One of the most positive things we can do for ourselves is to live our lives with complete forgiveness. Forgiveness for ourselves and forgiveness for others, both are important to our mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. If someone accepts our forgiveness that improves the overall well-being of the other person, too. Have you experienced a complete rewind of your life? Maybe a dream that takes you back to past things that you have experienced or done, some of the things might not have been so favorable. I like to think that those are times and opportunities for me to…
It is incredible to think that no matter where we are or what we do, God/Holy Spirit/Jesus is with us, everywhere. In times of celebration and in times of sorrow we are heard. Solutions are available to us all. Coming from a perspective of love is completely irresistible to Jesus. When we base our actions on compassion and kindness we move closer to seeing the solutions available to us. When we are angry, hurt, stressed, worried, and frustrated it is hard to see beyond the chaos. Our prayers are heard, but are we able to see the solutions…
We are all equal in the eyes of Jesus. The opportunity for eternal life is there for each of us. I understand this yet I still find that I need reminding more than I care to admit. As a young teen, I traveled and was exposed to poverty. I was fortunate that I had a perspective of being an equal in the eyes of Jesus to all those who were searching for their next meal. Somehow I knew that any one of us could suddenly be in that situation. Compassion was intense, respect was given. In my late twenties, I…
I have numerous friends who have chosen a word to carry them through the current year. A word that will inspire them to get closer to what they hope to accomplish. Something that will help remind them and center them on what is most important in their lives. I don’t choose a word every year. However, I do annually evaluate things that I need to refine. I feel inspired this year to choose the word focus. The word focus is important to me because I have set the foundation for what I would like to achieve, but I need…
Everything significant in my life has required me to make a decision and then follow through. I have been around people who make life look easy and uncomplicated, but they also had to make a decision and carry it through. I choose to be happy. I have had many things in life kick me in the gut, but I choose to believe all those circumstances have led me to the next step in my journey. When I made a decision to be thankful, prayerful, and have a perspective of love I found inner peace. Living out this decision was a…
Living with inner peace and abundant love brings out a beautiful perspective for the Christmas season. I can see the beauty in God’s creation. Letting go of a challenging day to find joy in all the small wonders of the season. Despite all the challenges going on in the world it is a time to unite and be grateful for the gift God delivered through Jesus. A time to be thankful for the birth of Jesus and the opportunity we all have to surrender control and be forgiven for our sins. A season that reminds us that all we…
First impressions are very tricky for me. I know that I am not to be judgmental therefore, putting love first and giving people time to be their true selves is something I strive to do daily. It is a priority of mine to rid myself of all judgmental thoughts, particularly when it comes to first impressions. At times I falter, but the effort is there. I am aware that the first impressions I give off are not always those of love. Not because it’s not there, but because I am a comfortable introvert, that gravitates to the periphery by…
The hustle and bustle of the holidays often takes us off course of the most important gift that we can give. A gift that doesn’t cost us any money and can give us so much in return. A gift that is often overlooked yet so special. There are numerous gifts I can think of that meet many of the above criteria and are wonderful to receive. We can give our time, and our service, we can give food from our table that otherwise may not have been appreciated. However, there is one that sticks out in my mind as…
What is it that we do when we question the direction we should follow, do I or don’t I? Often we think about the positive and negative consequences. We might write down the pros and cons, and then evaluate the list. Sometimes we might look at the alternatives as impossible. What I have found is that when the direction is from Jesus, I am at peace. The issues disappear and the solutions present themselves so long as I hand over control. That doesn’t mean I don’t do anything. It means that if I am prayerful and open…
Not everyone has the same idea of what makes a nice holiday, nor does everybody give thanks in the same way. This message of giving thanks is something that I learned when I was very young. It is one of the lessons that I am most grateful that I was able to see, experience, and understand. Giving thanks for all. For me, the key to having a successful gathering is to allow my guests to be themselves. I am grateful for each individual worker, communicator, consumer, and watcher. Being present with those who are in attendance and prayerful for those…