Beauty in your life- change your thoughts for a positive outlook
Which activities make you lose track of time?
I can lose track of time reading, and researching. Or spending time with my adult children. Because I become deeply engaged in something that resonates with me.
They say “time flies when you’re having fun.” The enjoyable things seem to be short.
We often feel powerless when it comes to life’s challenges. However, the Bible teaches us that we have incredible authority through Jesus.
When Jesus rose from the dead and sent His Spirit, He didn’t just save us -He transformed our very nature. We became partakers in His divine nature, equipped with spiritual authority that many forget to tap into.
It’s not about having our own power, but about operating under God’s authority, much like having His power of attorney. Just like an attorney acts with full legal backing of their client, we can act with the spiritual backing of our Father in heaven.
In Acts 1:8 Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
God is a holy God, and He’s a just God which makes up His sovereignty. But since the victorious resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we are now partakers of His divine nature.
We can pray: Heavenly Father, help us to fully grasp the authority You’ve given us through Jesus. Show us how to walk in this truth daily, not by our strength, but in the power of Your Holy Spirit -In Jesus Name Amen
How do we know without a shadow of a doubt we have eternal life with Jesus? The Bible is very clear on this.
Those that bin God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt.
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
When we become bold and free in God’s presence, we don’t need to be something we are not. We can stop pretending. We can be who we are and know that God loves us anyway.
We can pray freely and count on God to always listen. What a wonderful Father in heaven we have. He is listening. He wants us to know what’s on our hearts and minds and we matter to Him.
If we ask anything according to God’s will we can be certain God will answer. Nothing more nothing less, nothing else. We can rest in His grace no matter what.
God gives all who believe in His Son eternal life. We can trust this knowledge beyond a shadow of doubt.
But, I must tell you this promise involves more than intellectual assent, it includes personal faith and trust in Jesus as the Son of God.
This isn’t just about living forever, but about the quality of life that begins with a relationship with God through Jesus and continues into eternity.
Believing in Jesus involves more than just acknowledging Jesus’s existence. It means trusting in Him as the Son of God, accepting His sacrifice for our sin, and committing to follow Him.
Believing in Jesus includes confessing Him as Lord and Savior and believing that God raised Him from the dead. Receiving and believing in Jesus grants power to become children of God.
The prophecy is this promise of a Savior, through whom all nations would be blessed, which is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, fulfilled by Jesus (Galatians 3:8).
What bothers you and why?
One behaviors that bothers me is people being rude to the help in restaurants. It makes be instantly not like people.
Whether it’s a sense of entitlement that they can assert power over the waitress or waiter.
No one deserves to be disrespected.
Where is the darkness in your life? Not the darkness of the world, but the darkness of the things you hold inside.
What do you see when you look into the lamp of your life? Is your lamp burning brightly or is it growing dim? Has your oil turned rancid or run low?
Light or darkness, full or empty lamps, fresh or rancid oil are not about what is happening around us, the circumstances of our life or world, but about what is happening within us. They are metaphors for our spiritual condition, our inner way of being.
In the parable of the ten bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-13, it would be easy to divide them into two groups -the wise and the foolish, the prepared and unprepared, the good and bad, the winners and losers, the welcomed and rejected. More often than that that’s what we do to ourselves and others.
Dividing and categorizing the 10 bridesmaids, however, is to forget, ignore, or misunderstand what the gospel says. All ten bridesmaids were part of the kingdom. All ten were invited to the wedding banquet. All ten went to meet the bridegroom. All ten had lamps. All ten were meant, intended, and called to be carriers of the light. The only difference is that some carried light and others did not. And that is very true for everyone.
We were all meant to be carriers of the light. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world.” “Let your light shine before others, so that they will see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” To withhold our light is to add darkness to the world.
Every day we either add to the light of the world or we add to its darkness. I know this because I’ve seen it in my own life.
When I turn away from the needs of others because I get in too much of a hurry, or act like I don’t need anyone, my world becomes darker.
When we carry grudges, or resentments, or even nurse old offenses we bring darkness to the world.
It’s easy to see the darkness in the world today. But, what do you see when you look at your own life?
We are all a mixture of both. Some days I add light to the world and other days I add darkness.
I don’t think the question is whether there is darkness today in our lives and the world. The question is: what are we going to do about it?
Every time we live with darkness in the world or our lives we are betraying of Creator and our values. If we had to justify our behavior, every time I say “it’s someone else’s fault, or refuse to look at myself.”
We were called to be a light for others.
