According to research, studies suggest that anxiety and gratitude cannot exist in the brain simultaneously, meaning that when actively focusing on feelings of gratitude, the brain cannot be experiencing anxiety at the same time. One emotion overrides the other due to the brain’s inability to process both states concurrently.
This idea is supported by the understanding that the brain cannot focus on both positive and negative information at the same time.
Practicing gratitude can be a helpful strategy for managing anxiety by shifting focus toward the positive aspects of life.
Philippians 4:6-8tells us,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
When our hearts are filled with gratitude, we cannot be controlled by anxiety.
This is a simple remedy that is in the Bible and is affirmed by science.
Practicing thankfulness can help us begin the process of overcome worry and anxiety, plus it is God’s will for us.
Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.
I love my boots, it doesn’t matter if it hiking, cowgirl, or knee highs.
My boots have taken me to a few states like Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Arizona, and Nevada. Going on a road trip is peaceful to me, and I get to explore all the out of the way places that I would never see if I went on the airplane.
Words have many layers and are more than just a way to communicate because words have energy, they hold of vibration, have power, and can sometimes reveal our secrets.
Words had the power to impact us both negatively and positively on a daily basis.
Have you ever wondered why you feel good or bad vibes from certain words because there are positive energy words, and negative energy words.
“ Every word carries an energy that can be sensed, regardless of whether you are thinking it, speaking it, hearing it, or reading it on a page a lot of elements impact a words energy” -Anne Klingler
A word is more than its definition because it contains energy and power. Words have weight, sound, and appearance. Words can invoke strong emotions, or create a sense of value.
Even though words don’t seem to have an emotional value, we can still feel a difference between them, that’s because words have energy. The words, spark, light, and shine have a different energy shift than dull, dark and heavy.
Depending on our personal experiences, we will either have positive or negative attachments to words. Happy times can be associated with positive energy words, while unpleasant and painful memories could have negative words attached to them.
Because of our emotional attachment to certain words, they can actually shape our lives.
It’s important to use words that inspire us on a daily basis that will change our thoughts, energy, and therefore our actions which also attracts more energy to us.
Using negative words, or self-defeating words, surround us with negative energy and attracts more negative circumstances to us.
The fact that words have the power to reach us on an emotional level, is one reason we have to pay attention to the words we use.
The language we use bring forth the life that we create. And the words that are used over and over are the language that teaches us and teaches the world around us. Our words are reflections and images of ourselves.
For example, the word love, vibrates at a higher frequency than the word hate. We can feel the difference in the energy of these two words.
I came to see dark red for anger, as I’m sure most of us do. And I see light blue or white for peace.
 Every word, even when it’s not spoken, carries a vibration that can impact all our senses. This vibration can cause us to sense heavy or light, cold or hot, bright colors or dark.
We can use the power of words and there positive energy to align, inspire, and motivate us.
When was the last time you were forced to admit to yourself that your preconceived expectations about someone or something was incorrect? Whenever we are not well-versed in a particular matter, we easily get it wrong by forming ideas and opinions based on a few small factors.
If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that sometimes our assumptions and preconceived expectations are wrong. Our interpretation of events is incorrect. This causes us to overreact and take things personally, or to judge people unfairly.
Even Jesus’s disciples had preconceived expectations about Him. when Jesus told them in Luke 18-31-34, they were going to Jerusalem, and everything that was written by the prophets about the Som of Man would be fulfilled. be handed over to the Gentiles. They would mock Him, insult Him, spit on Him, flog Him, and kill Him. The disciples did not understand any of this. It’s meaning with hidden from them, and they did not know what He was talking about.
The disciples were under the assumption that Jesus (their Messiah) had arrived to usher in an earthly kingdom of temporal grandeur. They were unwilling to believe that their Messiah would be taken into custody and killed.
Matthew 16:21-23 record an incident that highlights the agitation and confusion Jesus‘s disciples were experiencing. from that time on Jesus, we can to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hand of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day, He would be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Never Lord!” Peter said, “This shall never happen to you.”
Peter refuses surrender to his preconceived expectations. We’ve all done it. We read something in the Bible that challenges our personal view, but we are unwilling to consider it because it might mean that we have to adjust your perspective. Jesus‘s first disciples demonstrated this stubborn mentality. They could not wrap their mind around the upcoming event. Jesus told them we’re going to take place. The message completely contradicted their preconceived expectations, and they failed to comprehend it.
