Practicing Self-care

How do you practice self-care?

Self-care involves working at good physical health and well as mental health. And makes you feel good about yourself.

Healthy practices reduce stress and release feel-good hormones. There’s one rule I do for self-care and that’s whatever I choose to do should refuel me and not make me stressed of anxious. Our physical self-care impacts our mental health .

Regular exercise, eating healthy, good hygiene, periods alone so I can meditate and receiving needed health care along with getting my nails done and my hair done on a regular basis goes toward my self-care.

There Are No Coincidences

The world likes the idea of coincidence. It takes away any accountability to acknowledge the existence of a Creator or purpose in our lives. If things just happen by chance, then our actions really don’t matter. But the Bible leaves no room for coincidence.

God is sovereign. He is the Alpha and the Omega, all-knowing and all-powerful. (Revelation 22:13; Romans 11:33-36; Job 42;1-2). From the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation it is evident that God is in control. Even before Adam and Eve brought sin into the world, God knew that Jesus would have to die on the cross to bring redemption. He knows every decision we will make and the consequences we will experience. For God, there are no surprises, accidents, or karma.

God cares for us -His creation. He knows the number of stars in the sky and even the number of hairs on our head (Like 12:7). He accounts for every detail from something as simple as a flower to the complexity of the human heart. Matthew 6-28-30 says,

“Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toilm neither do they spin, yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But of God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t He much more clothe you, you of little faith.”

God has a plan, He weaves together all events and all decisions for His greater purpose of redeeming His creation and being reunited with it. Moses coming across a burning bush was not a coincidence (Exodus 3:1-17), God meant to meet him there. Abraham finding a ram to sacrifice instead of his son was not a coincidence. God knew Abraham would be faithful to Him and provided an alternative sacrifice (Genesis 22). Jesus arriving in Jerusalem the week of Passover was not a coincidence. Jesus Himself would take the place of the Passover lamb forever destroying the power of sin with His final sacrifice.

In Isaiah 46:9-11 God says,

“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me. I declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times that are not yet done. I say. My counsel will the stand, and I will do all that I please. I call a ravenous bird from the east, the man of My counsel from a far country. Yes, I have spoken. I will also bring it to pass. I have planned. I will also do it.”

A few passages in the Bible have phrases with the undertone of coincidence. Such as the account of the good Samaritan in Luke 10 it is said the “by chance” a priest passed the beat-up man on the road. Yet when taken into the context of the Bible as a whole, it is clear that while the priest passing by was unexpected from a human perspective. God already knew that it was not the so-called righteous of society, but the disliked samaritan who would stop and help the man. Perhaps the role of coincidence in God’s eyes is best captured by the words of Albert Einstein, “Coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous.”

Is Evil Increasing?

Evil is coming out of the c, set. No more hiding in the darkness, we can see it in the daylight. The problem with defining evil centers around perspective. Those who are captive to sin have a different worldview of evil. The verse from Isaiah reveals why one man’s evil is another man good,

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight” – Isaiah 5:20-21

A view of self without the biblical mirror provided by God gives off a false self-image. We see ourselves as the experts on right and wrong. Our rationale is primarily guided by our feelings and emotions. Pride rules over decision-making and pride separates us from God. Pride is was caused satan (Lucifer) to be cast out of heaven.

The Bible is the only moral guide we have. Outside of it, we have chaos. Without a clear moral code, we have everyone deciding for themselves what is their moral truth. We see it all around us, men and women making decisions and choices that are biblically wrong and in some instances even evil. They justify and rationalize what they do as right for them, and declare their decisions and actions as truth.

In the Bible, God reveals Himself to us, the origin of mankind, the fallen nature of mankind is sin, the redemptive work of Christ Jesus, and clarity on what is good and evil. The only worldview that counts is the one that is provided by the creator of all life. God is the Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end. He is truth. He is the starting point for all life.

Evil has always made its presence in the world. But, I do believe we are seeing a rise of evil at this time on earth all around us and it’s undeniable. One of the key indicators that evil is on the rise is because of the cultural unity around sinful behavior. There are several terms America has come to familiar with. Cancel culture, social justice, critical race theory, LGBTQ, transgender, same sex marriage, woke, and white privilege.

