The challenges around you never define who you are. Just because you have experienced something negative doesn’t mean you are not enough. Just because you make mistakes doesn’t mean you are a failure.
Don’t ignore your inner peace in pursuit of prosperity and happiness. When we let our circumstances define who we are, we disturb our own peace. Staying calm in life’s storms is key to thriving, not just surviving.
In Luke 8:24-25, Jesus says, when we focus on Him through thick and thin everything will go according to His good and perfect plan for our lives.
Inner peace is a state of mental and emotional calmness, free of turmoil of negative thoughts and feelings.
We often think that our joy is dependent on our circumstances – when things are going well, there’s peace and all is still, we have joy. We feel, like God is giving us favor. But what about when the storms in life are swirling around us? Are we being punished? Do we not have enough faith?
It’s easy to say that we surrender our lives to God, but do we really mean it? If we say we do and then secretly mean, “ok God, I surrender so now you will bless me. But that’s not the case.
We have to recognize that God is in the storms as much as when we are at peace. He wants us to surrender to Him regardless of the outcome.
We have the ability to create our own stories and futures, they are not defined by our current circumstances.
Even good circumstances can defeat us if we stop working hard and let then guide us.
We can use our circumstances as motivation to prove people wrong or to be an example for others.
We have the power to create a new story for ourselves, regardless of what we face in life.
We can let our circumstances shape us rather than define us.
When we focus on God and the things we can control things begin to change. Our circumstances don’t define us, they are a reminder that we all have some control over our lives.
“Our circumstances and struggles refine us, but they don’t define us.”
What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make? Why?
Everyone has to make hard decisions in life. And life is full of them. Facing and making difficult choices throughout life is an essential part of personal growth and Development. It push us out of our comfort zones and forces us to adapt and learn challenges. The tough decisions we make in help us to become more mature and become stronger.
That being said, I think the hardest decision I ever had to make was whether to stay in my marriage or leave. My marriage was in a very bad place for years, and I chose to stay because of my children. I didn’t want them to grow up without their Father. after they were raised and I could think about me, and realizing that my husband and I had done some terrible things to each other over the years. I have a very hard decision to make, after seeking a lawyer for a divorce, I remember that I took a vow to love him forever “til death do you part.”
Marriage is a sacrifice it involves prioritize in the well being and happiness of the other person about our desires and needs. It isn’t and never was about choosing to end a marriage based on our selfishness.
Marriage is a life long bond between a man and a woman. So, I chose to stay and work on my marriage. First of all we had to forgive each other for every wrong we had done to each other. Put the past behind us and move on.
Funny thing is, once I allowed God to become a part of my marriage things began to get better. Marriage doesn’t take two it takes three -the woman, theman, and God in the middle.
Have you ever felt powerless to control the spiral of thoughts, worries, or fears that consume your mind on a regular basis? I went through this for years, feeling hopeless that I couldn’t do anything about them. It felt like I had no control over my actions. It’s so frustrating wanting to make positive changes, but feeling powerless to do so.
It wasn’t until I learned that I wasn’t so powerless as I felt. In Christ, we have both the ability and the authority to resist the spiral that we find ourselves in. And finally walk in courageous victory.
We have the authority to change our thoughts from the negative to the positive. We have access to a very powerful weapon called the Sword of the Spirit.
Hebrews 4:12 tells us,
“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
And 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tells us,
“For we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is a alter againest the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Messiah.”
These 2 passages tell us the Bible was never meant to be a passive outdated book sitting on a dusty shelf. But our Bible are active weapons of warfare that we can use powerfully and courageously in the fight against Satan and his schemes against us. Both as defensive and offensive weapons.
We can use this Sword of the Spirit to guard our hearts and any attack Satan throws at us. And that includes attacks of our minds. The fact is that we are in a war whether we like it or not.
This is how I changed my life time of negativity to positivity. I learned how to use the Sword of the Spirit to fight back against the negativity that had taken over my life since I was a small girl.
Just like owning a physical sword won’t protect your home against intruders on its own, simply owning a Bible won’t protect your soul against satan’s attacks if you don’t use it. They are tools that need to be put to good use.
We can learn a great deal by listening to sermons, reading books or reading this article, nothing compares to getting into God’s Word yourself.
You need to get in the habit of reading the Bible regularly. And studying the scriptures by moving beyond a simple level reading is necessary to learn on a deeper level. The Word of God is full of great wisdom, knowledge, and insight. The more you learn, the more effectively you can wield the Sword of the Spirit in your life.
The one area that most people fall into trouble is the knowledge of who the Bible says we are, and then not believing that it is true.
