A Joyful Mission

The Seasons of Change

I love the change in seasons! It’s one of those things that can invigorate you and make you see things in new and different ways. Yes, there are the same four seasons but can we really say that they really stay the same?

Each season of our life has the chance to bring change as well. Just as the flowers that grow and bloom, only then to fade away before repeating the cycle, it is then that we realize that the flowers themselves aren’t inconsequential. They have a purpose from the food that they provide in nature to the pollination and new growth that continues year after year. There is and was a meaning to their existence.

As a people, we can see that life has the same ebb and flow, but there are instances in that ebb and flow that we can be or are changed. Some of those changes are difficult and hard to fathom, like the needless loss of life or a destructive weather pattern that causes massive damage or the suffering of an illness that changes the pattern of our lives. However, some of those changes can also be rewarding and beautiful like a well-matched couple getting married, the saving of or addition of a life or a miraculous moment that leads a conversion of faith or a person who goes out of their way to help another person in their time of need. This list can go on and on in either direction.

I bring this up because I think that we need to see that change is not always a bad thing and can lead to wonderful paths that we never thought that we would have gone down otherwise. (Related post: Which is the better choice, the destination or the journey?). Does it have it’s challenges? Absolutely! However, we need to realize that sometimes we get stuck in a rut and can’t see that we needed the change. We begin to go through the motions of life without really living it. We’ve stopped seeing the beauty of the changes and where it can, ultimately, lead us.

So……….

I challenge you to see things that happen in your life not as an ending but, instead, see it as a new beginning that just may take you down a different path. (Related post: Just going with the flow….)

So, what did I learn from this? I’ve been going through my own journey and have learned a lot about myself through my own journey. And what I’ve learned most is that, I’ve still got a lot more to learn! That’s okay because I’m finding that it’s part of the process of being human and following a plan that has all the earmarks of Gods purpose for my life. So again, I’m just going with the flow because I have to trust Him and what He wants ultimately for me.

What can you gain from this? My advice is to take a fresh look at all the changes that have happened in your life. Try to see each one in a new light and also as a way to learn something more about yourself. You might just become really surprised at what you learn and become a happier, more joyful you!

The time for reckoning is now

In the Bible, Jesus taught in Matthew 8: 13-14, that we must “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life and those who find it are few.” In the passage, Jesus is saying that we need to pay attention that our words and and our actions are evenly matched and compliment one another and that we are following a path that leads to God. We need to “reckon” with our actions and words if you want to live a life everlasting with our maker in Heaven. (Related post: Actions speak so much louder than words ever can).

I’ve also always said that actions have consequences. So, in my title, the word reckoning is used as a noun according to wordtype.org. The meaning of reckoning in the title is, “An opinion or judgement. The working out of consequences or retribution for one’s actions.”

When I say that the time of reckoning is now, it means that no one ever knows our life timeline, except God of course! I feel that the time that we have on earth is the time that we have to adjust our behavior and use that time to examine what we need to change so that we can be with God in Heaven when it is our time to die. Unfortunately, too many people wait until it is too late or don’t see any problem with their behavior at all.

So, let’s consider this…..

There is a politician (I’m not naming names, folks) that says that they are Catholic in their faith but believe that killing an unborn baby is okay. In fact, they say that the baby is just actually a bunch of cells or like to say “My body, my choice”. They are not taking into account that those two statements are on opposite ends of the spectrum and they do not mesh with the teachings of Jesus or what God says in the Bible. Our God and His Son, Jesus, valued all of life, from the one in the womb, all the way to the tomb.

My advice…… don’t wait to examine where you need to make adjustments in your life. Yes, it is your life, but from everything that I’ve read and heard, Hell is not a comfortable place in which to spend eternity! (And you can’t get a do over either once you are there!!!)

So, what did I learn from this? Have I made mistakes? Absolutely!!!! But I can’t woulda, shoulda, coulda my past. (Related post: My dad always said that “You can’t woulda, shoulda, coulda…..”). I will say that I’ve learned from those mistakes and grown to be a better version of myself. I will even let you in on a little secret……I’m still learning and growing and will do so until that time that I can be with God. I’m not scared to die, especially because I know the path that I’m on, leads me to Him.

What can you gain from this? Hello?!? Can we say, “Everlasting life in a very happy place?” Seems pretty self-explanatory to me! But, if you want to be in a place where pain and suffering is your thing, then go right ahead. You are the only one who can decide which way you want to go…… so think very, very, VERY carefully on how it could possibly turn out if you decide to keep going down the path that you may be headed especially before it is too late.

Just going with the flow….

