Don't Give Up

Do you know the difference between an acquaintance and a true friend? Or maybe you’ve had to find out the hard way the difference between a “fake” friend and someone who is genuinely vested in you ...not what you can give them. As a person that was addicted to everyone else’s approval I had a hard time discerning between all of the above. I was so busy trying to get everyone to like me that I failed to notice that there were some who were just pretending to like me for their own personal gain. Or truth be known...some people just like to see others hurt. Learning how to discern between good people and bad people (to be blunt) was not easy. Sometimes good people can act bad and sometimes bad people come across as good...so confusing...and how can we tell the difference??? I’m still not sure I’ve got this down pat but I prayed a long time ago for the gift of discernment. I believe God answered my prayer and it has served me well over the years. Taken from the book of 1 John and speci...

Have you ever just sat back and taken a moment to truly reflect on your life...and make a conscious effort to focus on all of the wonderful treasures it holds? If not- I highly recommend it. It does the soul good. Taking my own advice today...I am beyond overwhelmed...to the point of tears, at this incredible life I’ve been given. Turning 40 (which is ancient to some...haha...and still a Spring Chicken to others) has really made me stop, reflect and appreciate my blessings. In my reflections, I also find myself praising and thanking God, for creating me, and allowing me to live this life that I love so much. (Some days more than others...) As I look in the mirror at the lines forming around my eyes and forehead I see 40 years of smiling and laughing...the gray hair peeking through reminds me of the scripture Proverbs 16:31...it is my crown of glory. My family always did call me a princess! With age comes wisdom and I’m finally starting to feel smart! I finally feel like a grown up...

The bible tells us in Proverbs 17:22   “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” I agree wholeheartedly. Take a moment and smile. Doesn’t it just automatically change your perception - even for a moment. Yes! It does. Science has actually proven that the mere act of smiling (even when forced) can lift your mood, lower your stress levels, boost your immune system and possibly even prolong your life. Science didn’t even know it was proving the bible correct...but it did! ( Here is a cool article about it. ) I have a very good friend that I confide in. She is the best - She is not judgmental, a great listener and she has a heart to really help others. She has become my sounding board over the years. She does not attend the same church as I do so therefore I can vent (my ministry frustrations) to her and she has absolutely no clue as to what I’m referring. Her advice always starts with, “Find the funny if you can”. It is the best advice ever! God...