Everyday is an opportunity to do better than the day before. Those words are true and hopeful, and easier said than done, but that's what makes it worth it. Things that you don't have to struggle for just don't seem to be worth as much, or maybe it's really we don't see their value as much. I know I am guilty of this. I can say with all certainty that I don't always appreciate what I have. Sometimes I forget to be grateful to God, my husband, and my family, I start taking them for granted and forget that they need and deserve appreciation and respect as much as I feel I do. Sometimes, make that almost all the time, I forget to be grateful for modern conveniences and in fact I probably never think about them until they break.
What did my little confession of selfishness, and an ungrateful attitude have to do with getting better each day? Well, it's that we all have areas we need to grow and do better in. This attitude I have of not appreciating things the way I should is part of what I'm focusing on now in myself. I think it's important that everyday we ask for forgiveness of our faults and try hard to improve in those areas. After all if you're just saying sorry and not trying to do better, are you really sorry? It'll take time to get better, and you'll always have room for improvement, but that's good. Because when you are focused on improving yourself it leaves less time for pointing fingers elsewhere.
If we really want to see a difference in this world, if we really want to leave a better place for our children than we need to start with being better people. We need to start loving each other the way we were commanded too(John 13:34). We need to start helping each other and lifting one another up, not trampling them under our feet. I realize it's easier said than done but I also realize its worth it, it's worth it to try to live better and happier. Because, quite honestly, when you stop chasing happiness in possessions, when you start being grateful for what you have and start really seeking the Lord to help you be a better person, you turn out to be a happier person. Lasting happiness, true joy, is found only in a relationship with God, when you are living to please Him, you will be a better person because of it.
Matthew 25:21
His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!
Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated on the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with him in glory.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Pride Blindness
It's so much easier to throw stones at someone else than to take responsibility for our own faults, its so much easier to see what others need to do to change than to look at ourselves and see what we need to change; but what are we sacrificing by doing that? Not only are we hurting the person we blame, but we could be keeping ourselves from reaching our fullest potential by not really looking into what we should probably change about ourselves. I confess, I've been guilty of this for awhile now, and last night the Holy Spirit convicted my heart of this need to change and look closely at my own heart and behavior.
When I did, I didn't like what I saw and was humbled by my actions. I had to apologize, confess where I went wrong and submit myself to the authority of our Sovereign God. I am not going to go in to details of the situation, because frankly it's personal, but I was wrong and have been for awhile, so now that I am aware of it I have to push my pride aside and adjust myself to the Lord's way of thinking. In certain areas of my life I have been struggling for a while, but now I realize if I had submitted in the beginning this could have all been avoided.
Sometimes our pride blocks us from seeing that truth, even when we think we are living in alignment with The Lord's will for us it's easy to get side tracked or blinded by the attitude of 'I'm doing everything right.' Pride and over confidence can be dangerous blinders because they can make you believe exactly what you want to believe. You can see the world exactly as you want and fault will always lay at someone else's feet. But what's the cost? What are you doing to that relationship? What are you doing to that person you are blaming or putting down?
If you stay close to The Lord eventually the light will break through and the truth will be seen. It's important once you know the truth, once you realize you were wrong that you get in obedience to The Lord. Whatever needs done to fix the situation, do it no matter how hard because by doing so you can start the process of healing. For me, this time it was humbling myself and apologizing. Apologizing to God and to the person I wronged, and now I have to change myself. I have to change what I was doing so that I am in line with God's will over my life and so I am no longer hurting this person with my wrong actions towards them. Trusting His will means obedience, and obedience to the Lord often means being humble.
I think we are all guilty of some fashion of pride blinders, it's easy to fall victim too. Maybe the next time things aren't going the right way I will understand to check myself first. The important thing to learn and remember when the Lord's Spirit corrects you is that you are not being condemned but instead it is an opportunity to redeem yourself, to change and be better before and through the Lord. Ask for forgiveness of the Father, and anyone involved, then change, prove your sincerity, and through your obedience God's will will be manifested and doors will be opened. Be blessed today and always my friends.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
When I did, I didn't like what I saw and was humbled by my actions. I had to apologize, confess where I went wrong and submit myself to the authority of our Sovereign God. I am not going to go in to details of the situation, because frankly it's personal, but I was wrong and have been for awhile, so now that I am aware of it I have to push my pride aside and adjust myself to the Lord's way of thinking. In certain areas of my life I have been struggling for a while, but now I realize if I had submitted in the beginning this could have all been avoided.
