and roadblocks. They protect you from paths and places that are not meant for you, your family or your friends.
Lean not on your own understanding, but on your faith.
Revelation 3:8 NIV I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Flaws What we think is a flaw, sometimes is what makes someone or something so very special.
Flaws
Flaws show up in many ways. Some are visual; like a crack, blemish, a mark, a chip, a knothole in wood, or a distortion in a pattern. Some are invisible that we only think we can see; then some are not flaws at all; but are something very beautiful that appears uniquely different.
At first glance we look and see something that we think is hideous, unsightly, or unworthy.
We tend to focus on the imperfections and flaws so much; that we miss the actual beauty that the flaw gives to the masterpiece itself.
Humans do the same thing with their lives. They focus on the imperfections and flaws that they see. They begin to see things that they think are flaws; extra wrinkles, love handles, gray hair, droops and sags, and a variety of other things that bring on anxieties and self-doubt.
No matter how much they fight against it and try to ignore the flaws, self-doubt creeps in; causing anxiety and distress. The battle to once again seek perfection, creates hurt, anguish, conjures blame, denial and resentment; that robs them of the joy and the actual beauty inside and out.
Our idea of perfection is not the same as the ideas of others and God’s; that we tend to ignore and not listen to.
Instead; we should realize the beauty in all the flaws and imperfections that we think we see. Knowing that we were created by an incredible, awe-inspiring Creator just as we were meant to be. Each and everyone, made similar, but very uniquely in our own ways, that creates the value and self-worth that is very special and very priceless.
Flaws are never bad; they are a blessing and a thing of beauty in the creation of all things.
Embrace your flaws; show the world and yourself how special you really are.
Psalms 139:14 NIV I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Balancing your daily life can be quite the task. With work, family, chores, children, school, hobbies, church, errands, and other outside distractions; days, weeks, and even months can become hard.
Balance your life
Prioritizing and finding the time to fit it all in can become extremely stressful: especially if you are doing it alone. Like a juggler; you can only have so many balls in the air; before you begin to drop some.
Understanding that it is only possible to fit so many things into one day and that some things must wait is the key. Removing things that are not essential; is perfectly fine and does not make you a failure.
Being humble is ok; and asking for help from friends or family can save your sanity, your health and your family.
Find that balance for a healthier, happier and more stress-free life.
Psalms 68:19 NIV Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Simplicity brings calming and the makings of an uncomplicated life. It removes stress, unnecessary clutter and complications that lead to worry and strife.
Keep things simple in your daily life, thoughts, teachings, actions, interactions, communications, routines, and possessions.
Remove old baggage, unnecessary items, the confusion, and the complexities to experience a cleaner, happier, healthier, and a more peaceful journey.
Keep it simple and enjoy your blessings of a new life. Always K.I.S.S. “Keep It Simple Silly”.
Philippians 4:19 NIV And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Small steps lead to big things; that open up a world of possibilities.k
In our daily lives; small steps; one foot in front of the other; no rushing; no haste, slow and steady; can be a great guideline for living life.
American astronaut Neil Armstrong took the first small step on the moon in 1969. A step that opened the doors to information about the moon and space. A step and a quote that has been remembered to this day.
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” ~Neil Armstrong
Let your small steps lead you to your big journey one step at a time. The rewards are endless.
Proverbs 16:9 NIV In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Proverbs 16:9 NIVLohttps:rd establishes their steps.
Opportunities are as endless as the stars. Look at them all and then reach for the sky.
Fill your dreams and life with happiness.
Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Fears; the reality in life. Everyone has fears; be it large or small; they are fears, and they are real.
Face your fears
For many; they are able to overcome them and move forward, and some are not able to and feel trapped by them.
Some are huge, and some so small, but so real to people, that they seem enormous. They become engulfed, and at times paralyzed, unable to function because of them, becoming a victim to them.
For most, fears are not so large; in fact they are so small, that it is a matter of choice than fear. The fear develops because of self-doubt, hesitation, and a sense of failing.
Fears can be as simple as passing a test, speaking to a group, or even stepping out of your comfort zone. Regardless of what they are, they are there; in your face; ready to stop you at a moments notice.
Facing your fears and meeting them head on is the key. Seeking help when it seems to be bigger than you are. Chiseling away at them a little at a time. Overcoming the smaller ones, builds confidence to overcome the larger ones.
Face your fears and find freedom in your life.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Contagious; that scary word that sends people flying in all directions.
Be Contagious
Contagious is commonly thought of as an infection spread from one person to another by direct or indirect contact. However; all things don’t have to be bad to be contagious.
Positive thoughts, attitudes, actions, and encouragements can become so infectious; that it can spread throughout the world as fast as a virus.
Calming fears instead of creating them and panic; helping the world instead of tearing it down can change attitudes and lives.
Be contagious and infect the people in your life, the workforce, and the world with kindness, compassion, understanding, unity, and love.
Proverbs 15:4 NIV The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.