Category: Faith

It sure is easy to get caught up in your own world…the demands we have put on us, just the day-to-day grind, and, the pressure put on ourselves to get OUR LIST taken care of?!  This only leaves us feeling exhausted.  So!  We prioritize.  We slow down.  And, we try to give ourselves a bit more grace and devote more of our energies towards the big picture…doing things that will help to establish or maintain a solid, healthy, overall well being.

Maybe if we make more time to do these:

• pray
• meditate
• exercise
• community involvement

Don’t you think this would create more peaceful selves and allow us to absorb more of what is around us, whom is around us, becoming more giving of ourselves, being more present, and providing the support that is needed when asked for help?  Not only would be gaining strength from Papa, but, we’ll also reap some pretty awesome rewards for strengthening our character.

‘When we “value others above (ourselves),” we demonstrate Christlike humility.’

‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.’

After watching the video by Meghan Bernstain on Lisa’s Daily Joy, I became humbled a bit.  She says to focus our prayers and “requests for signs” from God to be for the greater good.  Yes.  We want God to provide for us.  We would love to have, this, this and this.  But, when we pray for wisdom and guidance to support us along our journey and God hears that we are truly on board with His plan (because it best suits everyone), then we’ll know our “next move”.  Do we need to spend a few extra minutes explaining our actions?  Do we take the time to go over more thoroughly a question that needed to be answered?  Do we make it a point to fine tune all of the details to make sure everything runs smoothly?…just to give some examples…

Our lists aren’t going away.  And, we have to trust that Papa will show us our way and what we ought to or ought not to be doing.  We’ll just take things/life as it comes, do our best to keep our sanity 😉 amidst it all, and give to others when “helping opportunities” arise.

Love you bunches,

Lisa xoxo

“Jesus, You gave us the model of humility when You left heaven’s splendors to become a humble servant on earth.  Help us practice Christlike humility in everything we do.”

Philippians 2:1 – 11     In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests.

When we humble ourselves, we gain a stronger feeling of independence, don’t you think?  It puts us in the “right state of mind” when we know that Papa appreciates it when we admit our wrongdoings.  He continues to love and support us with his super strength and wisdom, in which He will always continue to pass down to us.  This should continue to give us the confidence to be able to handle life’s day-to-day grind, surprising, unexpected events, challenging opportunities that come our way, because we have been FORGIVEN.

Some of us have a ton of support people around us, some don’t.  Either situation, the One and Only is the “common denominator” in the whole equation, allowing for the same inner, personal fulfillment, since He can lift our spirits, strengthen our minds and give us the independence we need to be successful.  We just have to take the time to “tune in” to Papa.  And, to reap the most “rewards”, we have to maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit.  If not, we’ll “miss out” on our one and only chance to prosper and live our one and only life with specific purpose.

As we try to do our best to keep “our powerful three” going healthy and strong, our desires/goals don’t always match what we do.  We make mistakes.  We “cater” to our “yang self” and follow the dark side.  But, when we recognize these actions as not being the best choices, we get humbled and God is there to hold our hands to help us through.  Thank goodness.  We need his strength.

So, I think the bottom line is, let’s try for gold, but, let’s not beat up ourselves for not being perfect.  There is only one Perfect Being.  And, He’s (or She’s ;)) there for us, regardless.  Let’s genuinely apologize, surrender, and try to be better the “next time”.

We can do this!

‘We can’t choose the consequences of our sins or control people’s responses when we confess and seek forgiveness.  But the Lord can empower us to enjoy freedom from the bondage of sin and peace through confession, as He confirms that our guilt is gone-forever.’

Your friend,

Lisa

P.S.

Apologies for such a long period in between posts.  Things are starting to settle a little.  😉

“Lord, when we confess our sins and receive Your forgiveness, please help us believe our guilt is completely and forever wiped away.”

Psalm 32:1 – 11  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”  And you forgave the guilt of  my sin.

Perhaps what we can do for ourselves is to create a weekly schedule to ensure that we utilize our time, each and every day, to the fullest, reaping the rewards Papa has put right before our eyes!

This past Sunday at church, the pastor said that it is highly encouraged to do all four of the following regularly, and, what will come out of it is magnificent…we will feel more awakened and stronger.

Let’s do these!…

1. meditate
2. pray
3. study (the Bible, or any reading material)
4. fast

And, when we sit down to create our weekly schedule, to ensure we stay organized and get everything we need to get done on a daily basis, including meditation, time spent with spouse/partner and/or pet, exercise, gardening, Church, etc., our energy transfer to everyone and everything around us will be electric and positive…our “happy hormones” will be awakened!

There is so much that Papa has put before us, so, let’s pause, take in all the surrounding beauty, ignite our “flaming activities”, and nurture what really matters:  love, family, the Universe, food, shelter.