No wonder Jesus said to the bridesmaids “I do not know you.” He’s speaking to the darkened part in our lives. It’s not so much a rejection as it is a call to discover the light within us, a call to key our light shine.
The world needs our light. There is no person or place in our world today that doesn’t need light. Your light makes a difference, my light makes a difference.
We can push back the darkness, and shine our light. God said in 2 Corinthians 4:6, “Let light shine out of darkness.”
List 10 things you know to be absolutely certain.
I don’t know if I can list 10 things. But I know I can trust the promises of God.
He gives strength to the weary. If I follow, honor and serve God I know I will not grow weary.
God’s love never fails.
He has forgiven me.
He is always fighting for me, even when I can’t feel it. He is working behind the scenes.
He gives me wisdom when I ask for it.
When I resist Satan he has to leave.
When I call on God He will answer me.
He will make my paths straight.
God has made good things happen when I started believing in Him. Everything is made better. I can see Him doing a good work in my life.
Are you seeking security or adventure?
Seeking security or adventure can lead to a fulfilling life, but finding a balance between the two can bring the utmost satisfaction. Security offers stability and comfort yet adventure presents opportunities for growth and new experiences. Embracing both can provide a well-rounded enriching lifestyle. I seek both.
A sense of purpose is central to a productive, joy filled life. People with a strong sense of purpose tend to live longer than those who feel aimless. But, what if we’re feeling lost and unsure about what we’re meant to do with our lives?
What is our purpose in God’s plan?
We all experience discouragement and self-doubt from time to time. However, it doesn’t mean we aren’t living in God’s purpose. I
For many years I felt worthless and felt I had no purpose on earth. I had no idea God was working behind in scenes. It’s helpful to think about the overall patterns that characterize our lives and mindset.
Sometimes we can see some signs that we aren’t fulfilling our purpose in God’s plan. Like waking up dreading the day ahead. Life can be full of mundane tasks, that don’t excite us. I make it a point to show kindness, and help someone every day. Its my way of doing something for God. Whether it’s buying the person’s coffee behind me at the store, or letting someone cut in front me at the grocery store who has fewer items than me. I make it a goal to bless someone every day.
If we feel drudge every day we are living in the joy and fulfillment we should feel when we are living in God’s purpose. Everything we do should be for the glory of God, and part of a greater calling.
Another sign is that we become complacent with sin. We shouldn’t be comfortable with sin in our lives. This doesn’t mean we don’t sin, or become instantly sin-free, Every day we sin we should run to the cross and ask for forgiveness and then turn away from that sin, striving not to sin anymore. We should have the motivation and power to fight sin and strive for holiness. 1 Corinthians 15:35 NIV puts it bluntly, “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning.”
The Bible makes no bones about it. We should work to root out sin in our lives and put on the righteousness of Jesus.
If we don’t have hope for the future we are not living for the purpose of God. Some people think being hopeful about the future is foolish optimism, but hoping is so much more.
When we trust God with our future, there are plenty of reasons to have hope. We become forward thinkers. My ultimate hope is that one day I will get to see Jesus face to face and enjoy heaven. There is hope on earth as I learn and grow, and contribute good things to the people around me.
If we are not living out our purpose for God’s plan we will feel aimless. Sometimes we can feel like we are just “spinning our wheels” and not getting anywhere.
When we are fulfilling our purpose, we shouldn’t feel like we’re merely drifting through life. Instead, we should know what goals we were working toward, and these goals should motivate us every day.
There are some things we can do to fulfill God’s purposes in our lives.
Reading the Bible every day instead of having it collect dust on a shelf. The Bible is like ignoring messages from a good friend and then complaining that you never hear from them. If we want to hear from God we should read out Bible
Another way to discover and fulfill our purpose in God’s plan is to ask for direction. The Bible tells us to ask God for what we need, so when we need direction we should ask for it with prayer. Along with reading the Bible prayer can provide valuable insight to help us live out our purpose every day.
We need to draw on our God given passions. God had given each of us talents and interests. Part of fulfilling God’s purpose for your life is finding ways to draw on those passions to give the works something only you can. We each have a gift God has given us finding ways to use these gifts leads to a purposeful life.
The Bible isn’t just an important historical document or full of interesting stories it’s full of life-giving truth we can use to find direction and fulfill our purpose.
Romans 8:28 says, ‘We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.” It is key to remember that God’s purpose in what matters.
Scripture tells ux we can trust God to name good on His promises and fulfill His promises in our lives. We only need to trust Him and live our lives according to His will.