How many times have any us thought, “Surely, this is the path that I am meant to be on!”. Then life has a way of changing that. The difference is that I don’t think that it has anything to do with life. Instead, I think that God has a path for each of us that He would like us to follow. We just have to be receptive to heeding that call.

Yet, just think, of how difficult it is for us to just go along while we wait to see what He has in store for us.

Remember, though, that life is all about choices. We can always decide if we want to follow our own path or trust God to show us the path that He knows is the best for us. (Related post: The choices that you make in this lifetime can define you.)

So, how many of us would choose to Let Go and Let God take the reins? (Related post: Why are we sometimes so resistant to change?) I can tell you from experience that that is one of the hardest things that we humans can do. Why? We like to be in control, and because, after all, God did give us free will. However, when you let it go and give it over to God, then you are choosing to trust God. You are saying to God that you know He has a purpose for you. You are also saying, “Not my will, but Your will be done.” just as Jesus said before He died on the cross.

God’s not asking us to die on a cross, because He took care of that for us through His Son, Jesus. No, He’s simply asking us to trust Him to get us where we need to be, in order to be the very best that we can be. Remember, this journey can and will change you for the better in the long run. So, the question is, will you be receptive to it and just learn to go with the flow?

So, what did I learn from this? As I have lived my life, I have discovered that it is much easier, in the long run, to learn to go with the flow that God has determined for my life. Although, I can tell you it isn’t always the easiest path, I have realized that I am always learning something more about myself through it. I think that it makes me a better version of myself. I’ll also let you know what happens when God fully reveals His plan to me. Right now, I can only see parts. Although, guess what? I’m liking what He is showing me so far. It feels like it’s going to be BIG!

What can you gain from this? There is an openness to giving control over to God. It means that you are trusting Him and the pressure is off of you to explain to anyone the path that you are on. (Related post: Why is it SO difficult to have faith, when we are faced with SO many things to fear?) He has amazing things to show you and you can reap the benefits of peace and joy. Come on, I dare you! Give it a try!! After all, what do you have to lose?

Learning to accept the challenges of life

Of everything that I have had to deal with in my life, I think that learning to accept the challenges that life has thrown at me, sometimes, has been the hardest thing for me to wrap my brain around. I kind of view it like a roller coaster ride. Some people LOVE those things. Me? I can’t stand them. It didn’t use to be that way, though. When I was younger, I’d ride them without a problem. Now? Not on your life. That is also a “Not no, but HELL NO!!!!”

Also, as I’ve gotten older, I have found that “grace” is NOT my middle name! (And, yes. My husband and children tease me about it as well!) So, things that require climbing or going over obstacles are a challenge that I’d rather not do. I like the straight shot, but life isn’t like that, is it? Life is filled with all sorts of hills and valleys that we have to cross through and go over to get to the reward at the end. (Related post: Traversing the hills and valleys of life with grace). It doesn’t mean that I have to like it. I just have to learn to accept that I have to get through that valley and over that hill. Along the way, I tend to learn something about myself and about who I ultimately want to be at the end of my lifetime.

So, what kind of challenges are we talking about? I’m very sure that you can name a few but I will list some here as well. It can be the death of a loved one, divorce, troubled child/children, a difficult job, sickness, gee, a hurricane that causes major destruction…..and the list can go on and on and on. Those are our valleys in life that can define how we are able to deal with the hill on the other side. And it’s not to say that the hill isn’t going to be difficult either. Sometimes, that hill looks more like a straight shot up a very steep mountain. It’s times like that, that makes you wonder how you can get through the struggles.

The thing is….. you aren’t going through it alone. God is right there by your side. (Related post: In confronting the darkness, we can begin to see the light…). We don’t always see Him or feel Him but He is there. Also, don’t forget that your family and friends want to know what’s going on with you, too. I know that counseling can help as well. Don’t forget that you are never alone and you don’t ever need to go through it by yourself.

So, what did I learn from this? I need to take my own advice, which isn’t always the easiest thing to do. I have also found that I have a need to write this blog because it helps me to see things in a clearer manner. In doing so, I also hope that I can help someone else too. I’ve said it before, life is NEVER easy but it doesn’t have to ALWAYS be hard, either. Instead, maybe it’s a matter of attitude and finding joy in daily living even when those circumstances around you tend to stink.

What can you gain from this? I think that the more important question to ask is, “What do I want to gain from the knowledge that I don’t have to carry this burden by myself?” I love the resiliency of the human spirit. The problem that we have is that we have the tools in our toolbelt but we sometimes forget how to use them or to even use them at all. So, hopefully, what you want to gain is simply the peace and joy that comes from living a life well-lived, even if the circumstances that you find yourself in aren’t always easy to bear.

