Know Thyself

What an amazing summer it has been so far!

The hubby and I have been enjoying the great United States this summer. We love traveling and so far, have become acquainted with most of the Northeastern coastal states, so it's time to head a little West - but recently, I have been reflecting on some things.

We love traveling, enjoying God's nature (especially when there is a Frisbee involved) and hiking. Before we even knew each other existed, we took time to know who we were and what we liked, so when we got married, we had a long list of things we just continued doing together.
 

There are many out there who do not know what they love doing or who they are. The world is constantly bombarding us with ideologies, gadgets and fashion trends that try to tell us who we should be, but always falls short.

When was the last time you asked this question: Who are you?

Have you ever contemplated if you know yourself and what makes you 'tick'? In the age of increasing depression and frustration with life, mannnnyyy frankly hate who they are, what they do and don't know how to get out of that rut.

I don't have the answers to each case, but I do know when I find myself 'stuck', I often stop and take both spiritual and intellectual inventory of who I am and what my needs are. How do I do that you ask? I often find myself asking and answering these questions:

1) Are you joyful? Are you happy? - You may think this is one in the same thing, but it's not. The Biblical definition of joy shows it is a part of the fruit of the Spirit so it's a heavenly principle and not a feeling. I believe one can be joyful, but may not be happy at a moment in time because joy isn't regulated by situation and/or feeling, but happiness is.

2) What can I change? - There may be things you can change about yourself and/or your situation. Know what you can change and find out how to change them. Also, know what you cannot change, and accept them.

3) Do I need help? (If yes, when/what type?) - This may be obvious to some, but not all: If it's Spiritual help you need, then seek it from Spiritual sources, if it's social help you need, then go to social authorities. Alas, sometimes we mix the two and may seek peace and tranquility in social events and activities when true peace emanates from The Prince of Peace Himself. Make sure you know the differences so you can know where to get the help you seek.

4) Try something new! - I would have never known I love rock-climbing and snowboarding had I never tried either one. Try something new and expand your horizons a bit. You may discover you are a natural at a sport/exercise, or even better, you could also learn what you are awful at :-)

Okay, that's all folks. These are verryyyy broad, so drop me a line if you have any questions, suggestions, additions or subtractions.

God bless you all, and spend QUANTITY as well as QUALITY time getting to know YOU!

 

Life!

We lost a member of our church family a few days ago.

Our dear sister was sick for a few months and we lost her to cancer last Wednesday, March 11th.

 

The longer I live, the longer I want to live.

Death was never part of God's plan, but an enemy introduced the ultimate cancer to the human race back in the Garden of Eden.

 

We were destined to live for eternity, and even if we cannot really fathom what living eternally looks like (especially since everything around us expires and dies), our very beings fight for life when something/someone threatens us.

 

Life is so precious. None of us have a say in our birth, but we (to some extent) can decide when we die. Some take their lives purposefully and accidentally, but most of humanity desires long life and there is an increasing obsession with regaining youth and vitality.

 

There are many things that are crippling us  and stealing our life forces daily. They may be social issues, health, emotional, mental and even spiritual possessions. Some of them may be self-induced and others may be forced against their wills by other humans. Oh my heart aches for the human condition, and how expendable some may view others. But even so, no human law, dictate or command can force people to regard life (or other lives) as precious; only The Life Giver can do that.

 

Today may be call life a gift. Let us all encourage someone else, lift someone who is down and show love and appreciation to all around; you never know if it may be the last time you see that loved one.

The Fragility of Life

"...In other news, the media/entertainment world has lost another soul.

Robin Williams, a decorated comedic actor took his life in an apparent suicide on August 11th at his home. His media representative told CNN news that he was battling severe depression."

I was a HUGE movie-goer back in my day, and Robin Williams was one of my favorite comedic actors to watch. I got a chance to see him in live action when I attended a LIVESTRONG gala where he and a few other celebs were present. He sat 3 tables before me and did a short impromptu segment during the event. His craft was impressive and you could tell he was blessed with the gift of spontaneous humor.

Gone are those days when I was star struck by actors, but I am truly saddened by his death.

Death was never part of God's plan. Many say that 'death is a part of life'. That is incorrect! Death is not a part of life and was never meant to be a part of our experience; it is the absence of life, and it is our enemy.

Jesus the Christ conquered death. He had power to lay down His life and to raise Himself up again (John 10:18). Death has NO POWER over Christ because HE is greater than death; and because He resurrected from the dead, we too can have that same victory in HIM, if we live in HIM!

I wasn't able to call Mr. Williams my friend. I didn't know him personally, but I always feel sorrow when I hear the lost of a life; any life. I always wonder if this person got to meet His Maker and make a decision for (or against) Christ. This life is just preparation for the next; are we preparing? or are we just existing?

James 4:14 says that life is even a vapor, which appears only for a little while and then it vanishes away. Oh friends, we only have a little time in the land of the living; let us no waste the few days that we have; let us seek The Father of Life and cling to Him even to our last breath.

Life's tough! But even with its painful and heavy burdens, don't lose heart, don't give up, PLEASE be encouraged, seek help and people you can confide in to help lift you up and support you. Depression and mental ailments are VERY real and these human conditions need lots of support, prayer and treatment. Cling to the One who promises to NEVER leave us, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)! Now that's good news!!!