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Why Forgiveness is Important

Have you been hurt by someone else? Most of us have, and we will be hurt and disappointed by others again. Why should we forgive them? After all, they are the ones who caused the damage.

When we choose to hold onto the hurt and not forgive, it damages us, not the offender. Unresolved conflict becomes bitterness and resentment. We focus on what we have lost, not what remains. Having a strong sense of gratitude reminds us of how much we have. Our focus goes from distressed to blessed. We recognize and remember all of the good in our lives.

Forgiveness is hard, and it takes time. If you try to force it, forgiveness won’t last. You will know when you are ready…

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Acceptance

Judging others drains you of valuable energy. Accepting people as they are opens the door to new ways of seeing life around us. Our minds are open to new possibilities, new creativity.

If people are jerks, keep them out of your circle of friends and acquaintances. You can’t change their hearts. Only God can do that. By limiting their access to your life, you are protecting yourself while still accepting them as they are. Something to consider…

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Names

Our name is important to us. It’s part of our identity. Our identity defines who we are.

We are living in a culture that places value in our social status, our wealth, how much “stuff” we possess, and our position in life. Those things are hollow. They will pass away, but our name lives on. Create a legacy that brings value and honor to your name, not your stuff…

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Opposition

Albert Einstein once wrote, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

Plenty of people stand ready to throw cold water on your dreams. It’s your life. You can choose to listen to the naysayers or to your inner voice, the voice that encourages you to pursue your destiny. Expect opposition, but don’t give in.

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Outlook

How do you envision your future? Are you looking through a lens of optimism or fear?

Fear limits you. It prevents you from taking chances and fulfilling your dreams. Faith breeds self-confidence. As your confidence grows, the challenges you face will be met with the knowledge you will overcome them. And thrive…

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Doubt

What do you do when you doubt yourself? Do you retreat, or press forward toward your goal?

Everyone has doubts. Even Olympic athletes have to overcome doubt. Fear of failure has killed more dreams than anything else. “What if I fail” is an all too familiar question. We must fight through our doubt, understanding that the road to success isn’t a paved road. It’s rocky. With potholes! And unknowns.

Press forward through doubt and discomfort. Listen to the voice of encouragement. That voice speaks the truth. Just keep going…

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Popularity

All of us want to be liked, to have others look up to us. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Sometimes we must make a decision: do we go along with the crowd and fit in, or do we go it alone and stand up for what’s right? If the crowd is ridiculing someone, causing the person heartbreak and pain (bullying), shouldn’t we act differently?

It’s better to have self-respect than to have the adoration of weak people, even when we stand alone…

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The Rebel in Us

Surrender is a word we do not like to consider. We like to believe we are in control.

Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord directs their steps.” God will have His way, no matter what we want. And He’s on our side, not out to get us. Trust Him.

We are naturally rebellious. When we align ourselves with the Spirit, and surrender our will, we find meaning and fulfillment…

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Seeking…

Everyone is seeking, searching for two things: our identity and our purpose. In other words, “who am I and why am I here? We are trying to fill what 17th century French philosopher Blaise Pascal referred to as a “God-shaped vacuum.”

Ask yourself, what am I good at? What causes my heart to overflow in richness and fulfillment? This is a key to finding your purpose. Once you have found your true purpose, you know who you are…

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Interview With Lori Anderson

Every 13 seconds in America there is a divorce. In the time it takes for a couple to recite their wedding vows, there have been nine divorces. Something isn’t working because the divorce rate rises for second and third marriages, reaching as high as 82%!
Lori Anderson married her high school sweetheart. Divorce never entered her mind…until she got a divorce. In 2013, Lori wrote her first book, “Divorce with Grace. A Book of Hope & Healing.” In the book, Lori gets deeply personal, sharing her story of heartbreak, confusion and pain. Throughout the book, Lori gives the reader steps to take in their lives to heal and eventually…thrive after divorce.

Click on the link to watch our interview:

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