The Journey

I have to say, I've been struggling these past few weeks.  I tell you truthfully and sincerely that I trust God.  I do know He is faithful and I know that His timing is perfect.  AND I even believe the scripture found in Romans 8:28 that assures us, "all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord."  Lately, though, I guess I've let a lingering illness get the best of my attitude.  I've found myself in a place of weariness and I hear myself saying constantly, "I'm just really tired."  Often times the natural can rob the spiritual, if we permit.  My best friend reminded me of the Apostle Paul who said he counted all of his suffering joy.  See, Paul had it figured out.  He had learned to "become content in whatever state" he was in.  (Philippians 4:11-12)  Let me just tell you, he went through some awful things in his time here on earth. Earlier this week, I heard a message entitled, "How Can You Trust Someone ...

The first of the year is always a time of looking inward--self-evaluation.  The fact is, we all have things that we do not like about ourselves.  Most commonly, we describe them as "character flaws".  Perhaps, we should ask ourselves if these attributes are really flawed or is it more accurate that our use of them is where we err.  Sometimes, I think it is the way we exert these quirks that determine what we do and do not like about ourselves as well as how others view us and how we view them.   Also, keep in mind that an imbalance of these qualities can be taken to the extreme and most certainly become flawed.  Some examples: Determination ® Strong-willed, stubbornness Humility ®  low self-esteem Meekness ® weakness Organized  ® obsessive Leadership skills ® controlling, bossy Most of these idiosyncrasies should be viewed as strengths rather than weaknesses.  In the appropriate settings and...

sui·cide :  the act or an instance of  intentionally taking one's own life; to put (oneself) to death; self-destructive The holidays have ended.  It is a well known fact this time of year has the highest suicide rate of any other time.  I've been pondering in my heart what exactly qualifies as suicide.  Obviously, eating a gun or intentionally taking an overdose of medication or the common illegal drugs often used in this morbid method qualify.  But, ponder this... What about smoking?  The warning labels on the pack tell us the dangerous risks and side effects are lethal.  If we are aware, and we are, would that be considered intentional and self-destructive behavior--a form of suicide?  What about the practice of over indulgence of food or alcohol?  These debilitating types of self-annihilation are known medically as morbid obesity and alcoholism.  Yes, they will kill you. Yes, you are making the decision to over eat ...