Expectations are defined as strong beliefs that something will happen in the future. Those expectations can lead us to be hopeful but they can also create issues. Problems arise when we get hopeful based on flawed logic or assumptions. Most of us form expectations. Some of us do a better job than others in managing those expectations and creating a more balanced life. Social media, print media, advertisements, and our circle of influence all play an enormous role in how people today set their expectations. We think we are making decisions based on what is real, but how much of…
Pure love brings no limitations. Everywhere we are God is around. Our love for others brings out the power of God. As we journey through life with love our purpose becomes more clear to us. God sees our intentions and rewards love. At a time that is unknown to us, we will be reverting to the perfect origin. Each of us is an important part of the redemptive act. We have a purpose. As we find pure love our purpose becomes more clear. Are you able to love everything that you encounter? At first, I was taken aback by the…
I can think of many wonderful experiences regarding riding in a car. Over my lifetime it has often been one of the only places where I had time to myself. Time to pray, relax, and prepare myself for whatever was next on my agenda. For the most part, driving a car has always been a peaceful experience. Yes, I lived in Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City, so I understand traffic and frustration, but for me, it was all part of my daily routine. I chose to view it as a time to recharge. This past week I saw a…
Have you ever experienced something that you wanted to do, you believed in, but you were not ready or not willing to step out and give it your all, as in a state of being lukewarm? Maybe you liked the cause but were not willing to give up your time. Something you were interested in but nervous about people finding out you were actively participating. A time when you were comfortable with your life and you were not ready to disrupt the routine. Personally, I have experienced all of these many times. Time is one that has always been very…
We get to choose what weapons we use in our everyday life. When conflict arises we make decisions as to how we are going to react to the warfare around us. Focusing on love, kindness, and compassion helps us better manage our weapons. The question I hear most often is, “How should I respond to this, what should I say?” My answer is always the same, the truth. Whatever you choose to say, make sure it is the truth. Often we can think of numerous reasons to want to say something other than the truth, but that doesn’t make…
There are days when I work at moving through my day but I seem to continue to find roadblocks in my way and failures mounting. I find the easiest task that would normally take me little effort is thrown off by the slightest hiccup. The big tasks are difficult to start and my eyes want to close the moment I begin. Getting up on the wrong side of the bed might be an old saying, but it often applies to my not-so-successful days on the job. A very important part of moving forward through failures is starting with…
I had a conversation with a lifelong friend this week that made me step back and think about how I manage difficult situations. I rarely think or worry about any situation. If it is not productive, I don’t spend time thinking about what could be or might be, I just move forward knowing that Jesus will guide me so long as I pay attention and listen for the clues. It is rare that I even want to talk about difficult situations. There are some exceptions, particularly when I or others can learn from the mistake or issue. For the…
My girls often tease me about having a positive attitude and outlook. It has always been difficult for me to see people go through life looking at the glass half empty. Negative thinking is toxic to me and I hurt inside when people believe there is no hope. I have built my whole life around hope, faith, and love. Recently I heard someone say, “If you act negatively you can’t expect anything positive to happen.” It was a quick comment, but one that stuck with me. I understand that it is very difficult to change negative thinking. However, I…
I have stepped out of my comfort zone throughout my life without hesitation. This blog was the exception. I knew two years in advance that I would be writing a blog documenting my story. Jesus gave me some time to adjust to the idea of disclosing my spiritual journey to the world. There were so many reasons I was disappointed regarding my assignment. First, I had to adjust to understanding that my business career would be forever changed by posting on social media and blogging. It was a mourning period for what was a very fun, exciting, and lucrative business…
A new year allows us all a new beginning. A time when we can reevaluate what is important to us and how we are doing regarding those areas. It provides a reason to check on how we conduct our everyday lives. Seeing if we are living out what we consider important. An opportunity to stop and look at how we are spending our time, how we are treating others, and how we are moving forward with our priorities. Evaluating how I am spending my time is a necessary first step. Am I spending time doing things that will support my…