Beauty in your life- change your thoughts for a positive outlook
If you could bring back one dinosaur, which one would it be?
If I could bring back a dinosaur it would be the Velociraptor or commonly called the Raptor.
There were feathered animals that grew up to 100 lbs, about the size of a wolf. They roamed central and eastern Asia between 70 -74 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period.
“Let Go And Let God“
It sounds like a straightforward phrase: let go and let God. Easy to say, but not so easy to do. People who say it don’t necessarily have your life with its stress, worries, fears, and problems.
Still, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. It doesn’t even mean that it has to be hard. It’s possible, if, and that’s a fairly big if. Still, there are a few steps to make this happen.
I used to constantly have fears and worry about my son, living so far away. But no amount of fear or worry could change the situation. It was a mother’s love of her youngest child. One who decided to move thousands of miles away. I raised him to be successful and independent and I had to let him live his own life. So, I had to give him to God and let go of my fears and worry or I would drive myself crazy.
The first thing I did was identify what I could control and what I couldn’t. Much of my inability to “let go and let God” stemmed from my failure to recognize that too often the things that caused my fears and worry were things I couldn’t control.
Then I addressed the things I could control. The key to getting rid of or at least reducing it is action. Inactivity breeds worry and depression. Instead of brooding over my situation, I took action on things I could control. We set up a weekly call time, where I could hear his voice and know that things were fine. I sent him packages of things I knew he missed from home. Homemade fudge, cookies.
I learned to “surrender what I couldn’t control,” When I finally was able to surrender the things I feared. Like whether he would make the right choices, or wouldn’t go hungry into God’s hands and asked Him to take care of those things. (which I’m sure He was taking care of all along). My fear was keeping things in my own hands, and faith was turning them over to God’s hands and leaving them there,
When I began to worry or my fears reared their heads, I would read God’s promises and remember the good things He’s done in the past.
I chose a “letting go” motto. A memorable scripture that I could repeat in my head easily. For example, my strength will be in quietness and in confidence (Isaiah 30:15) or God will never leave or forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6).
I chose to act on faith, not fear. There’s a quote by E Stanley Jones that I like, “Never act on fear, for fears are usually false. Don’t build your life according to any pattern shown to you in the valley of fear.”
I “focused my mind and heart on trusting God,” Matthew 6:34 says,
“Don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.”
God didn’t say we wouldn’t have trouble, but we should focus our minds and hearts on this day and its challenges. The same God who is with us and empowers us to live for today will be there tomorrow
“Let go and let God” isn’t expecting too much if we just do it one day at a time.
For most of my life, I struggled with my emotions. I felt things so deeply which left me feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. I struggled with overthinking all the time.
After years of struggling, I finally learned how to control my thoughts and manage my emotions. I stopped feeling overwhelmed all the time. I got out of the spiral into the pit of despair. I could cope better when life didn’t go how I had planned.
There are those with a higher degree of emotional resilience who can handle the stresses that come with daily life effectively and calmly. That was not me. I had to learn this trait.
Emotional resilience can be developed with some effort and practice. If you know what to do, you can become more resilient, even if you are naturally more sensitive to lives difficulties.
Emotional resilience is not a quality that you either do or do not possess, there are varying degrees of how well a person can handle stress. However, there are specific characteristics that resilient people tend to share. Some main characteristics are,
Emotional Awareness
People with emotional awareness understand what they’re feeling and why. They understand the feelings of others better because they are more in touch with their own inner life. This understanding allows people to respond to others and to better regulate and cope with difficult emotions like anger or fear.
Perseverance
Whether they are working on goals or inner coping skills they are action-oriented. They don’t give up. Resilient people don’t feel helpless or hopeless when a challenge comes along. They are more likely to keep working toward a goal when they are faced with an obstacle.
Internal Focus
They believe that they are in control of their own lives, rather than outside forces. This trait is associated with less stress because they have a realistic view of the world and are proactive in dealing with stressors in their lives. They are more solution-oriented, which gives them a greater sense of control and in turn, brings less stress.
Optimism
Resilient people see the positive in most situations and believe in their strengths. This shifts how they handle problems from a victim mentality to an empowered one.
Support
The support of others plays a critical role in fostering resilience and improving mental well-being. They know the value of social support and surround themselves with supportive friends and family.
Sense of humor
People strong in emotional resilience can laugh at life’s difficulties. Which is a tremendous asset to shift one’s perspective from seeing things as a threat to seeing them as a challenge. This alters how the body reacts to stress.
Perspective
Resilient people learn from their mistakes, rather than deny them. They see obstacles as challenges and allow adversity to make them stronger. They can find meaning in life’s challenges rather than seeing themselves as victims. It doesn’t hurt to learn from other people’s mistakes as well.