Sometimes our pride blocks us from seeing that truth, even when we think we are living in alignment with The Lord's will for us it's easy to get side tracked or blinded by the attitude of 'I'm doing everything right.' Pride and over confidence can be dangerous blinders because they can make you believe exactly what you want to believe. You can see the world exactly as you want and fault will always lay at someone else's feet. But what's the cost? What are you doing to that relationship? What are you doing to that person you are blaming or putting down?
If you stay close to The Lord eventually the light will break through and the truth will be seen. It's important once you know the truth, once you realize you were wrong that you get in obedience to The Lord. Whatever needs done to fix the situation, do it no matter how hard because by doing so you can start the process of healing. For me, this time it was humbling myself and apologizing. Apologizing to God and to the person I wronged, and now I have to change myself. I have to change what I was doing so that I am in line with God's will over my life and so I am no longer hurting this person with my wrong actions towards them. Trusting His will means obedience, and obedience to the Lord often means being humble.
I think we are all guilty of some fashion of pride blinders, it's easy to fall victim too. Maybe the next time things aren't going the right way I will understand to check myself first. The important thing to learn and remember when the Lord's Spirit corrects you is that you are not being condemned but instead it is an opportunity to redeem yourself, to change and be better before and through the Lord. Ask for forgiveness of the Father, and anyone involved, then change, prove your sincerity, and through your obedience God's will will be manifested and doors will be opened. Be blessed today and always my friends.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Checked off my list
Friday morning I finally did something I've always wanted too, finally achieved a life long dream. I am very proud if myself, but I am not forgetting that it wasn't me alone. I couldn't have done it without God's direction, without his help of putting the right people in my path to give me the right information at the right time. I couldn't have done it without my family and their support, and the followers here who have posted encouraging things to support me.
I am amazed honestly that I went through with it, and this morning when I checked it off my to do list for my 2014 goals I felt amazed all over again. I have had many dreams over the years, and most unfulfilled, so to accomplish something I've wanted so badly, for so long, is something unexplainable. But it has taught me something too, something that made me smile when I looked at my goals list, it can be done. Dreams can be achieved, you just have to dedicate yourself to it.
So, no matter what happens with my first short book, I did it. It may be a complete flop, but I did it. And because I did it, I feel like I can do more and better. I already have three novels in the process now, I have no idea how long it will take, but I'm working on it. I feel different about my future now, like there are more possibilities. But it's all in God's hands.
What's my point today? Why am I just going on bragging? Well, not really trying to brag, actually I'm trying to say, if I can do it, so can you. Trust God and offer up your whole heart to Him and He will help you to achieve your dreams, or take you to places that you never imagined before. With God the possibilities are endless.
Psalm 56:4
In God, whose word I praise--in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
For my readers who are interested in purchasing my book this is the link:
Http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JXNCPIU
I am amazed honestly that I went through with it, and this morning when I checked it off my to do list for my 2014 goals I felt amazed all over again. I have had many dreams over the years, and most unfulfilled, so to accomplish something I've wanted so badly, for so long, is something unexplainable. But it has taught me something too, something that made me smile when I looked at my goals list, it can be done. Dreams can be achieved, you just have to dedicate yourself to it.
So, no matter what happens with my first short book, I did it. It may be a complete flop, but I did it. And because I did it, I feel like I can do more and better. I already have three novels in the process now, I have no idea how long it will take, but I'm working on it. I feel different about my future now, like there are more possibilities. But it's all in God's hands.
What's my point today? Why am I just going on bragging? Well, not really trying to brag, actually I'm trying to say, if I can do it, so can you. Trust God and offer up your whole heart to Him and He will help you to achieve your dreams, or take you to places that you never imagined before. With God the possibilities are endless.
