Tag Archives: hope is real

Mar1

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Words

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Words. They make the world go ’round. I’d like to encourage you on something that has been impressed on my heart. Your words are important. They have huge amounts of power. Your words have the power to build up, or the power to tear down.

Always strive to allow your words to be authored by God, and His breath to breathe life into dead situations. Sometimes you may be inclined to think that words are just words. And, they are – to a degree. What may mean absolutely nothing to you, may be the difference of life in death to another person. That’s just the thing. You ALWAYS need to be mindful of what you are saying.

Before reacting, choose your words carefully. Allow yourself time to think about how you would feel, should the conversation be reversed. Always put yourself in someone else’s shoes. If you were down, or for whatever reason, hurting – think of the kinds of words you would like to hear. Never hesitate to spread those words. Those are words filled with life, and filled with love.

In contrast, if you don’t ponder how your words will impact someone, imagine the damage that can be done when you speak words in anger, or out of hatred and/or hurt. Take time to think about your reaction.

The way you react may make an immense difference — but not just in the life of the person you are speaking to — it often will make a bigger impact on yourself.

I encourage you to always strive to speak with love behind your words. Allow God’s heart, and His love to spread like wildfire.

I’m grateful today to be able to choose words that build up, and bring life instead of tearing down and bringing the exact opposite.

Feb21

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Resolve

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I am thankful today for ongoing and continued resolve.

There is nothing in this life that is worthy of your giving up.  I do not mean a bad habit, or anything of that nature. (Those, I firmly believe you also have the strength to deal with as well though.) Instead, I’m referring to those things that may have you shaking your head – wondering if life is worth it, or will ever change. I mean, you. Don’t ever even consider giving up on yourself.  You are worth fighting for.

The ongoing resolve screams “keep going” even in the face of uncertain circumstances.

My friends, if you find yourself with any of these thoughts or similar struggles today, I encourage you to reach out.  Though you may at times feel lonely, I want to assure you – you are not alone. You do not have to walk through life alone. If you’d like to talk about it, please let me know. You can post below in comments or send me a message via my “contact me” page.

Feb19

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Perspective

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Today I saw something online that really caught my eye. This really speaks volumes to me – for many reasons. I was grateful today to just see this perspective explained. It really is true. I encourage you to read and really understand the message below.

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?”

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”

She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Thhink about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”

It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down!

Wise, wise words – my friends. Take this message with you and remember it always.

If you are at a place right now where you’re finding it hard to hold on, or where holding onto something is hurting you – please don’t hesitate to reach out. YOU are worth it. Your heart and your emotions – so very worth it. Sometimes there are things in our life that hurt us, and it might seem painful even to put those things down. You might be holding onto someone, or even a relationship that causes you pain. It might be time to put that glass down. Allow yourself the opportunity to heal. Don’t hold onto things so tightly, and for so long that it multiplies and causes such pain and heartbreak.

If you are at that place right now, know that you are not alone. If you’d like to talk about it, to ask for prayer or to just plain vent – don’t hesitate to comment in the comments below, or send me a message via my contact me page. I’ll look forward to connecting.

Feb18

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful That Somebody Is Praying Me Through

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Yesterday, I wrote an open and honest account of how I was feeling – and just the emotions that surrounded that. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read – but more than that, for taking the time to pray. Please know you have my gratitude. I have received words of support and encouragement from many of you – and I am grateful more than there are words. This is the beginning to a beautiful new day. In fact, I already shared one blog post that talks about a song that means a great deal to me. It’s referenced in this title as well. Knowing that you are not alone – and that you have people to lean on when you don’t feel the strength to stand firm on your own — that, my friends, is what the body of Christ is all about.

So, it is with gratitude that I say thank you for being part of the many “somebody’s” who are praying me through. Our God is good. He is faithful 100% of the time. His hands are not small that they cannot reach me. All of the things from yesterday are still real, and still there. However, with God – and the beautiful people He’s blessed me to do life together with – I am still standing. All these things are in His hands.

Thank you for your friendship and support – but especially for your prayers. Please connect and let me know how I can be praying with you as well! It’s an honor to do life with you.