Gratitude is important to God. Getting up with a grateful heart sets my mind that no matter what happens, there is something to be grateful for. Just the thought of the goodness of God, brings a spirit of gratitude. I didn’t have to be here today. Reflection of the many times that the enemy tried to take me out and he couldn’t because God was in charge. “What then shall we say in response to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (BSB)
That said, gratitude helps with contentment and the Bible says godliness with contentment is great gain. My heart is filled with gratitude as I make the transition from the corporate world to God’s purpose for me full time. Teaching, writing and photography are now my focal points. There are learning curves in all of these things but I am excited. The new leg of my journey is for real.
Today, I just want to offer encoragement to you to keep your eyes open for what God wants to do in your life. I believe that gratitude keeps us grounded. In that gratitude to God, there is an escape from the traps of the world when it comes to our dreams. God has not forgotten you. No matter your age you have not been forgotten.
Moving forward in 2020! There is so much to share. I realize I can’t share it all in one post but will begin the year back at home writing. There was quite a bit going on in 2019. I have three grandchildren now and that is a true blessing. Loving this phase of my life. Seeing these children grow and being able to really watch them and see them develop, seeing their personalities -who they are even from infancy – is amazing. As a single parent, there was a lot of enjoyment I missed just being busy with the roles of mother and father.
Another part of my journey I will share this year is my recovery. The onion is being peeled and there are layers that were hidden for many years. As I continue my walk with God, He is faithful to me with love, revelation and growth. This will certainly be an interesting chapter. I was somewhat invisible in 2019. However, it is all good. I do believe that sometimes we need to step back and gather ourselves.
Revamping my site is a writing project on the list and I am looking forward to this part. I accept that everything cannot be done in one felt swoop but takes time and I am hoping that many of you will continue on this journey with me. I had a totally different post to put here today but this is what landed. Looking forward to re-uniting with my favorite writers and seeing the wondrous adventures you’ve experienced.
More than anything, I am glad to be back in the forum that allows me to bless and encourage others on this journey!
A major change area for many people. Photo Credit Sandra Vercellono
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, SPIRITUAL, AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
The new year puts many in a place of desiring self-improvement. It is practically here. Self-reflection is the first step. How was this year? What do you want to change? What do you need to change? Moving forward how do you commit to change? These questions have been posed before. The answers should be motivating and compelling. This post highlights areas that may come up for you. It is a reminder that accountability is required to help yourself. You have choices to make.
Physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health are all major areas of concern. Doctor visits, supplements, exercise, and other activities may be necessary. What is significant here is that the choices are yours. There are options. Due diligence is researching to discover what meets your needs. An important point to reiterate is self-reflection to realize what those needs are.
Las Vegas Athletic Club is a popular choice for physical health changes. Photo Credit Sandra Vercellono
Las Vegas Athletic Club is a popular choice in Las Vegas for physical improvement. It is not the only option.
Another view of Las Vegas Athletic Club. Photo Credit Sandra Vercellono
The Arlene Cooper Community Health Center is a place for helpful information about self-improvement.
The community health center is a place to go for information and direction depending on your need. Photo Credit Sandra Vercellono
Depending on what your vitamin and supplemental needs are, sales are a great opportunity to start helping yourself.
Vitamins and supplements are not cheap. However, many places have sales of which you can take advantage. Photo Credit Sandra Vercellono
Gathering information on the area that you which to improve upon is critical. There is abundant information available for you to consider. While Google certainly seems the go-to, paper reading material is a good source to use when computers may be inaccessible. Reading is a form of relaxation.
Physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental options to increase knowledge. Photo Credit Sandra Vercellono
TIME MANAGEMENT
Whatever timing device you use, it is important to make use of them. Photo Credit: Sandra Vercellono
Time management is a major challenge for many. Managing time can be a daunting task. Organizing your time is the key. Being committed to each time slot for a specific activity is how to gain control of your time. What does that look like? Do you own a calendar or a journal? One specific step is to write it down. This helps reinforce your commitment.
Various calendar styles are available from which to choose. Photo Credit Sandra Vercellono
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
Spiritual enrichment begins where you desire to worship. Photo Credit Sandra Vercellono
Religion is very subjective and a very sensitive area. However, should you need to move forward in this area, move on it. You are not held hostage as you discover your need to grow spiritually. Investing time in a worship service has many health benefits. You can get to know your community, meet others, and learn new things.
