I used to let things bother me more than I would like to admit. My mistakes would play on repeat if someone said or did something offensive to me.
If I argued with someone I would play scenarios of how it could have gone differently, I would let it distract me from what I should have been focused on.
If we let these things consume us, we fall into the trap of the enemy. Satan robs us of our inheritance and on of the most valuable things we can possess -peace.
Satan (the enemy) and people do and say things that cause us to walk around in frustration. I chose not to be bound by the thoughts and opinions of others but by the Word of God.
Jesus promised us peace as our inheritance and we can claim it today and walk in it.
If I was to picture peace it’s like being in the mountains sitting by a river or stream, drinking a cold drink and enjoying the sounds of nature. But that doesn’t help when the trials of life cone. True inner peace is having a sense of calmness and contentment internally despite your external environment.
Jesus as the “Prince of Peace,” is the perfect example of someone who protected His peace. I think of the Bible account in Matthew 8:23-27, where Jesus was sleeping on a boat during a terrible storm, and everyone else was running around thinking they were going to die.
He told His disciples “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the storm and the winds and the waves became calm.
Practicing self care helps us maintain or well being are helps us live a balanced life.
I grew up thinking I had to be a people pleaser. The problem with being a people pleaser is it drains your energy and leaves little time for ourselves.
It took me years to realize self care was not selfish. Taking walks, a long hot bath, sitting quietly with a glass of wine or warm tea or coffee helps reduce stress and prevents burn out.
Self care isn’t a detour it’s a path. It gives us a chance to nurture ourselves that creates space to grow and thrive will sacrificing our well-being
There are many ways to waste time, but it depends on your perspective.
I think I waste time watching television. It is basically a distraction of what I think I should be doing. From my perspective if I am not learning or doing things for friends and family it is a waste of time.
The world is so full of distractions it’s hard not to get away from something that we should be doing and focus on the things that are important.
If you’ve looked at the news today or even scrolled social media you may find yourself thinking… we live in depressing times.
Of course, we shouldn’t be surprised at the depressing news and the depressing state of affairs in our world today. 2 Timothy 3:1 tells us that “in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” So, we should expect t troubling times in the world around us.
But what about if we look at “our world?” Not something coming from the outside, but something that’s coming from the inside as a result of circumstances or crises in our life.
We might get depressed or struggle every day it might feel like burnout. A Tiredness that we can’t describe. No one is exempt, and depression is nothing new but we can look to God for help.
Moses dealt with depression. Jonah dealt with depression and even Elijah dealt with depression. Elijah was depressed, afraid, and anxious but he recovered.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is to always give it time, trust God and He will make a way. The Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow, it has enough trouble for today. Focus on today. This is sometimes hard to do because worry is like a locomotive of the mind. It picks up speed and flies off far from its original track. I’ve spent many years tossing and turning, not able to sleep because of dread and worry, only having it work out fine in the end.
God wants our minds occupied with Him. When the cares of this life, even our legitimate concerns remove our focus from the One who cares for us, worry tends to fill that attention hole. God is in control of every moment in our lives.
Worry divides our minds and hearts that is not a part of our Spirit. Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that God “comforts us in our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
God’s grace carries us through the dark valley of depression. We are better with God as our comforter, counselor, and encourager than stressing ourselves out every day. God is the Father of compassion, He comforts us in times of worry and trouble we just have to give Him a chance. God’s plan can transform defeat into triumph.
Knowing when to say, silent is a superpower. It’s about self-control, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and letting actions speak, louder than words. People often reveal more by what they don’t say -strategic silence can be a shield or a weapon, depending on the situation.
Think about holding your cards post in a high stakes game, you don’t always need to show your hand to win. keeping your mouth shut it’s mastering restraint. It’s choosing silence or saying something you regret, or avoiding pointless arguments. It protects our peace.
It’s powerful because it gives you control over your emotions, your image, and the situation. Sometimes saying nothing says everything. Think about a chess game often the best move is the one you don’t take prematurely.
Silence helps you maintain emotional control, avoiding impulsive reactions that could escalate complex or reveals too much.
Staying quiet allows you to actively listen, gathering insights into others, intentions, weaknesses, or motivation without interrupting, or tipping your hand.
