Are you ready for a new beginning? I smiled to myself as I started to type this blog. Why? Because I was walking in the rain on a cool fall day thinking about new beginnings. “New Beginning” seems like a great title for a springtime blog, but for now, I will accept that this is the perfect time to blog about new beginnings. Do we even know what we are searching for when we talk about looking for a new beginning? How do we know where to start or how to proceed to find our next steps? What are the…
It seems so easy to say the words focus on Jesus. But what does that mean? How do I do that? The truth is I have not found the answer. But I have made strides towards achieving that goal. I have not been given a formula for a simple step-by-step process. However, I am hopeful because I have had success in building a more abundant life concentrating on my faith, being prayerful, thankful, and more open regarding love. Prayer has become something I choose to focus on throughout my day. At first, I had to train myself to…
Are you open and ready for a healing from God? One of the most difficult things for me to watch as I move through my journey is people not thinking they are worthy of healing. Sometimes it is thinking the request is selfish, other times it might be finding the courage to be open to the idea of healing. Healings can come in all sizes and are often undetected for some time. I have experienced healings of the heart, of the mind, and of the body. Relationships with friends have severed and been repaired. Emotions have run strong and been…
One of the things I love about thinking of others is that it directs me away from dwelling on my own issues. It takes the spotlight off what is going on in my life and brings a new perspective to my thoughts. When I think of others compassion seems to rise to the surface and brings out qualities that are positive to both the people I am thinking about and to me. As I was compiling thoughts for this blog I saw a post on Facebook from one of my “friends”. Typically I pause to read the posts from this…
In most companies where I have been employed, I would consider the people I worked with a second family. A group of people supported one another and worked toward a common goal with concern for both the company and the individuals that make up the team. We may not have been friends, but we respected each other’s talents, utilized each other’s strengths, and genuinely supported each other’s accomplishments. As a team, we may not agree all the time, but we have each other’s best interests in mind, all working toward a common goal. When people…
I found myself reflecting this week on how people choose to live their lives and how that reflects back on those who connect with them in some way. On one hand, I was reflecting on all the joy that can develop from those who spread kindness and love. I was also reflecting on situations where kindness was a missing ingredient in the puzzle. I was picturing all those who benefit from authentic, kind experiences and all that is lost when kindness is missing. I often wonder why someone would take the time and energy to be toxic when kindness and…
As our dog and I walk through the neighborhood I see reflections. I watch the trees and leaves dancing on the water, with the sunshine magnifying the true beauty of nature around me. A similar beauty is seen in people as I live my daily life. There is a certain peacefulness within some people that radiates similarly to the reflections of nature. With people, I see it as love that radiates from their hearts. Just as there are times when one can see the pain and suffering of an individual, one can also see people who radiate authentic happiness and…
What does it take for us to believe we are worthy of love? There are times when our surroundings are influencing us in ways that are negative to our overall self-esteem. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before we have the courage to fight for ourselves. Before we believe that we are worthy of love and can accept love. On my own, I don’t know if I could navigate the struggles in this world. It is my faith that gives me the ability to have confidence in myself and peace with my decisions. I rely on prayer…
Do I roll over and take the attack? Do I move forward accomplishing the challenge at whatever cost? Do I consider how the challenge is affecting others? I do my best to give my challenges to Jesus. I don’t roll over and give up, but I allow myself to be led by prayer and faith. Prayer is a constant in my life including when faced with challenges. Prayer spares me from stress and worry and allows me to give it to God. I listen for possible alternatives and work at uncovering all the possibilities that become present in my…
I am guided by faith daily, but there are times when I am unsure if I am making the right decision regarding the problem at hand. Sometimes it is difficult for me to decipher the signs. I am always relieved when I feel a rush running through my body because I am then confident I am on the correct path. If I have a pit in my stomach, I immediately know to change course. When I am struggling with direction regarding a specific issue, I first pray and ask for guidance. I ask Jesus to please block my path if…