For example the Bible says:
You are loved – Colossians 3:12-25
You are forgiven – Ephesians 1:7
You are a new creation – 2 corinthians 5:17
You are more than a conqueror – Romans 8:36
You are victorious – 1 Corinthians 15:57
You are fearfully and wonderfully made – Psalm 139:14
Whether or not you feel like these statements are true, they are true because God says they are. The same God who created the heavens, and the earth, and everything else with nothing more than the power of His spoken Word can also create miracles in you through that same spoken Word.
We can trust that God’s Word about us is true, and we can walk courageously in that truth, even when doing so feels difficult or uncertain.
When have you apply the Word of God to your life if you want to see meaningful change.
We have to ask ourselves on regular basis these questions and answer them honestly:
Am I united with Jesus or at least working toward that direction?
Do I receive comfort from Jesus’s love, or am I seeking love elsewhere?
Am I tender and compassionate?
Do I seek to be like minded with others with the same beliefs or do I cause drama and disagreement?
As I self centered or conceited
Do I consider myself better than others?
Do I always insist on what I want, rather than taking other’s needs and preferences into account?
God doesn’t like haughty people. Don’t feel bad if you have some room for improvement. We all do! But this is the power of the sword. We always need to work towards being more like Christ.
When we read the Bible the Holy Spirit speaks to us directly, letting us know where we are and where we are going astray.
Once we know what the Word of God says, it’s up to us to put it into practice in our lives.
When we learn the promises God gives we can begin to stand on them.
When we start having negative thoughts we can say these promises to ourselves to replace the negative thoughts with positive ones.
I am a child of the Most High King – Psalm 82-6
God strengthens me when I am weary – Isaiah 40:31
God has redeemed me – Colossians – 1:13-14
God gives wisdom to those who ask – James 1:5
God will fight for me – Psalm 35:1
My old self is dead – Romans 6:6
God will set me free – John 8:36
God doesn’t promise us that life will be easy, comfortable, or convenient. But He has given us a powerful weapon to guard our hearts and minds no matter what trials or troubles we face. The Sword of the Spirit.
No one wants to suffer. While small trials are sometimes welcomed, because of what they will do for us, we can count them as joy, no one invites life-altering pain. No one wants to lie awake with a pit in their stomach, agonizing over where a disastrous situation is headed. No one wants to experience a loss so deep that we wonder how to even go on.
We all understand that rain falls into everyone’s life, no one wants an upheaval. We don’t pray for it, we don’t seek it, or welcome it. We want relief, which is why we cry out to God for reprieve, rescue, and deliverance from it.
We can look at the Book of Job and discover sometimes deliverance comes by affliction.
“He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity” -Job 36:15
This statement seems to make no sense at first. How can affliction deliver the afflicted? We want to be delivered from affliction, to have whatever is troubling removed, and we pray and work to get the end. If we want to be rescued and relieved from our affiliation, how can we possibly find it during an affliction?
To be delivered from affliction, what we are being delivered from must be worse than the affliction itself. Since affliction is unpleasant at best and crushing at worst, what we are being delivered from must be evil. The affliction must be producing something that is far more precious the immediate relief.
What is more precious than relief from our deep pain.
What indifference do we need to be delivered from? Whatever it is, God needs to open our ears through adversity. Our struggles make us listen more clearly to God. What does God want us to learn through any afflictions?
Like Samuel, we need to learn to recognize God’s voice. (1 Samuel 3:4-14). We can learn to find God’s comfort is His presence, and His direction in our afflictions (trials) because we are actively looking for it, with our eyes and ears open.
I like how the prophet Isaiah puts it,
Though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left” -Isaiah 30:20-21
Listening to God, recognizing His voice and heeding it above the competing voices around us will radically transform us. It will give us supernatural wisdom and clear direction, it will ultimately reshape who we are.
Our afflictions draw us to the things of God because we realize the things of this world are broken.
Psalm 119 shows us that affiliation can make the Word of God more effective in our lives. David wrote, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I know Your Word” (Psalm 119:67), and “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I light learn Your Statutes”(Psalm 119:71).
Because we can draw close to God during our trials or afflictions, we can realize that nothing is as it should be, sin has marred everything and all creation is grounding because of it.
Pain spurs us to search for meaning and hope beyond our present circumstances, which can open our eyes to the power and beauty of God’s Word. His Word can reframe our world, bringing light to our eyes, opening our ears, and feeding our souls. God’s Word and His presence become sweeter in our suffering as we taste and see for ourselves His goodness and grace.