Psalm 56:4
In God, whose word I praise--in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
For my readers who are interested in purchasing my book this is the link:
Http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JXNCPIU
Thursday, April 24, 2014
One Moment Changed Everything
I used to hate myself, I hated who I was, what my future looked like, and what my life was like. I struggled everyday with making the decision to live at all, I didn't feel like I had anything to live for. My life was a wreck and honestly, I got sick a lot just thinking about how I lived at that time. I had no money, no food, and my roommate wasn't any help financially, or around the house. My boyfriend at the time made a habit out of cheating on me, neglecting me, and when he was around, manipulating me. I never saw my family, and my 'friends' were less than healthy for my fragile mental state at the time. I had a bad habit of taking pain pills and mixing them alcohol to numb the pain, anxiety, and depression. Panic attacks were a daily occurrence, usually at least two a day. My life was spiraling out of control, and I was at a loss of how to stop it. Everyday seemed hopeless, and pointless, I couldn't see how it was ever going to get better, but I continued to go to church and pray because I just didn't know what else to do. But to be truthful, I really didn't expect God to help me, I felt like I was living so wrong that despite claiming to be saved and a Christian that I was still going to go to hell, I felt like there was no way He could love or forgive me. I didn't believe I deserved to be helped and healed, I was liar, I was bad daughter, I was selfish, and I was an angry cruel person at times, I was right that I didn't deserve it, but Christ had already given it to me.
Why am I sharing all that with you? Because I know I write a lot of upbeat, encouraging, and sometimes make you think post. But it's not how life always is or was. Sometimes we go through really dark places. Sometimes it seems like there will never be light again. I've realized lately that all the positivity is great, and helps to keep me on track with my healing, but someone reading this may not realize just how much it took to get here. They may need to know that you can be completely broken, on the brink of destruction, and God can pull you out of that place and change everything in one moment.
For me, the moment that changed everything was when I met my husband. My boyfriend at the time had just broken up with me with the strange words that God told him I was meant for someone else and he was waiting on me. I was really vulnerable when I met Nick, and honestly scared. I was used to everyone in my world taking advantage of me, but meeting him was God's plan. God placed us in each other's path, I have never doubted this and where we are now is a testimony to that.
It's taken a lot of work over the last five and half years to get to where I am mentally, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually. So why do I say one moment changed everything? Why do I say it was the moment I met my husband? I say that because, the moment I met him I had hope again. I had a reason to believe I could get out of my situation and I had someone who supported and encouraged me to do just that. If I had never met my husband I know I would not be in a good place, I was heading down a path of destruction, but God heard my pleas and put my husband in my path to help me find my way out of the darkness.
We have our good days and bad days, we both suffer from anxiety and depression, but I am not where I used to be. I have hope now, I believe we will have a good future together, and I have a better relationship with God now than I ever could have imagined. So I want you to know, no matter where you are in life, God can change your circumstances. He can save you if you want Him too. You don't have to live life beat down and hopeless, it can get better. I know because I was there and came through it with God and my husband. Life doesn't have to be miserable, everyday doesn't have to a struggle, there is hope with The Lord.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Why am I sharing all that with you? Because I know I write a lot of upbeat, encouraging, and sometimes make you think post. But it's not how life always is or was. Sometimes we go through really dark places. Sometimes it seems like there will never be light again. I've realized lately that all the positivity is great, and helps to keep me on track with my healing, but someone reading this may not realize just how much it took to get here. They may need to know that you can be completely broken, on the brink of destruction, and God can pull you out of that place and change everything in one moment.
For me, the moment that changed everything was when I met my husband. My boyfriend at the time had just broken up with me with the strange words that God told him I was meant for someone else and he was waiting on me. I was really vulnerable when I met Nick, and honestly scared. I was used to everyone in my world taking advantage of me, but meeting him was God's plan. God placed us in each other's path, I have never doubted this and where we are now is a testimony to that.
It's taken a lot of work over the last five and half years to get to where I am mentally, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually. So why do I say one moment changed everything? Why do I say it was the moment I met my husband? I say that because, the moment I met him I had hope again. I had a reason to believe I could get out of my situation and I had someone who supported and encouraged me to do just that. If I had never met my husband I know I would not be in a good place, I was heading down a path of destruction, but God heard my pleas and put my husband in my path to help me find my way out of the darkness.