Okay God……We need to talk

It may sound strange, but, sometimes, when I want to have a conversation with God, I will start typically with “Okay God….”. I’m not sure why there are times that I like to talk to God that way. Maybe it’s because even though I know that He is the maker of Heaven and Earth and my Father in Heaven, I have also found that He is my friend. I can speak frankly to Him and I feel as though He’s not going to be angry because of how I want to have the conversation. Personally, I think that He is glad that I want to have the conversation with Him in the first place.

Too many people may want to see God only as a foreboding being who sits up on His throne in Heaven just looking for something to strike us down for. Maybe that’s how He had to be in the beginning, but not now.

Think of it this way…..

In the beginning as parents, we can’t be our child’s friend. Instead, they need to see us as having authority over them in order for them to learn that we have a better knowledge of right and wrong to teach them. They need to see us as the people who will give them their roots in the beginning of their lives through the teaching of values. Then when it is needed, in due time, we give them their wings so that they can go off and, hopefully, contribute in a positive way to society. That is our role as parents. The time for friendship should come after they have “left the nest”, although the need for a parent hasn’t changed, it has just been redefined.

For me, I see that with God as well. He has to establish Himself as Father first, so that we come to Him with humble hearts and a willingness to learn. As we grow in our faith and devotion to Him, then He can become a friend. He is and always will be our Father in Heaven, but we now know that He is our friend as well.

Consider this…..

Faith has many levels. It comes to us as wonder and awe, exploring, questioning, growing, honoring and developing the skills that we have learned and are still learning. What’s the saying we’ve heard….. “God’s not done with me yet.” He always wants us to come to Him in whatever way that we can. He also wants us to know that He is our Father but also a friend when we need it. Won’t you consider Him as a friend, too?

So, what have I learned from this? I will always see God as my Father in Heaven and those are the times that my prayers to Him are spoken in a reverent and humble manner. Then there are the times that I need Him as my Friend to help me instead. Remember that God sent His Son, Jesus, to walk among us and talk to us, listen to us and, ultimately best of all, to teach us. Who better to know how we feel, than the One who made us and then saved us from our sins?

What can you gain from this? Nobody can have too many friends. Right?! When we speak to God, He listens. However, how often do you take the time to listen to Him? (Related post: In the Pursuit of Thankfulness). He doesn’t always answer in the way that we think that He could or even should. Sometimes, if we are quiet enough, then we can see His work as well as His answers. He whispers, He sends and He always delivers.

Actions speak so much louder than words ever can

Don’t get me wrong, words do matter! They can heal or they can hurt. However, I have found that what we do, whatever that is, speaks volumes as well. It tells others the type of person that we are. It tells them whether we are trustworthy, honest, dangerous, inept……. you get the picture.

There are people out there that say one thing yet do something else that is the exact opposite of what they said. We call these people hypocrites. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a hypocrite is 1) a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion; 2) a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.

So, how do you know that they are a hypocrite? (Related post: Beware! There is DANGER, ahead!!). It is hard but you do need to trust your instincts. My best advice is to take some time to carefully observe that person around others. Ask yourself some questions like, “How do they treat others?” “How do they treat animals?” “Do they follow through with what they said they would do?” And I think most importantly, “Do they take responsibility for their actions or the consequences of their actions?”

If you don’t like the answers that you see, then they are indeed a hypocrite! Don’t be like them. Choose to look at your own behavior and see where you may need to change some things so that you can be better than that. (Related post: Are you being THE BEST YOU, that you want others to see? and The choices that you make in this lifetime can define you.). Not a one of us is perfect! We must continue to seek to grow and become a better version of ourselves, constantly.

The rule that I try to follow is if more than 2 people tell you something about yourself, then it is a sure bet that you most likely need to make a change. It’s hard but you can do it! It just takes a little courage.

So, what did I gain from this? I have to be careful that my actions match the words that I say. I can’t help anybody else if I’m not true to myself. Sometimes, I am terribly hard on myself but luckily I know that each time that I change, then I change it for a better version of me. And, yes, that is another win-win!

What can you gain from this? Let’s see….. that would be a better version of yourself! Who wouldn’t want that!?!

Beware! There is DANGER, ahead!!

I’m so very thankful for visible signs that we can see, that warn us that there is danger ahead. Imagine that you are driving down a road and you see a sign that warns of curvy roads ahead. You have to start to slow down some so that you won’t crash. The sign that warns of Danger- High Voltage or Poison with a skull and bones and the Slippery when Wet signs are some that we see, among so many others. There are warnings for anything that could harm us, so we learn to slow down, pay more attention and take caution so that that we don’t get hurt.

