Happy Friday,
How is everyone doing this fine Friday evening? Ready for the weekend? I am. I really don’t have too much planned, so with that being said, I will have time to write, so I am excited about that. I also have a couple of quilts I’m trying to finish up, so I need to put myself in the mindset that I can complete them without any help. I have this one that I’ve been working on, and it has mitered corners, of which I’ve never done. I just need to take a deep breath and jump right into making it or completing it that is. Below is a picture of the quilt in progress. If I can accomplish making the mitered corners, then I’ll post it once I’m done. It’s such a pretty and happy quilt. I’ll keep you all posted on its progress.
Things lately seem to be at a standstill, sort of like a slow-motion type of vibe, but not in any kind of bad or negative way. I told John this week that I’m really feeling this need to reconnect with God. I’ve noticed lately that I’ve gotten away from reading spiritual materials, listening to uplifting, positive affirmations and I need to get back to it. I feel a little like I’m letting God down by not being on the path I know he’s paved for me. I’m not resisting anything; I’m just not doing.
I made a promise to God that if he showed me my path, I would work hard at it, no matter what it looked like and I’m feeling a little stagnant right now, so I must fix this mental attitude and strive to do what I am being pulled to do.
I had saved this thought on a post, and I think it’s fitting for me today. “The seven keys to life”-Team Ra Jesu.
- Put God first.
- Love one another.
- Never hate.
- Give generously.
- Live simply.
- Forgive quickly.
- Pray every day.
Of course, at the top of the list is to put God first and yet, while that should be simple, it seems to be the one that gets tucked to the back of the list. Actually, when I look at all seven suggestions, they all have their own obstacle, sadly. I want to put God first, yet, at times, I take him for granted and I want to change that. He’s done way too much for me to not give back to him and show him my appreciation.
Loving one another, while I do put effort into this, I do find at times, my critical comes out and I have to be honest, that’s not loving, so I need to work harder on this point too. Never hate. I can honestly tell you; I don’t hate anyone. I hate the things some people do, and have done, especially things people have done to children, but I try to never hate a person, especially someone I don’t know or have never met. How can I hate them, when I haven’t walked in their shoes? I can hate their practices though, even if I don’t know them, because some people just have a darkness to them and they hurt others, so I can hate what they do or have done. I think though, for me, to hate a practice or action, I need to be careful to acknowledge what I hate, at the same time, not allow it to consume me.
Giving generously. I love this one. I always tell God, if I just had a little more money, I could do this or that to help this person or that person. My aunt who is in the hospital, she’s doing so much better, and she doesn’t need to be there anymore, however, she does need care, care I can’t give her, but if I had the money, I’d love to get her in a place where she has help, and she can have quality of life. Then, right after giving generously, we are reminded to live simply. I love that show, Tiny House Nation. While living in a tiny house isn’t for me right now, it is very appealing how people downsize for what’s important to them, and its generally family or getting out from under a high mortgage and just being able to live life.
Forgiving quickly. That’s a tough one. I have a friend, who is a mother, a wife, a sister, a grandmother, aunt, niece, cousin and daughter. I think about her all the time. You see, one of her children has done something that has altered, not only his life, but the lives of many. I can’t imagine being in her shoes right now. You see, she has loved her children more than anything and she is an amazing mother. She displays unconditional love more than most and I know that she has faith in God, and I know that her son who has done this bad thing, is still her son and I know, while she is feeling emotions I can’t even begin to explain, or imagine, I know beyond any doubt, she’ll find it in her heart to maybe not forgive, but find a way to still accept this child of hers whose in state that is surrounded by so much hurt, hurt that he’s caused, and this brings us to suggestion seven on the keys to life. Pray every day.
My friend can’t pray to undo what’s been done, maybe she can’t even pray for forgiveness for her child, maybe all she can do is pray for strength and understanding, or maybe just pray to heal, not only the hearts that have been hurt, but to heal her son who afflicted unimaginable pain on those he loves.
I saw this prayer on Knowing Jesus. While I’m not a person who believes in memorizing or sighting a certain prayer, I thought this one was one worth sharing, not because I feel it needs repeating, but because I feel it’s one that can help heal our hearts when we are met with hardships. I also feel, for me, it can act as a model for being able to express to God when I know I fall short at the same time, I can model the heartfulness in asking God to use me and being open to his guidance.
Heavenly Father, I ask that you give me an understanding and discerning heart. Help me to be slow to get angry, but quick to response to the needs, disappointment and problems others are facing. Keep me Lord, from developing a judgmental spirit that can so often jump to the wrong conclusions, and prevent me from speaking too hastily, which can so often cause sadness and pain to those that are in need and trouble. Lord, I want to be used by You as a channel of blessing and too often I speak out of turn and do not show the loving compassion that I want to show. Teach me Lord, how to relate to people and I pray that You would change me from the inside out to be the person that You would have me to be. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen.
I spent the better part of my life in a cult. I was told how to think, how to feel and it was engrained in me that people are good, or bad and that God will only show mercy on a select few. Looking back, I can honestly say, the God I was taught to worship was one that didn’t show unconditional love; therefore, I was being brainwashed to be the same way. I never realized how selfish I was until I escaped. Now, I’m beyond grateful that I can take the time to pause, reflect and appreciate.
“Practice the pause. Pause before judging, pause before assuming, pause before accusing, pause whenever you’re about to react harshly, and you’ll avoid doing and saying things you will later regret.: -mypossitiveoutlook.com.
I think it’s time too, to pause and just appreciate life. When I find myself on a pity party, I am reminded that someone out there has it so much worse than me and that I need to learn to be grateful, because God has done so much for me, and I don’t want to show lack of appreciation anymore. It’s my goal this year, to be more grateful, to pause, and to try and stick to the seven rules of life.
Well guys, that’s my thoughts for today. I do hope this blog finds you all well and safe. I hope you all enjoy your weekend. Shoot me a text or leave me a comment, I love hearing from each and every one of you. Hey, don’t forget though, Love Life++
Love Life with Dawna 