We have our good days and bad days, we both suffer from anxiety and depression, but I am not where I used to be. I have hope now, I believe we will have a good future together, and I have a better relationship with God now than I ever could have imagined. So I want you to know, no matter where you are in life, God can change your circumstances. He can save you if you want Him too. You don't have to live life beat down and hopeless, it can get better. I know because I was there and came through it with God and my husband. Life doesn't have to be miserable, everyday doesn't have to a struggle, there is hope with The Lord.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Understanding my Father
As a caregiver for children my whole perspective of how God works in our lives has changed. Learning to see and understand Him as a parent rather than a divine deity has helped me to grow in my relationship with Him, because I can now understand why things happen a certain way sometimes, or certain things continue even after I have prayed about them. It took a while to get to this point and I had to change a lot of actions and reactions to situations but as I learn to see God as my Father I am learning to trust Him more. It was difficult at first not to see Him as some far away deity looking down on us without much of the love for us that I now know He has, but when I thought about how much I love the kids I take care of, and the ones I have cared for in the past, and that God's love is more than that, I started to understand why prayers aren't always answered, or at least in the way we wanted.
If you have kids or have cared for them you know it's a balance between giving them what they want, what they need, and teaching them responsibility, respect, and gratitude. God wants us to be happy because He loves us, He wants to give us the desires of our heart, (see Psalm 37:4,) and honestly when you think of your child or children you care for, you know it's true because its what you want for them. But as a responsible parent/caregiver you know you can't just hand them everything they want because it will spoil them and cause them to be greedy, selfish, and ungrateful. So what do you do?
You find the balance, you give them something's just because you love them, you provide for all their needs, but you also withhold certain things because you know in the long run its not good for them. Or for other things you make them earn it, and work for it so they will understand its value. It's funny but I didn't realize it was the same with God until I had a conversation with a 6 year old and had to explain why he couldn't have a cookie but his brother could. It hurt me to see him so upset, because I wanted him to be happy, but I knew if I rewarded his bad behavior with a treat I would be teaching him that he could misbehave and still get what he wants, it was then that I realized my prayers weren't being ignored by God, it was simply that I was a misbehaving child demanding my own way without doing anything to deserve it.
Since then I have learned to look at things differently when they aren't going my way. I try to understand from a parent's/caregiver's perspective what the reason might be that things are a certain way, and now more often than not I find the fault to be my own, and no longer blame God. I trust now that my Father is doing what is best for me, because that's what I try to do for the children in my charge. I understand now that God is not just pulling strings as a puppet master that controls the universe, but He is patiently loving us, and teaching us as a Father. Be blessed.
Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life
Proverbs 13:24
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
Hebrews 5:7-9
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him
If you have kids or have cared for them you know it's a balance between giving them what they want, what they need, and teaching them responsibility, respect, and gratitude. God wants us to be happy because He loves us, He wants to give us the desires of our heart, (see Psalm 37:4,) and honestly when you think of your child or children you care for, you know it's true because its what you want for them. But as a responsible parent/caregiver you know you can't just hand them everything they want because it will spoil them and cause them to be greedy, selfish, and ungrateful. So what do you do?
You find the balance, you give them something's just because you love them, you provide for all their needs, but you also withhold certain things because you know in the long run its not good for them. Or for other things you make them earn it, and work for it so they will understand its value. It's funny but I didn't realize it was the same with God until I had a conversation with a 6 year old and had to explain why he couldn't have a cookie but his brother could. It hurt me to see him so upset, because I wanted him to be happy, but I knew if I rewarded his bad behavior with a treat I would be teaching him that he could misbehave and still get what he wants, it was then that I realized my prayers weren't being ignored by God, it was simply that I was a misbehaving child demanding my own way without doing anything to deserve it.
Since then I have learned to look at things differently when they aren't going my way. I try to understand from a parent's/caregiver's perspective what the reason might be that things are a certain way, and now more often than not I find the fault to be my own, and no longer blame God. I trust now that my Father is doing what is best for me, because that's what I try to do for the children in my charge. I understand now that God is not just pulling strings as a puppet master that controls the universe, but He is patiently loving us, and teaching us as a Father. Be blessed.
Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life
Proverbs 13:24
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
Hebrews 5:7-9
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Time Changes Much
Today is 6 months since I started blogging, and it's kind of crazy to me that I have been at this for so long. Following through with things that I wanted to do was always a problem for me. Anything that has involved a commitment and dedication was something I met with enthusiasm then dropped off with in time, except relationships. But I have surprised myself by staying steady with this, and even more than that I have been surprised by the support I have received from my followers, and family, support for the blog, my books, and my business.
6 months ago when I started this blog I did not expect to have over 600 followers, I did not expect to be writing everyday, and I didn't expect for my writing to be reaching people. I really started this just because I wanted to get one of my books published, I just wanted to prove to myself and everyone I used to know who doubted me, that I could do it and blogging was something that was suggested to me to help get the book out and make people aware of my writing, but I didn't actually expect that I would keep up with it.
Now things are different, now it's not just about getting my name out there and my book, it's about spreading the love of Christ and proclaiming His glory. What changed in 6 months? My heart. I have loved the Lord for a long time and I was saved at 18, but I didn't really start trying to live for God until about 4 years ago. And when I started this blog, I didn't plan on it being all about Him, but that's what happened.
One day about 5 months ago I was having trouble finding what I should write that day so I prayed, and I've been doing it ever since because it always seems to work, it always gives me direction.
This blog has actually taught me a lot, and strengthened my relationship with God in a way I never imagined. And at the same time it has taught me, strengthened me, and allowed me a venue to express myself it has blessed me another way, by knowing that I am helping others, inspiring others, and teaching!
Someone a couple of weeks ago called me 'rabbi' which I know many of you know means teacher. I was flabbergasted by that, but then I thought about it, and it really made me aware of what had been going on with my blog. I never realized that my words were truly hitting people until I read that word. And when I realized it I went back and read a lot of my blogs, and I changed my profile a bit because somewhere along the way, sometime after I prayed and asked God to give me His words, and the messages He wanted me to share, it went from being all about me and my thoughts to all about Him and how He can work in a life.
I am so grateful for everyone who is following my blogs, for those who are interested in my books, but I am most grateful to know that I am helping and encouraging others. I am grateful for the change in myself and for what God is still doing in my life. I am grateful that the more I surrender to Him the more I feel whole. God's love does amazing things and takes us to incredible places, if we are willing to submit. Today, 6 months after I started a selfish venture I am grateful that God has taken it over and is using it for his purpose, not mine.
Joshua 24:14-15
“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
6 months ago when I started this blog I did not expect to have over 600 followers, I did not expect to be writing everyday, and I didn't expect for my writing to be reaching people. I really started this just because I wanted to get one of my books published, I just wanted to prove to myself and everyone I used to know who doubted me, that I could do it and blogging was something that was suggested to me to help get the book out and make people aware of my writing, but I didn't actually expect that I would keep up with it.
Now things are different, now it's not just about getting my name out there and my book, it's about spreading the love of Christ and proclaiming His glory. What changed in 6 months? My heart. I have loved the Lord for a long time and I was saved at 18, but I didn't really start trying to live for God until about 4 years ago. And when I started this blog, I didn't plan on it being all about Him, but that's what happened.
One day about 5 months ago I was having trouble finding what I should write that day so I prayed, and I've been doing it ever since because it always seems to work, it always gives me direction.
This blog has actually taught me a lot, and strengthened my relationship with God in a way I never imagined. And at the same time it has taught me, strengthened me, and allowed me a venue to express myself it has blessed me another way, by knowing that I am helping others, inspiring others, and teaching!
Someone a couple of weeks ago called me 'rabbi' which I know many of you know means teacher. I was flabbergasted by that, but then I thought about it, and it really made me aware of what had been going on with my blog. I never realized that my words were truly hitting people until I read that word. And when I realized it I went back and read a lot of my blogs, and I changed my profile a bit because somewhere along the way, sometime after I prayed and asked God to give me His words, and the messages He wanted me to share, it went from being all about me and my thoughts to all about Him and how He can work in a life.
