Chaos, that noise that comes into my life every time I move off focus. Webster defines it differently: a state of extreme confusion and disorder. My interpretation stems from years of watching chaos disrupt an otherwise calm environment. When I am on focus, wearing the armor of Jesus, chaos rarely interferes with my daily activities. I am aware of the chaos, but I can navigate around the confusion it brings to our lives. The attacks keep coming, and the confusion exists, but there is a peace that allows me to walk through the noise. The inner peace stems from trusting…
Something that has transformed how I function in life is when I decided to review every judgment I make; instead of putting that judgment on others, I make a change in my own actions. All while trying to rid myself of all judgments completely, which is a work in progress. I have watched the movie War Room numerous times. Not because the plot is exciting or that one particular thing in the film is life-changing. I watch it because for me, there are so many hidden gems within the movie. So many subtle ways to change our actions to…
Sometimes I have to stop and ask myself if I am comfortable with how I am living my life. This is a loaded question because if I am comfortable, that could mean several things. On one hand, being comfortable could mean that I am living my life within the boundaries of what I believe to be acceptable and am content. But sometimes comfortable can mean I am in a routine and don’t want to leave that zone. Most of my life, I have lived outside my comfort zone, but I have continually strived to maintain inner peace. Understanding that…
As the year comes to an end and a new year begins, I take a rare and quick look back at my choices for the last 12 months and a brief glimpse into what I might choose in the coming year. Knowing there is a path for me, realizing it is my will to follow, or not. I will be gently nudged and at times pushed so long as I am listening for the signs. When the noise is distracting me, I move to prayer to regain my peace and center myself on Jesus. Who has control? If I hear…
I have come to realize that it is not only I who is concerned about misreading my intended path. In speaking with others, I am finding that this is one of the most common things that holds us back from giving Jesus 100% control. That, and of course, giving up our personal goals and dreams. For those who have true faith and choose to give control to Jesus, letting go of personal goals in dreams becomes a non-issue because Jesus’s path ultimately leads us to something much better, eternal life. Hence, the concern regarding following the correct path…
Lately, I have needed to remind myself of the importance of wearing my smile and spreading joy. This time of year can be both exhausting and beautiful. If I allow myself to get off focus, I feel stress taking over my inner peace. There is something very special about all the festivities this time of year, so long as I keep my perspective on the reason for the season. My expectation for myself is to keep the birth of Jesus as my focus. Keeping love, compassion, and kindness with me as I navigate the beautiful chaos of the holiday. Staying…
Prayer plays a major role in my life. It has evolved from something I did before I went to sleep to something that I carry with me throughout my day. Prayer moved from minutes every night to the most important element of my life. I have watched the movie Overcomer (2019) several times, and one particular scene is embedded in my mind. The Character John Harrison visits a man he has just met, named Thomas Hill, in the hospital. As John was leaving, he said, “Good to meet you, Thomas. I will be praying for you.” On John’s next…
Every year during the holiday season, I like to remind myself that not everybody shares the same expectations regarding the holidays and traditions, particularly when it comes to what makes us comfortable. Thinking about those who attend, I ask myself what might make the holiday more joyful for them and their families. Each year brings change to our lives, and aging relatives who may not wish to venture out during the holidays. The passing of friends and relatives, new marriages, extended family, and young children enjoying the celebration all change the dynamics of our traditions. Most years, my mother or…
Paraphrasing from a monthly Zoom call with Dr. Issam Nemeh, we need to get over it, get over ourselves, and get out of our own heads using our love. Taking our love, prayer, and forgiveness and putting them into action. Daily prioritizing living with a perspective of love. A kind of love that allows us to look at all things with kindness and compassion. When we love the Lord and our neighbors as written in the Commandments, we are better able to navigate the chaos in the world and focus on what helps us maintain peace as we move through…
Throughout my life, I have found it helpful to think before I act, hence the 24-hour rule. Before I act on what is bothering me, I give myself at least a day to evaluate the validity of the issue and how best to address the problem. Time seems to help me better focus on all sides of the issue. Thinking about why I feel the way I do, and is this really the issue, or is there something else interfering with how I feel? It is through prayer that I find my answers. The moment I feel stress, worry…