Tag Archives: precious

Flaws

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.

Beauty

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; is one of the truest statements ever made.

Beauty

Beauty is far deeper than outward appearances. Beauty is the heart, mind, and soul of a person. The compassion, love, caring, actions and understanding that makes a person beautiful.

The outward appearance is but a pretty shell that changes with time, but inner beauty lasts a lifetime. When one sees this inner beauty in a person and in their own self; it is then that one’s appreciation of true beauty shines.

Love yourself and others for the real beauty.
Find the beauty in yourself.
Find the beauty in everyone you meet.
Find the beauty in the world.

1 Peter 3:4 NIV
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Cross-Stitch of Life

Cross-stitch is a beautiful piece of work when completed.

Cross-Stitch of Life

The hours spent pulling different colors of thread through a fabric, in X shaped stitches to create a scene, patterns, phrases, flowers, people, and so many other things are a skilled piece of artwork. The beauty of the finished product is stunning for all to behold.

The hidden backside of it, though, is a complete mess. Thread going from one spot to another, in a gridded pattern, using different stiching patterens at times, that ends up looking like a bowl of spaghetti. A complete disaster that is often hidden and unseen when completed, and so different than what the finished piece is seen by others.

People are much like a cross-stitch piece. We see the beauty and outward appearance of a seemingly happy and wonderful human being. What we mostly do not see is the mess and turmoil deep inside, that is hidden from the world.

The distress of everyday life that causes chaos deep within. The smile and the persona that hides all of the inward battles and is projected in a beautiful smile, a kind action or word.

However; there is the cleaner version of cross-stitch. The version that took more time and work to make the front a work of art and the back cleaned up and neat.

People are exactly like that, and go through that same transformation when they work on their inner self. A cleaned up and better projected inner version that is amazing for themselves and for the world to see.

All it takes is a little work, dedication, faith, belief, effort, and a willingness to make ourselves beautiful inside and out, leaving a masterpiece for all to see.

Be the cross-stitch master piece in life.

1 Peter 3:4 NIV
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Practice

Practice is used in everything in life.
It is said that practice makes perfect.

Practice

Though it may or may not make things perfect, it does make things and us far better in so many ways.

Practice is not just reserved for sports, athletics, musical instruments, singing, and so on. Practicing having a good mental attitude, being polite, helping others, praising all, respecting people, encouragement, self-improvement, and the list goes on.

Practice being the best that you can possibly be, doing the best in everything you do, and treating others the best that you can is the best practice that you could ever do.

Practice makes us as perfect as we possibly can be; if we are only willing to do it.

Romans 12:13 NIV
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Celebrate Life

Celebrate life

Celebrate Life


Celebrate life at the start of each and every day that you wake up. Sing praises and count your blessings for the health you have, the breath you take, the steps you walk, the food you have, a place to live, transportation, money, employment, family, friends, and everything else that we take for granted.

Enjoy the life you have and the journey that you are on, no matter if you are in the valley or the mountain tops, and be grateful for it all.

Spread love, hope, and a positive attitude to everyone. Help all you can, anytime you can and be the example for others to follow. Tell people that you love them often and how important they are to you and to others. Forgive those that hurt you with words and actions and show them kindness and love.

Make your life, your family and friends more important than work and other things that may rob you of your joy.

Praise the Lord for all that He provides for you.

Celebrate the life that you have been blessed with.

Matthew 6:9‭-‬13 KJV

Focus

Focus

Focus! How many times have you heard that in your life?

Focus

It is such a simple term, something that seems so easy to do, but can be lost in an instant. We start fine, our mind trained on what we need to do, then poof, just like that we are thinking of something else.

We have that “Squirrel Effect”. We can’t decide which way to go and we find ourselves stuck in the middle of the road with oncoming traffic. Our minds drift to other things and we lose sight of what we are doing. We think we have it; we call it multitasking or too many tabs open. But we keep loading things onto our plates, filling them to the brim, burying what we were working on, and shifting our focus all over the place and to other things. Before we know it, we have lost track of the original thought pattern and what we were focused on, scrambling to get back to what we needed to get done.

