Thought for the Day

Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.

~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Forgiveness

One of the tell tale signs that I am very much human is the presence of flaws. I know right, how shocking! But yes, I confess, I am a flawed individual. I am not perfect and I never will be this side of the journey. There was a time when I would never admit that I was flawed and if one was identified, I hid it as best I could. My strategy was deny, deny, deny! It has been said that with age comes wisdom, and I would have to agree, not that I think I am old in any way. But I will admit that some changes have accompanied the arrival of my 4th decade on this earth.  Luckily for me, increased wisdom and awareness are a couple of them. So now I simply acknowledge my flaws, accepting them and embracing them. They are part of the toolbox that God has gifted me to become all that He has destined me to be. One of the flaws that I have finally come to terms with and decided it was time to reckon with is the struggle with granting forgiveness. I recently made the decision that I am no longer going to live my life in bondage to unforgiveness. I decided that I would let it go. In doing so, I learned that this is a process that sometimes requires me to choose to forgive more than once, sometimes, many times over. So, it comes as no surprise that here I am battling these same feelings of unforgiveness. I am trying desperately to let go of offenses, hurts, and bitterness. The past has taught me that this is not something that I will accomplish in my own strength. Forgiveness, at least for me requires the presence and act of supernatural assistance. It is times like this that I am grateful for the Lord's promises to not leave me, to strengthen me, to help me and to work in me and utilize His strength in my weaknesses. So today, I'm clinging to Jesus, and his promises to help me. He has been faithful and has led me to some resources which have been helpful. I am going to share some of the quotes and scriptures that are helping me through this in my daily "Thought for the Day" posts.  Perhaps if you are experiencing your own battle with forgiveness, maybe they will help you in some way too. Just know we will get through this and have the victory over unforgiveness through our faith in Jesus! Don't give up!

Thought for the Day

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Thought for the Day

You do not have to seek anyone else's approval for the life God has given you to live.

-Chrystal Evans Hurst

Thought for the Day

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Luke 17:10

Thought for the Day

No one is good except God alone.

Luke 18:19

Thought for the Day

Let go of your desire to control what you cannot know.

TD Jakes

Thought for the Day

Trust in him at all times, O people;

 pour out your heart before him; 

God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 62:8

Lessons Learned in 2016

I have wanted to take some time to reflect on 2016 since we first uttered the words “Happy New Year!” but I have not had the opportunity. Today I finally got that chance. As I reflected on 2016, I realized that it was a year filled with lessons. Some were difficult and I hope to not ever have to repeat them, but others were amazing! I would not trade them for anything in the world. Last year was when I learned to write down my lessons, in hopes that they stick and perhaps help someone else along the way. That being the case, I have decided to share them here with you. So, here it goes—my lessons from 2016.

   

   1.    Write down lessons I have learned.

   2.   Don’t do anything expecting something in return.

   3.   Change is at times uncomfortable and lonely.

   4.   Don’t ever give up.

   5.   Take time to heal.

   6.   Forgiveness requires forgiving multiple times--along with a commitment to see it through. It can be a long process.

   7.   Jesus is always with me and has my back.

   8.   Decide in advance to get back up and begin again.

   9.   Trust Jesus.

   10. God never fails.

   11. I am so much more than I thought I was and infinitely more than the world tells me I am.

   12. God’s approval is the only one that matters and the only one I want.

   13. To say what I mean and mean what I say because those that matter don’t mind and those that mind don’t matter. (Yes, this is from Dr. Seuss and it is something I have found to be true)

   14. I cannot make people like or love me.

   15. I cannot change people, only God can do that.

   16. I can take anything to Jesus.

   17. It is an awful feeling to be cast aside and excluded—especially in places/spaces where it is least expected.

   18. Pray scripturally.

   19. Spiritual warfare. 

   20. To arm myself in the full armor of God.

   That’s my list of lessons learned in 2016. They have helped me to grow tremendously and for that I am grateful. Mostly, I have been reminded through these lessons that I am not alone in any of it. Jesus is always right there with me—before me, beside me and behind me. And what’s best of all--He is for me! And that will get me through anything!I look forward to what I will learn in 2017. In fact, I am already writing them down. J

Thought for the Day

The way of wisdom is trusting Jesus no matter what is going on in my life.

Note from Jesus Calling Devotional by Sarah Young

From My Prayer Journal

Your word is what gives me comfort in my difficulties. It is your word that gives me life. LORD I ask for your favor with all of my heart, please be gracious to me as you have promised. LORD teach me good judgment and knowledge because you are good and you do good. Thank you LORD for the difficulties I face so that I learn your statute. Keep my steps steady as you have promised. LORD let no sin have dominion over me. Redeem me from man's oppression that I may keep your rules for living. Let your hand be ready to help me for I have chosen your rule for how to live. Let my soul live and praise you, let your rules help me. Amen.

From Psalm 119

Thought for the Day

It is a major part of maturity to accept not only your own shortcomings but those of the people you love, and help them not to fail when you can.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Thought for the Day

"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it."

-Margaret Thatcher

Thought for the Day

"Do the things that interest you and do them with all of your heart. Don't  be concerned about whether people are watching or criticizing you."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Thought for the Day

Seek the LORD and his strength; seek His presence continually!

Psalm 105:4

Happy New Year!