Ask God to reveal His purpose for your life and to steer you in that direction. You may discover a calling in your life that gives you a sense of purpose you’ve been missing. Or, God may remind you of how what you’re doing matters as you can experience a renewed sense of motivation in your life.
If you could host a dinner and anyone you invite was sure to come, who would you invite?
I think if I could invite anyone to dinner. I would invite my nagymama. To sit down with her and have coffee and have her share some Hungarian recipes with me, like Kocsonya in American words it’s is jellied pig feet. which sounds gross, but it’s absolutely delicious. This along with Pogacsa pork crackling buiscuits.
And maybe a story or two about the old country -Budapest.
When we are younger, we don’t realize the things we can learn from our elders. There is so much time lost, so many memories lost, so much wisdom lost.
There was a time when we lived with eternity in mind. When life had meaning beyond the present, choices carried weight, and faith shaped how we lived. But there has been a shift and this life has become all there is.
Comfort, safety, and control seems to have replaced faith, and fear has become the guiding force to all of our decisions. The world has become obsessed with preserving what people have, rather than repairing for what’s ahead.
Just a few years ago Covid shattered our illusion of control. Fear took over, and people surrendered not just their freedoms, but their need for self-sufficiency. People obeyed, not because they trusted, but because they were afraid. Fear told them safety was the highest priority, that security was worth the cost. We were told it was for our good, but was it?
People convinced themselves that if they could predict, control, and minimize risk, then they could eliminate uncertainty. But were we really in control.
It’s really no surprise that our fears dictate our decisions, and then we become prisoners of a false sense of security. We lock ourselves in cages built by our own anxiety.
A lot has happened since then. The illusion is cracking. People are waking up. The systems that were built on fear are being exposed. We have begun to see how easily we were tricked, and how fear dictated our choices, and how we traded truth for security. When people thought they were protecting themselves, they were handing over control.
Do we continue chasing the illusion or do we reject all authority, grasping at things with no foundation? Or do we surrender-not to fear, because fear was a lie. The question remains whether we were ever really in control.
Fear is a potent tool used by the government and media outlets to influence behavior. This manipulation is often referred to as “fearmongering,” It involves exaggerating potential threats or negative outcomes to sway people’s decisions and actions, sometimes even overriding rational judgment. The illusion of control is another tactic that suggests a sense of order and predictability that was shattered by the covid “pandemic, leading to a reliance on narratives that shape our understanding of the world.
But we can combat this fear-based manipulation. We need to understand that loss is a natural part of life and is not something to be feared. If you had read the Bible you may know that we can make choices to whether or end up in heaven or hell.
We must quantify threats. By assessing the likelihood of a threat we can respond before reacting to fear. We can seek reliable information. Avoid relying solely on media-fed conclusions and seek diverse perspectives.
Another way to combat fear-based manipulation is to resist the herd. Recognize the bandwagon effect and be willing to question everything. What is your “gut” saying to you?
We all have critical thinking skills to evaluate information. Think for yourself. Don’t trust what someone is saying or telling you. Challenge everything -challenge manipulation.
Many times we prioritize human-led solutions to problems and potentially overlook how God’s willingness to play a role in our lives.
Even when life seems confusing or scary it’s important to remember that God is wiser and more capable than we are at navigating our complexities.
Trusting God is an active choice and it’s something that can be cultivated even when we face difficult times.
What do you think gets better with age?
One thing that has gotten better with age is, I’m more at peace. Things don’t bother me like they used to.
our cognitive abilities and emotional intelligence improve. There are many things that get better with age. Just like fine wine, experience and wisdom enhances our understanding of the world and.
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, finding peace can seem like an exclusive pursuit.
But what if I told you that there’s a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that is available regardless of circumstances?
When we think of peace, we often think about a place in life where there is no conflict or turmoil. But biblical peace goes beyond any external tranquility we can find got ourselves. It’s a deep sense of calm and contentment that can only be found in a relationship with God.
There are key understandings that guide us in our journey to finding true peace.
Trusting God is essential for finding true peace. Isaiah 26:3 tells us the 1st key: keep your mind focused on God and trust in Him.
“You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord, is everlasting peace.”
When we trust in God, we can surrender our worries and fears to Him, knowing that He is in control. The act of surrender allows you to experience a deep sense of peace that surpasses human understanding. It’s a peace that brings comfort, reassurance, and a steadfast hope.