Everybody has their own style about sharing successes or their good news.  For me, through natural conversation and others’ observations, I’m able to “spread the Word”.  In other words, as long as our hearts are in the right place and we’re truly listening to what Papa has to say, we’ll be a testament to Magnificence that is before us.  That is!  If we act according to His Word (what we hear when we are meditating)  (could be done during our gardening time)

Bad analogy, and, I’m interpreting it another way right now…if you were out and about, and you saw an apple hanging from a tree, would you say, oh, that’s a nice apple, or would you pull off that apple and enjoy all of the JOy that it brings?  This is a no-brainer question, huh?

Same goes with our lives.  There’s so much beauty that surrounds us.  Let’s get organized.  Let’s create a weekly schedule that is filled with responsibilities, but balanced with Papa-engrossed activities.  Our “witnesses” will appreciate the examples and energies we are setting and passing on.  🙂

Have a wonderful day,

Lisa

xoxo

P.S.

Check out a suggestion on how to pray under “Faith” in the Menu and, there is a write up on fasting under “Health and Wellness”…

“Creator God, thank You for Your great generosity in entrusting us to do Your work.  May I be alert to the opportunities to share Your good news.”

John 4:35 – 38 Open your eyes and look at the fields!  They are ripe for harvest.

How many times have you said to yourself or out loud to others, “Gosh, where did the time go?  Gosh, the year went by so fast!, or, “Man, so much to do, but, so little time!”.  And, we all know why we say that!  Because we are always on the go!  Our list of “duties” is never ending.  And, if you deal with anxiety, then, whew…”If I don’t keep on moving along down my list, then, the anxiety is going to kick in, and, who wants that?!”

But, you know what?  When we remain constantly on the go, we’re missing out on the every day “conversations” that we could be having with Papa.  You know, the guy that gives us strength, focus, confidence.  Whoa.  The Tortoise and the Hare fable just came to mind.  ;).  Maybe it really is the ‘slow and steady’ that really do win the race.

Our “duties”, if you will, aren’t going away, but, as we move through our days and tackle our responsibilities, are we doing them with grace…with peace…and, steadily?  They will get done.  They always do.  It would be silly to miss out on Papa’s signs that help us as we are having to make the hundreds of daily decisions.  The more we LISTEN, the more we “obey”, the more rewards we’ll reap…we’ll have the confidence needed to successfully manage ourselves while on our path.  We’ll be more conscientious of our choices and more certain of what needs to get done, the steps that are needed to take, the turns to make and/or the stillness that is required at a particular moment(s).

Do you take the time to remain still in between “duties”?  Let His love and power be heard, please.  He’s the one to provide the answers we’re looking for.

Your friend,

Lisa

P.S.

Please do not let too many people’s opinions affect your decision making too much.  We really ought to listen to The One and Only.  He really does know what’s best.

Psalm 46:1 – 11     The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.

“Heavenly Father, we bring our noisy lives and our cluttered minds to You so that we can learn to be still and know that You are God.”

Isn’t it so nice knowing that Papa is with us every step of the way, even though it feels like we’re all alone?  This gives us reassurance and hope, doesn’t it?  It gives us that little extra push to stay strong, focused and drawn to the light.  The darkest times of our lives really are only temporary, so we have to remain on the ride that will eventually bring us joy and fulfillment.

Look at it this way…Our lives are like light bulbs turning on and off.  Sometimes we feel bright and shiny and other times, well…not so much.  When we apply grace in each and every one of our “moves”/decisions it helps us to remain calm and patient.  Papa always shows himself at just the right time.  Miracles happen.  And, He really does answer prayers.  It is our job to JUST KEEP THE FAITH.  Period.

It wasn’t until my late twenties, early thirties, that I really began “tuning in” and paying attention to God’s miracles, big and small and all those in between.  There is constant communication going on between the Big Guy and us if we choose to take the time to analyze our experiences and situations that we go through and then take the time to analyze which ones bring upon joy and happiness versus…:(.

One thing is for sure, and, through my readings and watching YouTube videos, is that when we begin talking about a certain something or someone and when a smile naturally happens and we feel awakened, then, we ought to nurture that thought or someone.  This or these gives us a focal point, sorta speak, to help us through our darkest times.

It would be a shame to do the latter…to exert our energies towards things or people that deplete us, that are out of our control and that don’t awaken our truest, most authentic selves.

I love you.  Our dark times are real and, are not going away, but, they are only temporary.  Papa is there to turn on our light.

~Lisa

Remember:  There’s a bright side to EVERY situation!  Stay there!

Esther 8:11 – 17     For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.

Our surprising God often shows His presence when we least expect Him.