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To be without hope is discouraging – even exhausting. Equally, a message of hope is such welcome news. Perhaps you need that right now.
This is #1 in a series on hope. So, stay tuned!
Tag: feelings
Well-Thought, Well-Spoken, Well-Lived
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I’m thinking of a specific person. Actually, a remarkable person. As I got to know and interact with them, I realized they are the perfect example of what we discuss today – well-thought, well-spoken, well-lived. Over time, I came to deeply respect this person because they represent a very well-lived life!
Who comes to your mind as you consider today’s content?
Covered By God’s Love
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OK! Think WINTER! Freezing cold. You feel exposed – at risk. Plus – you’re shivering! Next thing you know, someone offers you a soft, comfortable, big blanket. Plus, it’s an electric blanket, already plugged in – cozy and warm. This word picture shows what it’s like to be covered by God’s love. Particularly in the cold of the world where you are sometimes exposed and at risk.
When Life Gets Hard
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I remember a time when I made a plunge I didn’t intend to. Nor did I want to. Matter of fact, it surprised me when I realized where I ended up. Interestingly, I found myself in the very place a guy in Scripture landed. When life gets hard, it can knock the wind out of you. Also, you feel exhausted. Things pile up over your history. Then, you can plunge – and slip from the comfortable place you normally enjoy.
When life gets hard, it’s critical to pro-actively do certain things to re-enter a comfortable, healthy place. Incidentally, that’s what God wants for you. So, let’s look at some helpful action points.
A Positive Mindset Works – Scripture Dissection
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I’m sure it’s not just me. Surely, you’ve been there, too. Your computer, phone, or device just isn’t cooperating. So, you refresh. If that doesn’t work, you turn it off – and back on again. Plus, you take care of any updates. Worse case scenario, you back-up data and re-format your device. Honestly! A lot of management! Similarly, there’s management needed for a mindset to work well. However, it involves certain reboots, re-starts, updates, and even re-formats to have a positive mindset work.
Let’s see what Scripture says.
When God Weeps – Scripture Dissection
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Have you ever wondered if God cries? Well, He does. In fact, God weeps! I suppose most people don’t think about it. Nevertheless, it likely happens more often than you or I can imagine. When God weeps, He connects with you and me. Actually, that’s quite comforting. Plus, it gives permission to you to weep when your life overflows with disappointment.
What does God weep about?
The Shame Thing – Scripture Dissection
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I remember a funny quote in the movie, “Mulan.” : “Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow . . . ” Do you remember it? Incidentally, this rebuke is spoken by Mushu, a Chinese dragon – Mulan’s companion. Actually, dishonor is something like shame. In fact, dishonor is a strong match for shame according to a thesaurus. You might wonder if I’m going to suggest – – under no circumstances should you allow yourself to experience shame. Not so. Unfortunately, too many people don’t have healthy contrition anymore. Conversely, many people don’t know what to do with undeserved shame. Let’s explore the shame thing.
The One Thing You Need This Year – Scripture Dissection
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If you could choose only one thing you need this year more than anything else – what would you pick? That’s a hard question to answer. Actually, I’m not sure I could do it. Nevertheless, let’s see if God’s Word has any input about the one thing you need this year.
Manage Christmas Sadness – Advent Week 3
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You might be surprised to know Christmas sadness is a real thing. It hits when people go through difficulties that stretch into the Christmas season. Or with unexpected bad news. Sometimes, it’s an on-going, unhealthy relationship or life situation. Interestingly, Christmas sadness can sometimes appear though everything is going fine. Unexpectedly, something rises inside you without permission and surprises you. In fact, you may even wonder why it’s there because there’s no identifiable reason.
Whatever the scenario, you are not alone if you experience Christmas sadness.
Subsequently, the kindest thing you can do for yourself is to learn how to manage Christmas sadness.
Joy of Anticipation – Advent Week 2
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You know the little kid in the back seat on a long trip? Every 15 minutes, they ask (with a tired sigh) – “Are we there yet?!” That’s the same little cherub, along with a host of other little kids and just as many adults, who asks, “Is it Christmas yet?” The first exclamation – “Are we there yet?” – is more like – “Gosh! How much longer?!” An impatience and a feeling of being confined. The second exclamation – “Is it Christmas yet?” – is more like – “I’m so excited, I can hardly wait.” An expression of the joy of anticipation.