They are different but they have one thing in common, they seek universal compliance. There is no room for dissent. No discussion, no other point of view that the culture acceptable view. We have seen this throughout history, where one group or another rises to power and seeks to transform cultural thinking, actions, and behaviors. What we see that stands out today is the demand for compliance. In the 70’s we have an overall cultural attitude of “live and let live.” In other words, you do your thing and I will do mine, we don’t have to agree we just have to tolerate it.

Today “live and let live” has been replaced with what I choose to do you must accept, defend, and promote. In such a culture, morality loses its definition. There is intense social pressure to conform to group thinking. Legislators are passing laws, written to defend immorality.

Psalm 7:14 says.

“The wicked conceive evil, they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies,”

Those in power are seeking to determine the truth for everyone. The battles rage in court, the loses weight out the wins. Religious freedom is at risk as evil rises up to crush it.

Throughout history, there have been evil empires. What we see now is the coming together of a one-world empire that seeks the submission of all mankind. An empire where evil is called good and good is called evil.

No one wants to suffer but in a fallen world, it is unavoidable. Whether physical pain or mental anguish suffering is part of the human condition for everyone. Exactly what it will be like is not yet clear, but it seems unlikely that it will be favorable to those who follow Jesus. The signs if opposition are already apparent.

Persecution is simply a clash between two irreconcilable value systems. The clash is what we are seeing now, and it is ultimately between those who believe, trust, and love the God of the Bible and those who do not.

Wasting Time

How do you waste the most time every day?

I have a few time-wasting activities they are spending time on social media. Social media is a drain on my life it doesn’t mean anything. It does not serve any purpose.

Television is also a waste of time for me. I spend probably 3 hours a week watching crime/ murder shows. Which entertains me but in reality I could be doing something practical such as spending time with my dog or reading.

Social media and television are a distraction in the sense that they are unproductive. It is said that excessive social media and television can cause depression, anxiety, addiction and distorts our self-image and is mind draining.

Food That Transports Me Back Into Childhood

Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?

Anything that reminds me of what happened in my childhood is usually is a trigger for me. Such as tuna fish. The one in the can. My mother fed that to me for years, so much so that it’s all I can remember eating until I was 4 years old. It’s just not eating it, it’s also the smell.

Focus On God Not on people

“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Messiah” – Galatians 1:10 (Messianic).

God did not make us to be what someone else wants us to be. God made you to be you. If we are going to become all we can be, we have to refuse to be defined by others.

Moses refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh‘s daughter (Hebrews 11-24). Moses had an identity crisis. He was born as a Hebrew slave but was raised as Egyptian royalty, the grandson of Pharaoh, As an adult he faced two options: He either pretended to be Pharaoh’s grandson for the rest of his life and live a life of luxury, fame and power. Or he could admit who he really was: a jew,

If he admitted who he really was, his family would kick him out to live with a slave for the rest of his life to be degraded and humiliated and live a life of pain and drudgery.

Which would you choose?

Most people today are living lies. Culture tells them who they need to be. They are trying to be people they are not. Moses refused to live a lie because he was a man of integrity. He insisted on being who God made him to be despite all the peer pressure.

Who are you letting determine your identity?

Is it friends and family? Are you living someone else’s vision for your life? I lived for other people most of my life and it exhausted me, living someone else’s dreams didn’t work for me. Always trying to live up to everyone else’s expectations doesn’t work.

The Bible says,

“But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak; not as pleasing, but God, who tests our hearts” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Maybe we all need to make a resolution that we will no longer be letting other people press us into their molds. We will be who God wants us to be. We will do what God wants us to do and fulfill the plan that He has for our lives, not someone else’s plan for our life.

Then take a huge sigh of relief that real success in life is being who we were created to be and nothing more.

Historical Figures

Who is your favorite historical figure?

My favorite historical figures are the “Founding Fathers.” They played a key role in securing the Independence of America and created America’s government.

Each Founding Father offered unique contributions to the creation of the Republic, some of the Founding Fathers thought, wrote, fought, and served public offices but all of them contributed in some way.

The Founding Fathers are the most important people to study (especially today) to gain an understanding of the American ideals of freedom and liberty.

It is sickening that these the theories have not been passed down to all people here in America whether they are here legally or came here illegally people need to understand what America is founded on and work to keep the freedoms we have.

The Founding Fathers left an unparalleled legacy in the world and it is being destroyed by evil men who have cold hearts.