The best gift I have received isn’t anything material. I was Jesus came in loving me and rescuing me. When I thought no one could love me or rescue me because of all things I had done.
Jesus forgave me and rescued me from my guilt and shame. He healed my spirit and took away the heart heart of stone I was hiding behind, tore down the walls I had put up, so I could feel love -His love. He as always there to console me though the darkness I felt. And brought me a peace I never thought I would find in my life.
He gave me this gift not because I deserved it. But, because He loved me first, and His mercy and grace.
The sooner we learn to confront our challenges and throw positives at the negative, the sooner things begin to change for the better in life.
When we replace the question “Why is this happening to me?” To What is this situation trying to teach me?” Doing this shifts our perspective from feeling victimized by a challenging situation to actively seeking a lesson or personal growth opportunity within it. It essentially replaces a reactive “Why is this happening to me” mindset with a proactive approach to learning from the experience.
By asking “What is this trying to teach me,” we can actively engage with the situation, and look for potential lessons instead of dwelling on negativity.
This mindset empowers us to take control of our response to challenges and see them as opportunities for positive personal development.
When we actively seek lessons in difficult situations, we are more likely to bounce back and grow from adversity.
I believe everything happens for a reason and will make us strong enough to fight the odds. The sooner we learn to confront our challenges and throw positives at the negatives.
Change is a continuous process and adapting to a new normal is the key.
I think many people miss the point of money. I know I did most of my life. It wasn’t until I learned from the Bible how to use money.
God put money on the earth, and everything we have is because of Him. The Bible views money as a tool, that can be used to love and serve others. Not to be squandered on everything we want for our personal possessions. Money can be a source of evil if pursued for its own sake.
Money can be used to help others through discipleship and serving others. I can be use to bless others and fund the advance of God’s kingdom.
Rather, than using money for our personal wants. We can use it to build wealth and avoid debt. It’s not about having a $100,000 vehicle in the driveway, or a $1,000,000 house.
Money can become an object of obsession and greed, leading to bad consequences. Money can cause people to worry about money instead of trusting God. Money can be used to chase after possessions instead of chasing after God. More can lead to debt, which leads to being a slave for the all-mighty dollar.
There are four things the Bible teaches about money.
The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil -1 Timothy 6:10
The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live – Proverbs 15:27
Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods – Psalm 62:10
Whoever loves money never has enough, whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income – Ecclesiastes 5:10
Money is neither good nor evil. It is a tool God has given us so we can help others, meet our needs, and serve Him. Once we get this concept down, budgeting money becomes easy.
Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?
I come from a 3-generation military family. Being patriotic runs in my blood. I fly the American flag, stand for the national anthem, vote in elections, support my local mom-and-pop businesses, and educate myself on my country’s history.
I demonstrate unwavering loyalty and commitment to America’s values. It is a complete love for my country.
America is one nation under God. If we treat it as such, we will always be protected. It is when we fail to understand this that we will fall.
In a world filled with chaos, and conflict, choosing peace can often feel like a difficult road to follow. The brokenness of this world constantly pulls at us, tempting us to respond with anger, despair, and fear.
God’s Word reminds us that peace is not something we achieve through our circumstances but a gift we can receive when we align our hearts with His. Over the years I’ve found that walking in God’s ways brings clarity, strength, and a sense of purpose that transcends the challenges I face. It’s not always easy, but when I choose to seek Him, I open the door to peace that surpasses all understanding.
God’s Word serves as a guide, that teaches us how to live in peace and righteousness even in a chaotic world. Meditation on scripture can help align our thoughts and actions with His will.
Psalm 119:165 tells us,
“Those who love Your law have great peace, nothing makes them stumble.”
This peace is a profound sense of tranquility and well-being that extends beyond the absence of conflict.
Prayer is a powerful way to surrender our worries and align our hearts with God’s peace. Prayer helps us focus on God’s promises rather than our circumstances.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When you feel overwhelmed, pause and pray, ask for God’s guidance and peace.
When we become saved God’s spirit (Holy Spirit) comes to live within us and helps us know the right path and equips us with peace. Can we make wrong choices -absolutely, we are human. This is what repentance if for.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us means letting go of control and trusting in God’s wisdom.