At first, in my struggles, I didn’t love God’s Word or listen to Him until it became too unbearable for me to go any further. I had to hit rock bottom until God’s Word became My hope, and it was only then that God opened my ears to hear Him speaking through my despair. I had to become attuned to His voice and strained to hear it above the sin I put myself in. When I decided to pour myself into the Bible in my pain, that God opened my ears. It was there I found an unexpected delight in fellowship with God and His Word.
Afflictions make us aware of our sins by bringing our buried struggles to the surface. When we are satisfied with life we are not able to see our sins closely. But, when our lives fall apart and we can’t depend on ourselves anymore, we learn to cling to God,
When despair sets in and we are burdened beyond its reliance on God when things take on a new meaning. When He rescues us from bad situations we learn to trust Him more in our next affliction or trial.
God is able to deliver us from every situation when we rely on Him, and not our own abilities.
Humans think they can take care of themselves, needing help from no one. But God has a way of refining us and softening the rough edges that we would have never discovered without or afflictions or trials.
Suffering, just like discipline is never pleasant at the time, but later it yields a peaceful fruit of righteousness. Our suffering will never be wasted. It produces a lasting endurance, character and hope.
But we must remember that in any affliction not everyone turns to God. Both God and Satan have purposes in our affliction.
Satan likes to use our suffering to try and turn us away from God. It’s important to recognize God always has a plan and a purpose.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” –Jeremiah 29:11
God had life giving purposes in affliction when to turn to Him. In the hands of our loving God, affliction rescues us from evil. God uses affliction to deepen our faith and drive us towards Him, and directs our path.
Do you or your family make any special dishes for the holidays?
I usually make Hungarian Hamburger Stuffing to put in my turkey, along with the turkey neck and giblets. And southern candied yams that I learned to make from my father.
Thank You Lord for all your blessings to me and my family. For the strength you give me each day and for all the people around me who make life more meaningful.
If you didn’t need sleep, what would you do with all the extra time?
I had always had trouble sleeping since I was a child. In my younger days I remember staying awake for 3 days and then sleeping like the dead for 12 hours straight. Now I get about 4-5. hours asleep if I sleep any longer I get up with a headache.
So, no sleep isn’t a challenge for me. I could and do spend reading my Bible and writing.
My husband sleeps all night, so I can’t clean house or cook because it would wake him. He would wake up grouchy and I definitely don’t want that.
The Bible says that “without faith it is impossible to please God”(Hebrew’s 11:6). That’s an incredible statement yet, it is the Bible. Take it for exactly what it says. Think about that for a moment anyone who says they are attempting to following Jesus, it means absolutely nothing, if they lack faith. Without faith, they have no hope – no possibility of pleasing God. Any one who does not please God they are living in vain. This is serious. 
Many people do not feel the presence of God or His power in their life. But it’s not about “feeling” it’s about knowing we have the faith that He is with us.
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose” -Romans 8:28
To have faith that God will work out the injustices we have received. To have faith that He will provide for us. To have faith that we can endure severe trials and persecution and that God will deliver us from them.
It all comes down to faith in the soon coming kingdom of God more clearly that we can have peace when it comes.
To say I have struggled with how I will get through these dark times would be an understatement. I don’t have any idea if I’m strong enough to get through it. But I know I have a God who is strong enough to help me through it.
The world is in trouble. Problems are escalating everywhere and there are many who are cut off from God. The return of Jesus is imminent.
In Luke 18:8 Jesus asks the question, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”
Think of the implications of this question. Is it possible that their faith could be completely gone from Earth at Jesus’s second coming?
There is so much ignorance of the Bible. Its clear that so many (even the one who call themselves Christians) that do not know the Bible.
A recent t study showed that 60% of Americans can’t name half of the Ten Commandments or the four Gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark. Luke, John).
Many believe that the saying that “God helps those who help themselves “ is in the Bible, in fact it is not. The Bible teaches that God will reward those who work diligently, but it doesn’t stop there. It also says that God will help those who can’t help themselves.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” – Proverbs 16:3
This is a promise that if we are working hard and doing what is right, God will help us.
Nearly 80% of Americans including people who say they are Christian believe that “God helps those who help themselves is a direct quote from the Bible.
What a shame! What a terrible indictment of the most blessed nation on earth. It is the single greatest reason why is little genuine faith is found.
As human beings, we all experience fear. Fear is a natural emotion that protects us from danger, and helps us avoid risky situations. However, fear can also become a barrier that stops us from achieving our goals and living our dreams. You’ve probably heard the saying “Be fearless,” but it’s about not feeling fear -it’s about finding the courage to face our fears and push through them.
We have all experienced anxiety that causes a mindset where we feel trapped in an endless negative thought pattern. While fear can be an uncomfortable and overwhelming feeling. It can also be an opportunity for growth and transformation. Finding the courage to face our fears and overcome them can lead to major growth in areas we don’t even know we need.