However, we don’t always take the same precautions when it comes to carefully judging the actions of others and how their actions can impact us until it is to late. Why is that? Well, I have a theory.

Let me start by saying that I love the CBS show, NCIS. I have always liked the character Leroy Jethro Gibbs played by Mark Harmon. One thing about Gibbs’ character was that he always seemed to have “a gut feeling” about something that seemed out of place and he just couldn’t shake that feeling when searching for the truth to solve a case. I think that that is what is missing with people today. We forget to trust our instincts that warn us that this person or that thing is bad. You know, there is a reason why God gives us common sense and a gut feeling. It’s because He wants us to use them!

The problem that I also see is that man thinks that they are so much wiser than mere words and don’t need to heed the warnings in the Bible. I’m telling you right now, that we need to wise up and listen better to words of wisdom! So, I challenge you to start using your gut instinct and common sense to judge a situation. Don’t always count on others to give you the information that you need to know in order to make the best judgment call yourself. Go do some research yourself. You have all the tools you need…… so use them!

Also, remember the saying, “If something smells fishy, then it usually is.”

So, what did I learn from this? My instincts are mostly spot on when it comes to judging reality versus made up stuff. That hasn’t always been the case, though. When I was younger, I sure did some stupid stuff. The thing is, is that I’ve learned from my mistakes and I’ve also learned to better trust my instincts or my gut feeling when it comes to people or situations. All my mistakes of the past have helped me to be better able to discern the motives of others who don’t have my best interests at heart. I also have to be true to myself and to discover why I act the way that I do. That is certainly not an easy task. However, by doing so, I can continually improve on just being me and not be fooled. (Related post: How do you become wise….is it through knowledge or from experience?)

What can you gain from this? Don’t always believe everything that you hear. Be your own detective. Do your own research and then verify that your research is accurate. Also, trust your gut. Trust that inner voice that says that something’s not quite right and that you are not getting all of the information that you need to make an informed decision. Ask yourself this question. Are you smart? If the answer to that is hopefully, “Yes!”, then use clear thought and reasoning to make decisions that can positively impact you or your family. Don’t rely on others to do the thinking for you. They don’t always have your best interest at heart, only you do.

Laughter really is the best medicine of all!

I have always seemed to feel so much better with a good strong laugh. There is also something about hearing others laugh, too, that make me want to laugh, as well. It always seems to brighten my mood.

So, why is it that laughter makes you feel better?

According to helpguide.org, this article states that, “A good hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.”. They also state that, “Laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.”

Whew, that’s an amazing thing and all because we started to laugh more!

Also, don’t you think it would be helpful to learn to laugh more now since we have a global pandemic going on? I’m serious! I know that it is hard to laugh at times and especially right now when there are so many things that can weigh us down, but we still need to find the time to let things go and laugh! So, take some time to look for funny sayings on billboards or social websites, watch funny videos, read the comic strips in the paper or read a funny book. I have found that I really like to watch funny videos with children and animals. They are funny simply because they aren’t even trying to be!

Remember that you can’t change the world, but you CAN change how you react to it. So, find ways that you can laugh a little. It certainly can’t hurt and it may just help boost your mood! (Related post: God Calls Us to Scatter Joy Like Seeds to Others)

So, what did I learn from this? That paragraph immediately before this one says it all to me. If I want to find joy in this world, I can’t rely on others to make me happy, but I sure can laugh at their efforts!

I’ve also learned that when I remember not to take myself so seriously, then I have found all sorts of funny things to laugh about! I did say that I am not the most graceful person (so that is comical, right there!) and I work with a wonderfully, unique population of people. It sure is amazing what they can come up with!!

What can you gain from this? It’s not to say that you will never be sad, angry, afraid or express any other emotion. However, if you try to change your focus or mindset and start to look at the world with more of a “half-full” rather than a “half-empty” mentality, then you can’t help but start to find things that happen that may give you a good laugh. After all, the article in helpguide.org did say that you could boost your immunity with laughter.

Hello……… I’ll take one (or let’s try several) of those please!!!!!

In the Pursuit of Thankfulness

Whether some of us believe that God exists or not, all of us have said a prayer (or 2 or 3) about something that we hope will happen. For those of us who understand that God most definitely exists and is actively interested in what His people need, we know that He answers prayers. Sometimes the answers are “yes”, sometimes the answers are “no” and sometimes the answers are “not right now.”

