#inspiration, #spirituality

Stormy Times

Everyone experiences pain. You can’t escape it on this side of eternity. But what you do with your pain makes all the difference in the world.

Pain will either stifle you, shut you down, or pain can be used as fuel to achieve a higher purpose. It’s your choice always.

Fuel burns white hot. Let your painful experiences be ignited inside. Use your pain for the greater good…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Pilates

Pilates is an exercise methodology that is practiced by millions worldwide. Pilates was introduced into the world by Joseph Hubertus Pilates. His original program was called Contrology. It was only after his death did the exercise phenomenon take on his name.

Pilates is about mind, body and spirit connection. Breathing into the exercises causes you to focus on your body’s movements and nothing else. It is an intense, full-body workout. It’s great for toning and conditioning the muscles, and Pilates produces perfect posture.

Give Pilates a try if you want to begin an exercise program. You will be glad you did…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Conversations

We have become texting machines rather than actually speaking to one another. Texting is fine for a quick check-in, but it’s not the same as having a conversation. Plus there is much that can be misinterpreted in a text, even a simple one.

Communicate with others. Have real conversations. Connecting is key to forming relationships with our fellow man. We are better together, and we are more alike than we are different…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Pursuit

Did you know that God is pursuing us every moment of every day? He wants a relationship with us, not to give us more religion but to mold us into the person He created us to be. We are on God’s mind all the time. Is He on ours?

We are rebellious by nature. No one had to teach us that. We don’t want anyone controlling us and that includes the God of the universe. Yet let’s face one simple truth: God is in control of everything. Every breath we take is a gift from our Creator.

I encourage you to take the difficult road. Surrender your will to the Creator. Learn who He is. He will guide you when you allow Him to.

From the Book of Jeremiah: “You will find me when you seek me with all your heart…”

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Disarray

All one has to do to see a world in disarray is open their eyes. An ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, Hamas doing what they do in the Middle East, and these are just the bigger issues. Are we doomed?

No, we are not doomed. The world has always been a mess. As long as things are going okay in our personal lives we don’t feel the impact. Yet we are impacted.

Fear is what the media thrives on. “If it bleeds it leads” is a common saying in newsrooms across the planet. I’m not minimizing the state of the world. I’m simply saying it’s important to try to look at things objectively.

Should you find yourself fearful or panicked, remember that God is in control. Nothing surprises Him. Take heart. He has overcome the world…

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Spirited

When you hear someone described as “spirited,” what type of person comes to mind? Perhaps lively, engaging, emotional or energetic are appropriate descriptions.

All of those adjectives can apply to describe a spirited person. But let’s examine this a little more.

When we are making an observation or even a joke, the spirit of our words is the most important aspect of what we say. If our joke is mean-spirited, then it’s in poor taste. The same goes for conversation.

Pay attention to the spirit of your words and actions. They come from within and reveal what is in your heart…

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Objectivity

Are able to look at a situation and see it for what it really is, without bias or prejudice? What about other people? Doing this is an acquired skill.

People are judging constantly. Their opinions are swayed by what they hear from the media and from friends and acquaintances. This misinformation can blind us from the truth.

Clear your mind of judgment. See things as they are, not as you believe them to be. Ask God for help to develop this type of mindset. Freedom from judgment is freedom indeed…

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Connecting the Dots

Sometimes life makes very little sense. We try to control outcomes but get sent in a different direction than we planned. What do you do when life is this way?

Connect your dots. Look back at your life and remember other times you were confused or unsure. See how God brought everything together for you. You are here because He got you through other rough periods.

This is a promise: He will do it again…

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Earn It

We value what we earn. Investing our time and energy into something that produces a worthwhile outcome makes us feel good, makes us proud.

Coasting through life and accepting whatever life sends our way will dull the senses. We need mental stimulation. We need to be challenged. We learn from our mistakes. Success is never a straight line. There are curves, speed bumps and setbacks along the road less traveled. Those who succeed are the ones who keep going.

If you are experiencing a setback in your journey, I encourage you to pick yourself up and move forward. Even a little progress is progress…

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Slow To Anger

Have you been around people who get ticked off at everything? Those types of people are difficult to be around.

James wrote to the church of Jerusalem and told them to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. It seems that listening well is the key to slowing our emotions down and thinking. God gave us brains with both analytical abilities and emotional responses, so perhaps there is some science behind James’ admonishment.

Learn to listen if that skill isn’t already in your wheelhouse. Your communication with others will grow exponentially when you do…

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