Silence can unsettled others, prompting them to fill the void and reveal more than they intended. It’s often a subtle way to gain control of negotiations or tense situations.
Holding back prevent saying things in the heat of the moment that could damage relationships or reputations. It’s a safeguard against irreversible mistakes.
Choosing when to speak, makes your words carry more weight. Silence builds anticipation, making your impact more powerful.
The Bible emphasizes the value of silence in many contexts. it, highlight the raw of wisdom, restraint, and reverence.
“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble” – Proverbs 21:23
“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction” -Proverbs 13:3
“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” -Proverbs 10:19
“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned.
These verses highlight the importance of controlling our mouths to avoid trouble, promote peace, and reflect godliness.
Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?
I don’t have many good memories of my childhood. But every time my Nagy mama from Hungary would come she would bring her palacsinta with her.
The best way to describe them would be they are like crepes. Thin, delicate pancakes with sweetened cottage cheese and then dusted with powdered sugar.
My Nagy mama was always happy. I remember her always wearing dresses and a shawl with white sandals whether it was summer or winter and she always smelled like lily of the valley.
My favorite historical figure is probably someone that not too many people recognize.
William J. Seymour was the leader of the Azusa Street Revival in 1906-1909 in Los Angeles, that defined the event of a worldwide movement. He was born in 1870 in property and raised Baptist, but he saw deeper spiritual experiences that led him to explore the holiest teaching. With racial segregation limited his opportunities. His interest is deep spiritual experiences let him to explore theholiest teachings.
Seymour moved to Houston, Texas in 1903 we he attended Bible school. Despite segregation, forcing him to listen from the outside of the classroom, he embrace the teachers lessons. He was invited to preach in Los Angeles as a small church but face rejection when he emphasized speaking in tongues the language that was spoken in Acts. He was soon locked out of the church, but began holding prayer meetings in his home where attendees experience tongues and spiritual outpourings.
Seymour was a humble and soft spoken leader that emphasized Holy Spirit, power, sanctification, and unity in Christ.
The Azuza Street revival Wayne due to internal disputes, external opposition, and his efforts to maintain order.
He laid the foundation for denominations like the assembly of God and the church of God in Christ, and his vision of racial unity inspired later movements.
His leadership and global force now was over 600 million. People focuses on spiritual gift and inclusivity still remains influential. The Azuza Street revival is seen as a landmark in Christian history, reviving, experimental, faith, and challenging racial barriers.
Strength is a biblical quality that is often mentioned in the scriptures. In the Bible, strength is more than just physical. It involves having the inner resources to face challenges and overcome obstacles with courage, perseverance, and resilience.
The strength that the Bible talks about comes from God and is seen as a key component of spiritual growth and maturity. Strength that comes from God is the ultimate source of strength.
In Isaiah 40:31 it says, “But they who waited for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
If we are to have strength – the strength that only God can give we have to make sure He is involved. So many times I have tried to do things on my own and they have failed. It’s important to remember to pray and ask God for wisdom.
“I can do all things through Him to strengthens me” -Phillipians 4:13
Our strength comes from Jesus, who enables us to face any challenge or difficulty with confidence and determination.
We can cultivate strength in a few ways:
Seek God’s strength. Spend time in prayer and ask God to strengthen you in your weakness.
Practice perseverance. Perseverance involves staying on course even when things get difficult. Set goals for yourself, and work towards them with determination and focus. I set one goal a week to accomplish. It builds momentum and helps me stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.
Cultivate courage. Courage involves facing challenges with confidence and determination, even in the face of fear. Take risks and step out of your comfort zone, trusting that God is with you.
Practice gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, we are more likely to find the strength to face challenges with a positive attitude. Take time each day to thank God for His mercy and grace.
Build supportive relationships. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you in your goals and aspirations.
Be open to change. Be open to new perspectives. It can enhance our understanding and help us grow personally. Focus on the positive aspects of life and the possibility of growth and change.
Embrace challenges. Challenges can be an opportunity for growth and development. Instead of shying away from challenges, embrace them with a spirit of determination and perseverance.
Practice self-care. Self-care may not seem like a way to strengthen ourselves but taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually can all contribute to our strength and resilience. Take time for things you enjoy and energize you.