There are options to make time for things you need to change. Photo Credit Sandra Vercellono
As a younger person, I was a morning person when I needed to be and a night person when I needed to be. Sleep was not a priority when I was younger. As I age, sleep is a priority. I have committed to being a morning person because I enjoy it. I learned something about myself. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment when I start the day off getting things done. My to-do list may change some days but the sense of accomplishment is rewarding. I look forward to the evening when I can slow down and relax. I also learned that when I have that sense of accomplishment my brain is not going one hundred miles an hour right before I sleep.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I appreciate those who have blessed me by reading this blog. Moving forward in the Master’s program and staying true to the course, I had to enter a post of thanksgiving. I give thanks on a regular basis. However, thanksgiving seems to propel us to magnify this position of the heart. I love this time of year! The fall colors, the beginning of the holiday season, and the move to be kinder are just some of the differences. I would like to say that we don’t have to wait until this season for our hearts to move kinder towards others. My wish today is for all to be blessed with food, family, and friends. Reach out if you need help. Give thanks each of these because there are some who are lacking. When we give thanks, there tends to be a clearer vision of our blessings.
I have chosen to live by Biblical principles. The core values I have defined for myself are based on the Bible. Basically, I do try to live my life by God’s principles. Do I have it down pat? No, it is a moment by moment process and a continual process. However, each day I get stronger in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Secular choices are very temporary, fleeting. I chose Biblical principles because God’s word does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I wanted an anchor that is unchanging. Some of my personal principles have changed based on God’s word. The great thing about God’s word is that I am all the better for it. It is very challenging to live by principles that are ever changing.
This question is an awesome question because it compels us to examine what we truly believe. It causes us to examine how we are living. And, it compels us to evaluate what needs to change. You cannot fix what you don’t know is broken.
When truly looking at the faithfulness of God, is it so difficult to give Him the praise and the glory? His mercy is renewed every morning. Each day we can begin anew. We just can’t keep ignoring the reason why. Thank God He keeps His promises!
Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (NKJV)
The richness of God’s word. Matthew Chapter 26 is so full of the mercy and grace of God. Jesus prepared the disciples for His departure. This chapter brings forth the story of the woman with the alabaster box. The establishment of the new covenant through His blood is made known. His betrayer is brought out in the open. The Last Supper is established to celebrate the Passover. Communion is established and why. Peter’s denial is predicted and described as it happens.
What are you experiencing that Jesus cannot bring you through? Do you trust Him? Are you willing to let go of what binds you? Are you willing to give up the temporary for the eternal? Just asking…
This chapter shows many aspects of man’s character that make us recognize our need for Jesus. Betrayal, greed, denial, humility, and the weakness of the flesh are just a few of the things that come forth. Jesus went through it all before death on the cross. His sacrifice for us is absolutely amazing. There is nothing that you will go through that Jesus did not. And, through it all God said that He would never leave us nor forsake us. In Jesus’s death and resurrection, He leaves us with the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, direct, and bring us even closer to God.
Today’s reading and meditation was John, Chapter 14. Jesus talks all about who He is. Many say that they don’t know Him and want to. In this chapter, Jesus tells us everything we need to know to believe in God and Him as the Son of God. God did say He would never leave us nor forsake us. By Jesus’ death on the cross, God made it possible for us to return to Him and give us what we need for this journey. By depositing the Holy Spirit in each person who accepts the free gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit is everything else we need. Jesus did tell us He is the way, the truth, and the life. The Holy Spirit is our roadmap.
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 This chapter of Psalms spoke volumes today. When the physical seems the most real to us, it is time to change the focus. David wrote this chapter after going through challenging times. David calls us out to praise the Lord. He illuminates the benefits of having a relationship with God. If nothing else, David was very candid with God. And David is candid with us. He shares the greatness and the goodness of God. God is merciful and compassionate. He is good to everyone. He is gracious and always keeps His promises. “The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.” Psalm 145:14 (NKJV) Do you have a load you cannot bear today? Call out to the Lord. Have you fallen and can’t seem to get up? Call out to the Lord. David said he would praise the Lord. Let us do that. Praise God today for His goodness and mercy. Praise God for your breath today. Do you have food, shelter, family and friends? Praise God. If you need any of this, praise Him anyway. Verse 14 above says he lifts those who have fallen beneath their loads. The encouragement today is to trust God no matter what it looks like. God is faithful. Be blessed
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23 (NKJV) Psalm 37 is a very interesting and sobering psalm. It is a very descriptive comparison of the godly and the wicked. The word “wicked” is an unsettling word. Many don’t like it. However, it is all over Scripture. Reading Psalm 37 has shown that there are consequences for our choices as well as rewards. This post is not to highlight the wicked. This post is to inspire the reader to look to God for what is needed. The promises of God to the godly are numerous and God is faithful to His word. Read the word of God. “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30 (NKJV) The word of God has carried me through the years. When confused, misdirected, in pain, in danger, betrayed, alone, selfish, and self-centered, His word has made the difference. Change is inevitable when you trust God. Believe the word of God. You have to read the Word to believe the Word.