Keeping your focus takes work, determination, and a mindset that is void of detractions. Putting on the blinders to block out all things around, saying no to oncoming things, or setting them aside for later. It takes a lot of effort, willpower, and a desire to finish a task at hand before taking on another. Like a set of binoculars, when it becomes out of focus, everything blurs together, making it hard to see.

Remind yourself to focus on what is at hand when other things fill your mind. Do not let distractions, people, events, work, and other things take away from what you are trying to get done. Prioritize what needs to come first and work on it, then move to the next when completed. Take a step back, relax, take a deep breath, pray, remove the confusion, stress, and anguish created by a lack of focus, and turn it into a positive outlook and accomplishment.

Focus on your focus. Remain steadfast and make room for the peace that is rewarded at the end.

Isaiah 26:3 NIV
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Who is in your corner?

Who’s in your corner when you need assistance?

Have you ever really thought about who is truly in your corner when you need someone? Who is there to help you fight your battles? Is it someone, is it God, or is it both?

Boxers always have people in their corner when they need them. The manager to give advice and throw in the towel when he knows it is time for their safety. A cut man to patch them up during the bouts, and a physician in case one is needed. They rely on them at all times.

We like boxers, need that help too. We all have friends that are willing to help with things when we need them, but having those or that one person that is in your corner is a different story.

It is a story of trust, confidence, reliability, dependability, faith, hope, being humble, and acceptance of help. Knowing that someone is there that has your back in every situation, no matter what (withstanding something that breaks the law). The comfort that someone is really there for you night and day, 365 days a year for anything you need, both physically, mentally and spiritually.

Knowing that no matter what it is, that they are in your corner without expectations, and that everything will be completely confidential and will never let you down there. That person that cares for you enough to help in every way they can and will never leave your corner.

Do you know who is in your corner? Are you in someones corner? Are you willing to be there for someone and be in their corner?
Is Christ in your corner?

Be that peace of mind for someone and be in their corner. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that you had someone in your corner?
Who is the cornerstone of your life?

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Acceptance of Others

Acceptance is a characteristic that all desire at some point in their lives. That feeling of approval that provides a sense of belonging.

Accepting someone for who they are, not for what they should be, or have; seeing the person for their physical being, their hearts and minds, their true inner self, and embracing them without expectations or judgement. Loving and caring for them, for their good sides and bad, their past and present lives, and supporting them no matter what, so that they may see and feel a true acceptance in life.

Being accepted without fear of judgment, condemnation, malice, failure and the sense of not measuring up can and will change a persons life.

Love and accept everyone as you would want them to do for you with an understanding, nurturing, kind heart and open mind.

Philippians 4:5 NIV
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Be The Sticky Note

Be The Sticky Note

Be the sticky note of life. Sticky notes are wonderful for keeping up with things, reminders, taking notes, and various other uses.

The best use of them is leaving little notes to friends, family, loved ones, co-workers, and strangers. Little love notes, words of encouragement, positive thoughts, bible verses, drawings like a smiley face, a kiss, something silly, or anything to brighten one’s day.

Leaving a sticky note in places, on the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, lunchboxes, backpacks, etc. is a great way to show someone that you care and miss them, or in places that strangers may find them so that it may bring joy to someones life.

Most do not walk around with a sticky note on their person, but being the sticky note adds a whole new level and is very personable.

Everything that you would write down, you can convey in person, by voice, with a smile, sign language and by acts of kindness, along with a gentle soothing word that can change the mindset and attitude of a person and make their day a happy one.

Be the sticky note and change a life and yours today.

Romans 12:10 NIV
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

The Extra Mile

Going that extra mile is a cliché that so many use as a term rather than giving the phrase the impact it deserves. It is a simple term, yet is very complex in it’s variety of meanings.

Going the extra mile is going above and beyond, having a desire to give more than is expected; reaching out and helping people, doing things without being asked or expected, caring enough to dig deeper within one’s self to do more, without self-grattitude or motives.
It is the willingness to go the extra mile for another person or people with a caring heart and loving attitude.

Always go that extra mile for yourself and for others, because the blessings and the joy that it brings, is worth every step of the way.

The Extra Mile

Matthew 5:41 NIV
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.