Romans 8:6 tells us,
‘The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Spend time in silence and listen for God’s voice and direction.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your responses, especially when your in challenging time.
It’s important not to hang onto anger or unforgiveness. This disrupts our peace and distances us from the ways of God. Choosing to forgive as God forgives us brings freedom and restores harmony in our lives.
Colossians 3:13 tells us,
“Bear with each other and forgive one another, if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive and the Lord forgave you.”
Identify the areas where unforgiveness or resentment is holding you back and pray for the strength to forgive. Remember forgiveness doesn’t excuse any wrongdoing but frees your heart to begin to heal.
Our thoughts shape our emotions and actions. Choosing to focus on good things can help maintain peace in our hearts.
Philippians 4:8 tells us,
“Finally, brother (and sisters), whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Train your brain focus on God’s blessings and promises and not negative thoughts.
Surround yourself with uplifting influences and positive people and encouraging content.
Peace comes from trusting that God is in control, even when life feels uncertain. When we surrender to God’s sovereignty it allows us to rest in His perfect plan.
Isaiah 26:3 tells us,
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You.”
Remind yourself daily that God is working all things for your good (Romans 8:28).
Remind yourself of past situations where God’s faithfulness brought you through tough times.
Choosing peace and walking with God requires us to be conscious at all times, but leads to a life of fulfillment, joy, and a deep connection with Him.
When we can let go of the worldly chaos and focus on God’s path we can experience the kind of peace that can only come from living in His presence.
I don’t think I have unintentionally broken the law, but even if I did it doesn’t matter because ignorance of the law is no excuse.
I once however got pulled over for. The officer said I ran a red light at a four way stop. I did not. When he got to my window he asked for my driver’s license, insurance, and registration. I had bought the vehicle a few days before and evidently he didn’t see the tags. He said, “you just bought this?” He let me go without incident.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” -Psalm 91:1
Because of our sin and the subsequent curse that poisoned the perfection of God’s creation, the world is a dangerous place. Every day people suffer from natural disasters, crime, accidents, poor health, and more. It’s natural to seek protection from the pain and suffering of life.
When we are under God’s covering of protection there is physical protection and spiritual protection. Spiritual protection regardless of our future sins or the schemes of satan, we will never lose the salvation God has granted.
Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that,
“Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.”
In Hebrews 13:5, God promises over and over to never leave us or forsake us. In addition to this we are given freedom from sin in that we are no longer slaves to sinful thoughts, desires, and actions, but because we become new in Christ. We are covered by God’s protection.
He provides us powerful tools in which we can fend off the enemy’s spiritual attacks (Ephesians 6:10-17).
Everyday I pray for God’s protection for my family, myself, friends and fellow believers. The other day, I fell and thought I broke my foot. I went to the hospital for an x-ray. I was told it was fractured. A few days later I went to an orthopedic doctor and he said there was no fracture. Was this God’s protection? I’m believing it was.
Sometimes God allows things to happen we don’t understand and sometimes he protects us without us even knowing. I can look back on my life and pinpoint a few times where I have gotten myself in some sticky situations that shouldn’t have turned out so good.
For example, you might choose not to take your usual route to work one day and then find out there was an accident which could have been you.
What parent doesn’t protect their child even when their child doesn’t know any better? God protects us even when we try to do our own thing. God sees what we cannot see.
Sometimes we get disappointed when things don’t go our way and wonder, “God why don’t you open that door? Why did this happen to me? God sees what we can not see, and He’s going to protect us whether or like it or not. Sometimes we end up asking for things that would end up harming us if God answered our way. God is faithful, we must trust that He knows what He’s doing.
If there were a biography about you, what would the title be?
If there were a bio about me I’m pretty sure it would be the name of my blog -From Pity to Praise.
Pretty much everything I’ve been through in life has been struggle. I’ve learned everything in life is hard, and will hit harder than I expect, but if I keep standing, and know I cannot not do it alone in the middle of the difficulties there’s always an opportunity. And a dream doesn’t become reality through magic, it takes sweat, determination and hard work.
God’s plan is always best. Sometimes the process is painful and hard. When we feel like God is silent, He’s working behind the scenes for a better outcome.
From Pity to Praise 