Keep Going

Every time you decide to confront a challenge or problem in your life, you begin the process of taking away the power it has over you.

So, go for it.

Believe you can do it.

Freedom is waiting on the other side.

What to Think About

Heard this today and it was a good reminder.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Here’s why it was a good reminder. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, for no particular reason. Just grumpy, frustrated, etc. That’s no fun.

Then, I heard the verse at church shortly afterward. The context was, how we have the ability to decide what to think about. We can focus on the junk, the negatives, and pretty much any other thought that will lead to defeat, be in short or long term.

We also have the option to thing about the type of things mentioned at the beginning of this post. Things that will lead us to a place of joy and peace, if we are willing to think about them instead of the other stuff.

This was good timing for me. Maybe it is for you. Here’s to focusing on the good instead of the not-so-good.

Have a great day.

New Year’s Eve Encouragement

New Year’s Eve. The day we say goodbye to the year that was, and prepare to say hello to the year that will be. A time to reflect, and a time to look ahead. This year was like no other. (Granted, you could say that about every year but, yeah…2020.)

It’s safe to say many, if not most, will be eager to forget about this past year and move forward to whatever may be ahead in 2021. I understand, as this was a very difficult and challenging year in many ways, here. If it was a rough one for you, I am so sorry. Losses have been plentiful for so many – whether it has been loss of life, employment, activities, etc.

But, as we start to fix our gaze upon the seemingly “can’t be any worse” year ahead and the hope of a better 12 months to come and try to just sweep 2020 under the rug…I’m going to challenge you to do something.

Think about what you can take with you from this past year. As in, focus just for a few moments on what you’ve gained or learned or been blessed with in 2020. The list might be short, I get it. But, my guess is there’s something you can put on this list.

Something you’ve made it through this year has made you stronger. Something you learned about yourself can be used for good. Something you gave of yourself will be returned, with interest. Something you struggled with will be used to help others, through your experience with it. Your hardships will lead to healing and your story might just be the very thing used to bring breakthrough to someone else’s life, someday.

This isn’t being written to say everything’s alright or that we should all just be fine. Just wanted to encourage you today, because I still believe everything happens for a reason and I believe the tough times in our lives are ultimately used for a greater glory. And, in the end, it is well.

Happy New Year to you. May 2021 be the best year of your life.

Hope at Christmas

The big day has arrived. It’s Christmas!

Are you excited? Or, does Christmas mean something less than happiness for you this year? If the latter is you, I understand. I’ve had some tough Christmas seasons in my life in previous years.

There’s something about Christmas that is so special…and at the same time, when life isn’t going the way you wish it would, Christmas seems to magnify that for whatever reason.

I just want to encourage you that if that is you, just know that you are loved. So much, in fact, that God sent His only son to this world for you and me to give us the gift of life. Eternal life! It’s the gift of hope, and it’s available at any time.

I hope that will provide some comfort if you are in a difficult season right now. We get to celebrate the birth of a Savior today, and He’s with us, through it all.

Merry Christmas.

He Said

So your life feels like it don’t make sense, and you think to yourself, ‘I’m a good person.’ So why do these things keep happening? Who you are ain’t what you’re going through, so don’t let it get the best of you.

He said…I won’t give you more than you can take and I might let you bend, but I won’t let you break.

I love this song.

Remember, God has a great plan for you – even when things in your life seem confusing, frustrating, or all messed up. He’s never going to let you go, so hang in there and believe that it will get better…it will!

Have a great day.

Joshua 1:9 I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.