Spirituality
Having something to believe in and having hope in something is linked with stronger emotional resilience. Especially if you’re connected internally and not just going through the motions.
Here are some ways I learned to control my thoughts and manage my emotions,
I managed my thoughts by maintaining a hopeful outlook and accepted that change and setbacks were a part of life. And that the important thing was to keep working toward my goals.
I began taking care better care of my mind and my body. I began eating better and staying physically active and I avoided unhealthy coping strategies.
If you won two free plane tickets, where would you go?
If I were to win free plane tickets I would definitely plan to take my sister to Hungary. I would love to see where my ancestors were from.
I would preferably want to go during Christmas time to enjoy their festivities and markets. And enjoy their wonderful foods. My nagymoma would talk about her family’s traditions all the time, and I am thankful I was able to learn things from what she shared. I know a few recipes from there, from her teaching me when I was young.
I’ve heard a lot about these people who openly mocked God in France at the ceremony before the Olympics this week. I imagine it’s like standing on this ice in the dead of winter -one wrong step, and you’re plunging into icy water. Concerning God it is a big deal.
When we talk about mocking, blasphemy, or ridiculing God, it’s treading on holy ground. It’s not just a slap on the wrist, it’s a major red flag in the eyes of God.
Remember when they mocked Jesus on the cross? That scene should shake us to our core. As the people at the France Olympics. God will call for reverence and accountability. You can’t just mock Him and expect no consequences.
Basically, they were saying they think they can live apart from God’s laws. They mock God because they can fool others. They mock God because they think they are more illtelegent, more forward thinking or more advanced than His Word.
Matthew 13-1-23 talks about the parable of the shower -you reap what you sow. Every farmer understands the laws of nature and works accordingly. God can forgive sun, and remove the punishment, but the consequences of their choices remain.
When France chose to disrespect God, His laws were broken, and the consequences will endure. Satan wants us to hate and be angry by what has happened – he wants us to sin in the eyes of God. But Psalms 37 tells us,
“Don’t fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
When we fret it only causes harm. Right now we need to cease from anger and forsake our wrath. Everything God’s Word says will come to pasd the evil in the world as well as His promise of God.
Sin is the root of all of the problems in our lives as well as the world.
“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life” –Romand 6:23
Remember “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” -Ephesians 6:12.
Hope is essential to how we live our lives and exemplify a life of faith as believers. Knowing the truth and confidently living our identity in Christ requires eternal perspective, knowing the truth of God’s promises through His Word, a hope built on faith along with action.
It is this living hope that leads to a life of faith that sets believers apart from nonbelievers. We must place our hope back in Christ Jesus and align ourselves with the eternal perspective rather than the short-sighted or futile hope we sometimes succumb to.
There are four keys to hope,
1. Hope requires an eternal perspective
“Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen“ – Hebrews 11:1
We need vision, without vision, hope is peril and we perish. When we have a hopeful faith partnership, we hope in things unseen and the truth aligns with His Word, abiding in His promises above present circumstances.
2. Hope is based on God’s promises
“For the creation was subjected to futility not willingly but because of Him who subjected it to hope” – Romans 8:20
Our hope is not futile, but alive. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. We as the children of God and co-heirs with Jesus, share in His sufferings so that we may also share in His glory. We have been given the Holy Spirit and a living relationship with God through Jesus. If God is for us who can be against us?
3. Hope is built on faith
“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does then, I will liken him to a wise man, who builds his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house, and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house, and it fell – and great was its fall” – Matthew 7:24-27
In this hope, we are saved. Hope that is not seen is not hope at all. Hope is built on faith and isn’t easily shaken or defeated. Our inventory in Jesus is rooted in who God is and who we are as children of God and Co-heirs.
4. Hope activates perseverance
“Through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in where we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope. And hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” – Romans 5:2-5
Patience is the fruit of hope. As we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?
The strategies of maintaining good health and well-being are exercise, and eating well. I have to admit since my knee surgery I have failed on the exercise part due to complications. But I’m ready to start working towards my goals for this.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us that our bodies are not our own, by belong to God. That we are called to honor God by taking care of our bodies. Along with eating healthy and exercising, we should do everything we can to avoid harm to our bodies. We need to remember that joy and happiness are important for our physical and mental health as well.
It’s easy to trust God in times of peace and clarity. It is difficult to trust Him in confusing, uncertain times. God is our anchor and firm foundation when life in changing all around us. He is trustworthy even if nothing else is. It’s important to trust God in any circumstance, especially uncertain ones.