Seasons Of Spiritual Growth

“While the earth remains seedtime and harvest, cold, heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” – Genesis 8:22

God has enacted certain eternal principles regarding time. King Solomon was the wisest man of all in Biblical times. He observed these precepts in his description of the cycles of life in Ecclesiastes 3. 1-6.

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.“

“A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plants and a time to uproot what is planted.“

“A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to read down and a time to build up.”

“A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.”

“A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.”

“A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away.”

“A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.”

“A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.”

Timing is important to fully experience God’s peace throughout the many storms of life, the man or woman of God must learn to discern, accept, and appreciate the perfect timing of God. God accomplishes His will in each individual’s life in their perfect time. Learning to adapt to God’s timing is essential to avoid feelings of despair and outright rebellion. Submitting to God’s perfect timing is also an effective remedy for those who tend to “help” God hurry something along as well as those who all too often move ahead of God’s guidance in the zeal.

The Four Seasons

Every person experiences four different seasons. Each season presents its own set of benefits and challenges. Our ability to determine which season we are in at all times requires an acute sharpness of spirit. Sharpness of spirit is a worthy goal to strive for.

Winter is marked as a long and dreary season. It can become time for inner growth in us as well as plants and trees.

This time of year represents a time of introspection and examine of our hearts and motives. A time to allow God to make changes in us, strengthening and maturing us.

Spring represents a time of joy and glory after dormancy and hardships. It’s a time of pruning, not only in nature but us as well. It’s a time when God can shape and mold us.

Summer is marked by extreme dryness and heat. A time when everything needs more water than usual to sustain strength and life. Our spirits need more spiritual food to stay replenished. Are believers it’s a season to become stronger. As we may struggle and sometimes go through permanent stages.

Fall is marked as a time of harvesting. A time of pruning in preparation for winter. Leaves fall from trees as a sign of transition. For the believer, it’s a time to bear fruits. More correction and shaping can come from God which is required to prepare us for the late ng winter season.

Allow the season that you might be in right now to run its full course. God is a good God and it’s always His intention to bless you despite the circumstances you may be facing. Hard times bring forth good character if you allow God to do His work in you. He had a perfect will for your life.

Do not attempt to change the season you are in. Just as the day is balanced out by th night the seasons that you must walk through are designed by God to keep your life balanced.

Paul’s understanding of these precepts are evident in his letter to the Phillipian church when he declared,

“Not that I speak because of lack for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:11-13.

If our source of power is not Christ, the seasons of our lives can and will be unbearable. Don’t carry your own burdens. They are too heavy. Hand them over to the Lord. We must learn to trust in God’s promises and Jesus’s power to give us strength. By submitting ourselves to God we can trust Him to bring us through every trial and circumstance and to exalt us in due time.

Be An Independent Thinker

Being an independent thinker means formulating your own thoughts and making decisions on your own,

The idea of thinking for oneself is not seen as a good thing. Young people today are so distracted by technology, especially in America. They don’t take the time to see if what other people are telling them is true.

Humans tend to adapt their behavior to confirm the culture’s beliefs. However, understanding how to think critically and set aside biases can help develop more creative solutions.

An independent thinker is someone who analyzes every situation using their own judgment rather than conforming to public opinion. They evaluate multiple perspectives, ask questions and use their critical thinking skills.

Independent thinkers are confident in the person they are -in terms of having a set of core personal values and aim for living their lives, as well as knowing and accepting their personal strengths and weaknesses.

This knowledge is needed to act as an overall anchor to guide their daily choices and judgments. Without them, a person has no compass or bearings for their thinking and will be like a straw in the wind, simply reacting to circumstances or accepting the opinions of other people.

A fundamental point to note is that none of us are, in the purest sense, truly independent thinkers, no matter how much we might like to like the idea of self-reliance. All of us exist and have grown up in communities where common sets of knowledge, beliefs, and values have been accumulated and shared with so many others. But we can all do better in being independent thinkers by just being curious and investigating what people are saying.

There are 3 sides to every situation. His thoughts. Her Thoughts. And your thoughts.

Countries I want to visit

What countries do you want to visit?

I would love to visit Hungary because of my ancestry is there and also for the food markets as well as maybe learning some tricks to cooking some of my favorite dishes. Mine never turn out like my nagymama’s.

I would also love to visit Israel, namely all the places Jesus walked and spent time. I believe it would be filled with some powerful moments. I would like to visit the food markets there also.