Trusting in God involves relying on His promises, His faithfulness, and His love. It means acknowledging that He knows what is best and His plans are good and purposeful.
When we are in the middle of difficult circumstances, when we choose to trust in God, He empowers our walk in resilience and serenity.
However, choosing to trust in God requires a shift in our perspective. It means shifting our focus from our problems and uncertainty to the One who holds all things together. As we anchor our trust in God, He invites His peace to rule in our hearts and minds, guiding our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Trusting in God brings peace in times of uncertainty, strength in times of adversity, hope in the face of challenges, rest for our weary souls, and assurance of His faithfulness.
I’m not saying trusting in God is easy, especially when our circumstances seem overwhelming. But, I’ve learned as I’ve strengthened my trust in Him through prayer, meditation in His Word, and relying on His Holy Spirit I’ve experienced the depths of His peace.
When we let trust become our foundation, we can build a life filled with tranquility and hope.
2. Jesus: The Giver of Lasting Peace
When it comes to peace, Jesus is the ultimate source. Unlike the temporary peace that the world gives us, Jesus offers a lasting transformative peace that can calm our troubled hearts and dispel fear. John 14:27 tells us that Jesus assures us of His gift of peace.
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, I give give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.”
To truly experience the peace that Jesus offers, we must first acknowledge Him as the source and surrender our worries and anxieties to Him. When we do we can find peace and rest.
Then it becomes a deep sense of well-being that originates from a relationship with Him.
3. The Gift of Peace: Jesus
We can fully embrace the gift of peace that Jesus offers us by trusting in Him and believing that His peace is available to us.
Releasing our worries and anxiety to Jesus gives a deep knowing that He really does care for us.
Praying for peace, when we engage in prayer, and seek God’s peace and asking Him to fill our hearts with His calming presence.
I have a strategy that I use when I start getting overwhelmed. It’s a simple exercise I do that I learned from a friend. Breath in, think of that breath as God’s light or peace being breathed in. And then when I exhale that breath I think about exhaling the stress of what I am overwhelmed by.
Mediating on scripture. Spend some time reading and reflecting on God’s Word. Allow His promises of peace to enter your mind and soul.
Practice gratitude. Some might think this is a small thing, but an attitude of gratitude goes a long way. Focus on your blessings in life rather than dwelling on negativity.
4. Pursuing Peace Through Action
Peace is not something that we accidentally stumble upon, it must be an intentional pursuit. In order to truly experience peace in our lives, we must actively seek it.
Psalm 34:14 gives us a guide in our pursuit of peace. It instructs us to “depart from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it.”
When we choose to depart from evil, we distance ourselves from actions and behaviors that disrupt peace. By embracing goodness, we foster an environment of harmony and tranquility.
“If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive.”
But it doesn’t stop there. Peace requires an ongoing effort. We are encouraged to actively engage in actions that promote reconciliation, understanding, and unity.
Seeking peace through action involves fostering healthy relationships, resolving conflicts with love and forgiveness, and promoting justice and equality. It requires us to be peacemakers, to actively contribute to the well being of others and society as a whole.
Our actions have the power to seek peace and create a ripple effect that transcends borders and cultures.
I think one of the most effective ways to pursue peace is to lead by example. By embodying a few principles of peace on our own lives, we can become beacons of hope and inspiration of others.
By actively choosing peace and demonstrating it in our daily interactions, we can set the stage for dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. Our actions and words have the power to heal wounds, bridge gaps, and cultivate a culture of peace.
5. The Fruit Of Peace
The peace in our lives as followers of Jesus is a result of the Holy Spirit’s presence within us. When we invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, we open ourselves up to His transformative power, and one of the most beautiful fruits He produces in us is peace.
In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul writes about the fruits of the Holy Spirit including peace,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.”
The fruit of peace of the Holy Spirit means that as we yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, we experiment a deep sense of tranquility. This peace doesn’t come from our circumstances, but the presence of God Himself within us.
Jesus promised His disciples that He would give them His peace. A peace that is unlike anything the world can offer. This is the same peace that the Holy Spirit produces in us when we surrender our lives to Him.
The Holy Spirit’s work of cultivating peace in us involves transforming our hearts, minds, and attitudes. He helps us to let go of anxiety, fear, worry, and replaces them with His calming presence and the assurance of God’s faithfulness.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and produce the fruit of peace, we can experience a profound sense of well being, even in the middle of challenging circumstances. This peace enables us to face trials with confidence and to exhibit Christ like love and kindness to those around us.
From Pity to Praise