The first step is finding this courage and acknowledging the fear we have, Recognizing that it’s okay to feel afraid and that it is something that everyone experiences in life. At some point, it is needed to identify what we’re afraid of and try to understand the cause of it. Whether is our fear of failure, rejection, or something unknown.
Most fears remain unnoticed until we confront them head-on. Understanding ourselves, and what holds us back is important to discover before starting the journey of healing. Filling the voids we feel with distraction to make fear goes away is never the answer.
Avoiding our fears only limits our growth. It’s only when we have accepted our fears, that we can begin to take action to overcome them. This may involve getting support from friends, family, or even a therapist we can trust. It may take some small steps to gradually confront our fears. It takes courage to even feel like taking the first step, but once you do. But once you do it will be the most beneficial action you can take for your personal health and mental health.
I’ve not always been a person who looks at the positives I have struggled to find courage and hope. But, because I have found courage instead of fear I have begun to have success in facing every fear I’ve faced.
There are huge benefits to overcoming our fears including increased confidence, and improved relationships.
When you focus on the reason why it’s beneficial to overcome your fears, it will motivate you to overcome your fears and pursue your dreams.
Fear can alter our personal life or behavior and being able to find courage in those times of fear can make us more resilient.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it. We may not be able to completely erase our fears, but we can learn to manage them as a source of motivation to move on.
It’s not easy but by confronting our fears and using them as a catalyst for growth, we can develop the mindset to live life to the absolute fullest, despite what we have dealt with or whatever comes our way.
My pet peeves are Arrogant people, they have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are better than others. They behave in an overbearing manner, make presumptuous claims or assumptions. They undermine others who they think are less knowledgeable or “weaker.”
People who interrupt you all the time. They have a strong desire to control the conversation and lack listening skills. They think what they have to say is more important than what you have to say, and is very disrespectful.
Evil people, lack empathy and moral values, have control issues, they like to have control over people. And use manipulation to get what they want.
My favorite people are my children and my husband. And the few friends I have. These are my people because I know I can trust them wholeheartedly.
I can trust them to improve my joy when I’m having a hard day, and they support me through challenges along with someone I can share deep meaningful conversations.
At some point in our lives, we realize that a good life sometimes involves a bit of pain, and unfortunately, there are countless types of pain. There is small pain when we leave something behind, and there’s big pain when all our plans fail. There’s the sharp pain when we make mistakes, and the nagging pain when life doesn’t bring the joy we expected.
Yet alongside this, there’s also a gentle tingling that runs through our body when we’re in the perfect moments of life when we achieve something great, and experience joy and laughter. We know the moment won’t last forever, but it will remain forever.
We all feel pain from time to time, and if someone asks us, “What happened?” we will more than likely say we just had a bad day. Only the dead feel no pain, and we can learn how to turn pain into a source of strength and wisdom.
Acknowledging our emotional pain is necessary if we want to heal from it. Emotional pain isn’t shown to the outside observer, but it is more common and harder to treat than a broken bone. Our attempts to hide emotional pain increase the burden it creates.
Nothing in this world “belongs” to us. When we let go of things we once and for all, it suddenly sets us free. However, one of the hardest things in life is learning go let go, whether it’s possessiveness, obsession, anger, love or loss.
Change isn’t easy. We might fight to hold for what’s ours. And wrestle with ourselves to let go. Letting go is healthy for our journey forward. It clears our minds of the past. It isn’t easy to turn our wounds into wisdom and learning to accept them. But, trying to ignore or numb the pain doesn’t work, we need to face it head on. It’s necessary if we want to move forward. Once we accept our wounds, we can start to look for the lessons they have to teach us.
Perspective plays a key role in acceptance. We can focus on ways to be positive instead of negative.
Surrounding yourself with the right influences. There are people you can count on, and some you can’t. We need to weed out those in our lives that may hold you back.
It’s useless to focus all your energy on events that no longer have control over you. Instead of wasting time with negative coping strategies find something that actively gives you a spark.
Holding onto hatred and resentment only poisons you. It keeps you forever trapped in the past, focusing on an element that you’re letting define who you are today. There’s a quote that goes, “When people brings up the past, tell them Jesus already dropped the charges.” Our past is who I used to be, I’m not that person anymore.
Life will eventually knock us hard on our butts, but we can use those times as stepping stones for growth. Constantly trying to avoid hardship and pain will only prove detrimental.
Each experience, each moment that we have is precious. When we to learn how to make the best out of an even the worst circumstances. You may be amazed at the power, wisdom, and strength you gain after maintaining a positive attitude.
From Pity to Praise 