Constantly changing conditions exemplify the instability of this life. With everything going on in the world it’s impossible to prepare for what changes are about to be thrown our way. But there are several lessons in the Bible about trusting God in the middle of a chaotic world.
God is the only one who is worthy of all of our trust.
“Commit your deeds to the Lord, and your plans shall succeed“ – Proverbs 16:3
Even when thr world feels like it is upside down you can trust God to do as He says. Even though the world feels like it’s in chaos God is still in control.
Substitute Faith For Fear
One emotion that can undermine our faith like no other emotion is fear. When anxiety about the future or the present grips us it squeezes us right it can cause us to lose trust in God. Satan loves to use fear as a weapon against us but Paul says God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
Express Your Doubts To God
When John the Baptist was in prison and waiting for execution John brought his doubts to Jesus, “Are you the true Messiah?” “Why aren’t you saving me?” Jesus didn’t act offended by the questioning, He gave John the answers in Matthew 11.
When I as growing up I often prayed that God would save me from the abuse. I never understood why He wouldn’t help me. But I know now why I had to go through the things I did. It was for me to become a strong person. I thank God that He was not threatened by my questions and that I am who I as today because of it.
Praise God
In the midst of great tragedy, we can praise God and in our praise, He is with us. When we praise God we can’t focus on the choas that surrounds us. When we praise God it’s difficult to look at our own situations and ignore what God’s trying to teach us.
In every situation we go through God teaches us something. God is our constant in this life. God doesn’t take a break from being God. The fact that God is still trustworthy even in the midst of chaos is worthy of praise.
What are your future travel plans?
I have missed out on seeing my son for many years because of his work and him having to travel. He recently had an opportunity to move closer to where I live. He recently visited where I live it had been 5 years since I was able to see him face to face. But the visit was short.
So, my travel plans are to visit him for a few weeks in the very near future.
I am also planning a road trip with my daughter to see the beach, which has been a dream of mine for years. But because winter is so approaching it won’t be under next spring or summer.
Now more than ever we must pay attention to the instructions God gives us. Taking hold of God’s Word and refusing to let go is the only way we are going to get through these difficult times. We must be like it says to be in Psalm 119, using God’s Word and let His Word guide us,
“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light to my path.”
Every day I feel like the wicked have set traps for us, but I for one will not be swayed, always letting God’s laws be my treasure, and my hearts delight.
It is not enough for us to just lie back and say, “if that’s God’s will for me to have victory I guess He will give it to me. If it’s His will to be healed, He will heal me.“ It is not His will for us to suffer.
We have to aggressively pursue it and get it in our hearts and mouths. We have to fight off every unbelieving demon, and every troublesome circumstance that comes our way. We must take God’s promises to heart. Our circumstances will pass away but God upholds all things by the Word of His power and that Word will come to pass in our lives.
Below are a few scriptures to stand on to build your faith in difficult times,
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” -Isaiah 41:10
“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, I Lord, do not abandon those who search for you” -Psalm 9:9-10
“The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation” -Psalm 145:9
“I have told you these things so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” -John 16:33
“In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus” – Phillipians 4:6-7
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me“ – Philippians 4-13
What would you change about modern society?
There is so much hate in the world right now. So many people calling out injustices. The world is filled with hurt.
There is so much information being shoved in our faces through the news, social media, and face-to-face interactions. So much false information and no way to comprehend or understand things.
If we spent time loving each other for our differences instead of hating each other for them, Imagine what we could do.
If the schools taught children to love, not hate and remember we all bleed the same color. No one is better than anyone else, because of skin color, political views, or ideas.
In modern society, I would change modern society’s views on how we feel, and act toward one another. I would remove the hate from modern society.
“…Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” -Matthew 12:34
What we say is important. We need to speak words of life and light. Our talk should always rise to the level of the Word of God.
Our word have a creative power to bring order or chaos, to bring peace in the midst of the storm. Every time we speak our words are taking root, and growing.
“A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, those who love it will eats it fruit” – Proverbs 18: 20-21
We have a choice in the kinds of words we use. Our choice of words determines the fruit that develops. First, we plant the seed with our words, then we are the fruit that comes. We have a choice to plant seeds that produce poisonous fruit or life-giving fruit. What we choose will affect our future.
Words are not neutral. They shape and define our lives. They reveal the faith we have rooted in our hearts since they are indicative of what we actually believe on the inside.
Jesus explained it like this,
“A good man brings forth good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of“ -Luke 6:45
When we store God’s Word in our hearts, we are establishing a deep level of faith. Our tongues speak the overflow of the faith that is in our hearts.
Words reveal what we believe, Words plant seeds for our future.
From Pity to Praise