Prayer guide for developing strength:
Pray for the ability to wait in the Lord. “But they who waiting on the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings of eagle that shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faith” -Isaiah 40,31.
2. Pray for the ability to trust in God’s strength. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” -Psalm 46:1
3. Pray for the ability to persevere through difficult times. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him” -James 1:12
4. Pray for the ability to find strength in weakness. “But He said, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is mad perfect in weakness, therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest on me” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
5. Pray for the ability to overcome fear. “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I an your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous hand”-Isaiah 41:10
6. Pray for the ability to love others with strength. ‘Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” -1 John 4:7
7. Pray for the ability to find strength to forgive with strength. “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” -Ephesians 4:32
Praying for the ability to wait on the Lord, trust in God’s strength, persevere through difficult times, find strength in weakness, overcome fear, and love others with strength. Finding strength in hope can help us develop stress.
As we grow in strength, we will become more like Jesus, who was the ultimate example of strength and resilience in the face of suffering and adversity.
First crushes hit hard because it’s a mix of raw emotion and vulnerability. It’s a projects hopes, desires, and ideals onto the other person.
From a science perspective, it drops dopamine and oxytocin cocktail that makes every thing feel electric.
First crushes teach us what to do or don’t, and what we do or don’t want in a relationship. And it usually hits us hard when it hits us that they want anything to do with us.
Respect for humanity is a core principle that recognizes the inherit dignity and worth of every human being. It emphasizes treating all individuals with fairness, equality, and consideration, regardless of background, beliefs, or circumstances.
The Bible talked about the inherent worth of all humans regardless of status, race, or gender as we were all created in God’s image.
In Acts 10:34-35 Peter declares,
“I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him, and does what is right.”
Sadly, disrespect or hate for someone who has a different skin color, ethnicity, or religion is taught by media and politics which fuels division and rewards anger over understanding, and acts as a “de facto” teacher of disrespect. Cultural influences also play a significant role in shaping attitudes of disrespect and hate towards humanity, and sometimes foster disrespect and hate through implicit and explicit teachings.
The key aspects of respect for humanity include:
Equality: treating everyone equally regardless of the race, gender, religion, social status, or any other characteristic.
Dignity: recognizing the intrinsic value of every person, and not using them as a means to an end.
Rights: respecting the fundamental rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom, and security.
Kindness and compassion: showing empathy and concern for the well-being of others, even those that we disagree with.
Everyone deserves the right to life. We are at a place in the world where the forced beliefs of others are causing violence, war, and death.
I have suffered from Migraine headaches for over 40 years. I’ve been to doctors, and neurologists and have tried every treatment possible and nothing seems to help. I have often wondered what the purpose of pain is. It is not just something we have to endure in the fallen world. Does God has a purpose for it?
I watch a movie the other night called “Sigmond Freud’s Last Session.” C.S. Lewis was in it. I learned that Lewis wrote in one his book “The Problem of Pain, God whispers to us in our pleasures, and speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. It his megaphone to arouse a deaf world.
Pain and suffering may be the consequences of sin in a broken world. But nothing is wasted in God’s economy. As He continues to allow this temporary season, how will the Lord use this for my good and His glory? I wonder what He might want me learn through my migraines.
Is it to keep me humble? Or maybe to slow me don’t so I can spend more time with Him. Because just when I think I am fully trusting the Lord. He reveals to me I’m only scratching the surface. He is continuously calling me to grow.
When I’m suffering for days with a migraine I need to remember the many people praying for me, and encouraging me. He has people in my life who will support me.
But, pain and suffering have a powerful way of drawing me to God. Pain and suffering are not just negative experiences, they also are opportunities for growth, learning, and redemptive growth. Romans 5:3-5 says,
“We also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance and perseverance, 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.”
The megaphone of the pain and suffering can be a powerful tool for good.
We can ignore pleasures, but pain and suffering insist on being attended to. There is no doubt that God’s megaphone is a terrible instrument. But it is only one that gives “bad people” an opportunity for amendment. It removes the veil and allows us to see what’s behind it.
I know that when I’m in pain, God allows me to draw closer to Him.
From Pity to Praise 