I am so grateful for everyone who is following my blogs, for those who are interested in my books, but I am most grateful to know that I am helping and encouraging others. I am grateful for the change in myself and for what God is still doing in my life. I am grateful that the more I surrender to Him the more I feel whole. God's love does amazing things and takes us to incredible places, if we are willing to submit. Today, 6 months after I started a selfish venture I am grateful that God has taken it over and is using it for his purpose, not mine.
Joshua 24:14-15
“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Monday, April 21, 2014
To change your life you must commit to the decision
I posted a comment this morning that was "To change your life you must commit to the decision," I'm not targeting anyone specific with that before I get asked, its just something I was thinking about this morning when I got awake and my whole drive into work. I thought about how I used to be, and who I used to be. I thought about how I used to live, and how I live now. I was comparing and contrasting, and really impressed with how far I've come, I even woke up without my mind panicking and racing for the first time today, instead I woke up praying!
It wasn't easy getting here, it has taken a lot of prayer, dedication, and hard work. I've had set backs, and anyone who has been reading this for a while knows I have had some good days and some not so good days, but it's getting better! The work is paying off, this morning was evidence of that.
It can be so hard to get up and force yourself to do your coping tools, most days I don't feel like doing them at all. But what I have realized, and what my statement is all about is that once you decide you want to or need to change your life it HAS to be a commitment. You have to make your coping mechanisms part of your everyday life and routine. It has to be part of your lifestyle, so much so that eventually its just habit and you do it without thinking, like when I woke up this morning and immediately started to pray. I have been forcing myself to do it for months now, missing many days, but once I realized what the chaos in my head was doing I'd remember and start talking to God instead of listening to the all the discord.
Prayer is probably my most used and most effective coping mechanism, but its not my only one. For anyone struggling the way I have in the past, I really suggest exercise, even for just five or ten minutes a day, it makes a huge difference in balancing the chemicals in your brain. Also I find spending time in the Bible to be helpful, and writing, but I know not everyone is a writer that's just what works for me, maybe for you it might be painting, or crafting. Another great tool, cut out the negative influences in your life and replace them with the positive. That's something I have done in the past couple years that has helped more than I imagined.
I hope that if you are struggling with anxiety and depression that you are able to find your way out. Know that it won't be easy, but it is worth it. It's not an overnight thing either, there's no magic pill, just hard work and dedication, but the rewards are amazing. I am seeing and experiencing life in a way that I haven't since I was a kid, life feels different now, it feels good, and I feel hope again for the future.
Psalm 37:5
Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.
It wasn't easy getting here, it has taken a lot of prayer, dedication, and hard work. I've had set backs, and anyone who has been reading this for a while knows I have had some good days and some not so good days, but it's getting better! The work is paying off, this morning was evidence of that.
It can be so hard to get up and force yourself to do your coping tools, most days I don't feel like doing them at all. But what I have realized, and what my statement is all about is that once you decide you want to or need to change your life it HAS to be a commitment. You have to make your coping mechanisms part of your everyday life and routine. It has to be part of your lifestyle, so much so that eventually its just habit and you do it without thinking, like when I woke up this morning and immediately started to pray. I have been forcing myself to do it for months now, missing many days, but once I realized what the chaos in my head was doing I'd remember and start talking to God instead of listening to the all the discord.
Prayer is probably my most used and most effective coping mechanism, but its not my only one. For anyone struggling the way I have in the past, I really suggest exercise, even for just five or ten minutes a day, it makes a huge difference in balancing the chemicals in your brain. Also I find spending time in the Bible to be helpful, and writing, but I know not everyone is a writer that's just what works for me, maybe for you it might be painting, or crafting. Another great tool, cut out the negative influences in your life and replace them with the positive. That's something I have done in the past couple years that has helped more than I imagined.
I hope that if you are struggling with anxiety and depression that you are able to find your way out. Know that it won't be easy, but it is worth it. It's not an overnight thing either, there's no magic pill, just hard work and dedication, but the rewards are amazing. I am seeing and experiencing life in a way that I haven't since I was a kid, life feels different now, it feels good, and I feel hope again for the future.
Psalm 37:5
Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.
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