That is why I must be open to His role in my life and recognize that role by being thankful for the answers that I receive even if it is not the answer that I think that I am looking for. If I look back in my life and the paths that I’ve traveled, I can see that God was guiding me on the path that He needed me to be on.

Think about that statement carefully…. “I can see that God was guiding me on the path that He needed me to be on.” Too many times, we don’t trust God enough to guide us through life. I have found that for each fork in the road that I came to, God has given me a new purpose.

I know that God answers prayers because of things that have happened within my own life and with my own family. I can see the time that I walked into a business to fax my information to the State of Louisiana and had to go back because I accidently sent it to the wrong number. When I went in the second time, the owner/operator asked me if I knew of someone who needed a job. My oldest son, Marc, was definitely looking for something at that time and he has enjoyed it ever since! The same thing happened with my youngest son, Alec. I happened to call a friend of mine whose boss needed someone to work since he was losing his summer workers that were going back to school. Alec comes home happy and telling me all about the things that he did that day. I have so many more that I can say but you catch my drift. These are things that I had asked God for and this was a time that He said, “Yes!’ My sister-in-law, Traci, calls that “a God moment”. How apt is that description?

Aren’t those the moments, the perfect times that we need to be thankful for? How often do forget to say thanks, when He gives us what we asked for?

It’s not easy, but I always try to understand why I got a “No” or a “Not right now” instead and to be thankful for those times as well. I have to trust that God’s answers are always perfect even when I don’t understand why. If I trust Him, then I know that His answers to those questions will be revealed later. (Related article: Why in the world should I be thankful? )

So, what did I learn from this? I have found that I need to be thankful all day, every day. I give thanks because it keeps me going and brings me joy and peace. I can’t control what others do and that is hard but I can be grateful for the life given to me and that is something that I can share with others.

What can you gain from this? When you are thankful, then you learn to be more grateful and caring to those around you. You may even start to see things in a brighter light than you did before. You now have “an attitude of gratitude”. Who doesn’t want that in their life?

The imperfectly perfect person is who God calls.

I don’t think that there is a person alive who doesn’t look at themselves in the mirror and think, “I sure wish that I could change _______. “. We sure can try to change some things about ourselves through diet, exercise, clothes, hair styles or even more drastically, through cosmetic surgery. But how often do we try to change parts of ourselves that’s imperfect on the inside?

When we look to change something on the inside, we tend to look at people’s attitudes, values, manners and drive (what they are passionate about), among other things. We, as humans, see the outside as having value but God doesn’t look there at all. He sees everything that we have on the inside as value, instead. You can be the most beautiful person in the world or be the most homely-looking person, but if you don’t treat others with kindness and respect, then those pearly gates will forever remain tightly closed to you. You can have millions of dollars or be as poor as a church-mouse but if you don’t share with others, of even the smallest amount that you can, then you don’t see others as having value then the way to heaven is closed to you.

It doesn’t have to be that way, though…..

God knows all of our thoughts and sees all of our actions. We cannot hide from God what we try to hide from ourselves. Remember, that we are only on this earth for a short time. We have a lot to accomplish to show to God that we are worthy of His grace. He gives it to us freely but we still need to show to others what God gives so freely to us. We need to choose to treat others the way that we want to be treated. If you want respect, then choose to be respectful. If you want kindness, then choose to show others compassion. If you want to be valued then choose to show others that they are a valuable part of your life. Life is all about choices. (Related article: The choices that you make in this lifetime can define you. )

Change is hard and I think that it is so much harder because it requires us to peel back the layers of our hidden areas within ourselves and examine who we really are. We are not perfect and that is okay with God. He loves all of us just as we are. In fact, we are perfect in our imperfections in the eyes of God. The sooner that we see those imperfections as positives versus negatives then that is when we can better believe in God’s call for us and what he wants us to achieve in His name.

What did I learn from this? God knows all of who I am, warts and all. He loves me regardless of what I do. I will always try to do my best to make the right choices, but because of my humanity, I will always be sinful. I just need to look up at that cross that Jesus died on to see that He chose to die to cleanse me from the stain of that sin. It doesn’t mean that I can keep sinning. It just means that He loves me enough to help me be a better version of myself. (Related article: Are you being THE BEST YOU, that you want others to see? ). Nobody can ask for anything more to my way of thinking!

So, what can you gain from this? Take a chance and see the impact that change can have on your life. Everything just seems brighter even on the darkest of days. God does that. (Related article: Seeds are a promise of progress). He doesn’t say that you will never struggle because you have brought Him into your life but that He is with you, and always has been even when you didn’t know it. You are so much stronger than you want to believe. Just know that He believes in you, too!

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