Things I’ve learned…©

There have been times when all I wanted to do was BE STILL. Everything was swirling around me at top speed and I had nothing to hold on to…but God.

But God – that was the answer. In the midst of every situation; good, bad, or indifferent, His provision was right there anchoring my sanity. I’ve read constantly that we are to Praise Him in EVERY circumstance, even when we don’t feel like it (a Sacrificial Praise)

Now, some people hear the word “Praise” and think they’ve got to shout and scream or run laps around a church. Praise is YOUR way of giving honor to God. Praise can be sitting quietly and offering up a Prayer of Thanks. Praise can be telling God how much you love Him and how much you appreciate what He has done and is doing in your life. Singing a song of Praise can be a form even if you can’t sing like The Clark Sisters (or just one of the Sisters!)

The Word says God inhabits the praises of His people. Think about that for a minute (or longer…) God inhabits in our Praises; He dwells, lives in, and resides in…our Praise! Imagine every time you open your mouth and give a sincere Praise to God – He stops and takes notice! Not only does our Father take notice, but also He stays a while!

I read that when Praise becomes a lifestyle, it has a domino effect. So, you Praise God for His goodness and others will His goodness in you and will be inspired to show goodness to someone else, and so on…(let that marinate…)

What I’ve Learned: The point is not what or how you Praise, just so long as you do it!

Things I’ve Learned (A possible series) ©

Walking around carrying ‘stuff’ isn’t good for your health. I recently felt myself creeping into that place where I have trouble sleeping, staying focused, and even have trouble breathing.

I sat down in a quiet place and wrote down everything I could think of that brought on this anxiety. I tried to leave them on the paper as I thought about them because some of them were still fresh. I could still taste them. After completing the list (yes, it was a list of them) I walked away to make some coffee. I returned with my favorite mug in hand and read through the collection that had become the culprit of my restlessness. I discovered 99 % of it didn’t belong to me!

I read each item aloud and as the words slipped from my lips, the realization became clearer with each syllable. It wasn’t mine! Issues with missed doctor’s appointment, problems with old flames, mortgage companies, sibling interference, and uncooperative neighbors, none of these belonged to me. Not only did they not belong to me, but really had very little to do with me.

I had served in the capacity of a sounding board for most and had subconsciously taken on each as my own. I had been carrying them around, juggling them and even lost sleep trying to figure them out while the rightful owners went on their merry way. Well, maybe not merry but close to it. Meanwhile, I’m irritable and snippy.

Well, I’m giving it all back - ALL of it! I’ll help when I can. I’ll listen when it’s needed, but I’m not taking it with me. I’m all for helping and guiding, but I have to learn (re-learn) how to help and not to load myself up with the problems of others.

So don’t be surprised if you open your door and find a small package.

Resolutions Anyone?

It's day 2 of the New Year and what have you accomplished so far? Have you kept your Resolutions? How many pounds have you lost? Is your life organized? Have you found TRUE love?

If your answer is No, don't worry. You still have time to accomplish. I read recently the average person has broken their set resolutions within 3 months. So technically, you have until March. That's when the 'Real Resolutions' kick in.

I thought I'd start the year off not with Resolutions, but 'Realistic Thinking' This fits my way of living better than some list I've spent weeks or days agonizing over. I've decided to Set Goals rather than cross out an item on a list I'd probably lose after while; only to find it years later and wonder what was I thinking (!)

Call me old fashion, but I haven't shared them with anyone (and I don't plan to do so now!) but I will say that This, what I'm doing now, is among the Goals I've set for the New Year (That’s it, no more sharing!)

The idea of my 'Realistic Thinking' is to one, not drive myself crazy trying to keep up with everybody else's idea of "Starting Fresh" Second, is to stay consistent to my mental process, as in not conforming, and third is to keep it REAL with me. There are enough advertisement telling what gym to join, what diet to try, what bank to open an account and invest with, and so on…

The first of the year launches a plethora of campaigns all geared at pulling you on some kind of bandwagon disguised as a ‘Fresh Start’ or ‘New Beginning’ Well, I’m not falling for it and I hope you don’t either. I invite you to be True to You. Set Goals, real ones, and work hard at reaching them. Journal them, don’t just them. Give them a meaning and life. Make them a part of your daily routine and once you’ve reached one (or however many you’ve set) set more. And don’t be a punk about it, make them challenging!

I've been thinking about a clever way to tell those annoying individuals that come up to me with a power shake in their grips asking what my Resolutions are. As dieting is clearly one of theirs (and everybody else's) I've decided to comment with a mere smile and a polite quip: "Being Real"

Happy New Year!