Category Archives: Life

faith, God, Hope, Life

When the Battle is Ugly

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I know people who love to fight, and others who would rather sit back and watch the fight.

Life is a battleground.

We can choose to participate, or sit back and watch it go by. It’s gonna get ugly sometimes. Let’s be realistic, we’re not in the garden of Eden anymore.

God is with you. Take a breath. Yeah, this chapter may really suck right now, but there is another chapter after this. We are not at the end of your story yet…

“And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.” – Ephesians 6:10-12 MSG

Best song for the Battle….

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Life, Quotes, Spirituality

16 Inspirational Quotes for Labor Day

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Happy Labor Day Friends! Enjoy your day off and celebrate what God has done!

Prayers and Promises

What is Labor Day?

  • A day off with pay?
  • The last hurah before school starts?
  • the last vacation weekend for the family?
  • another day to party?
  • another day to do nothing?

I looked it up.  Labor Day is a public holiday or day of festivities held in honor of working people, in the US and Canada on the first Monday in September, in many other countries on May 1.

So in honor of all the working men, women, and children out there I thought I would share a few quotes on careers.
I’ve had alot of jobs in my lifetime.
My first job – housekeeping at at vacation hotel.
My worst job – baling hay at the farm for no pay.
My current job – customer service – yeah, the one job that has the lowest satisfaction rate I hear, lol.
What about you?
How are you going to spend…

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Life, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Sometimes it’s Good to Go into Hiding

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I’m hiding. I have been ever since I got some bad news about a medical condition. Not earth shattering or anything, just not what I wanted to hear. For the last few weeks I haven’t been up to much other than work and home. I had a few banner days with my kiddos, but other that I kinda shut down.

I think it ‘s natural when you get bad news. My first response is to reject it. I don’t want to hear it. I deny it. That lasted for a few weeks. Then I finally caved and went and took the test the Dr. asked me too. I didn’t like what he had to say. So I rejected his orders to go take another test.

I don’t want to. I don’t even want to think about what could happen. I am not good with the “what ifs”. Better just to ignore it. So I did. Well, that lasted another 2 weeks. I finally caved and have to go in for another test in 2 more weeks. Uggh – this getting older sucks sometimes!

I know God can heal and will heal – but can He hurry up about it? I really don’t like this waiting and trusting stuff. It’s very uncomfortable. Probably my lesson I guess. Yeah, I get it. But I still don’t like it.

My Pastor even preached about how ‘we have not because we ask not’. He shared how we need to tell each other what we are going through. I about fell out of my chair! Seriously Lord, who told him? I know I was praying about it, but in my pride, I didn’t want to tell anybody what I was struggling with. And here comes Holy Spirit, lol! God cracks me up sometimes. After the sermon, I gathered my ‘girl tribe’ and told them what was going on so they could pray. I told my kids that day too…this life stuff is so humbling at times.

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So in my hiding spot I looked at other people who hid in the Bible:

  • Elisha went to hide and God met him there:

And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”” So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” – 1 Kings 19:9-10 NKJV

 

  • Elizabeth went to hide after the Lord met with her husband and God restored her womb:

 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house.  Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying,  “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” – Luke 1:21-25 NKJV

  • Jesus went to hide himself to hear from God the Father and pray

While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. – John 12:36 NKJV

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a Solitary place; and there He prayed. – Mark 1:35

So hey, maybe this hiding thing is a good thing. I can meet God right here in the middle of my mess. I’ll make God my hiding place and get through this dumb stuff.

psalm 119

Hope, Life, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

10 Quotes on Forgiveness

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Forgive me friends. Yes, my last post was a bit over the edge. Sometimes I get too worked up over things that probably don’t make a difference. One thing I have learned, is that I can’t hold on to those angry feelings. They devour you.

Today I choose to forgive, and let God deal with it. I trust the Lord. I can’t carry anger – it’s too heavy. LIfe is too short not to forgive…

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10 Quotes on Forgiveness

  1. “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” ― C.S. Lewis
  2. “Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
  3. “To err is human, to forgive, divine.” ― Alexander Pope
  4. “These are the few ways we can practice humility:
    To speak as little as possible of one’s self.
    To mind one’s own business.
    Not to want to manage other people’s affairs.
    To avoid curiosity.
    To accept contradictions and correction cheerfully.
    To pass over the mistakes of others.
    To accept insults and injuries.
    To accept being slighted, forgotten and disliked.
    To be kind and gentle even under provocation.
    Never to stand on one’s dignity.
    To choose always the hardest.” ― Mother Teresa
  5. “The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.” ― Steve Maraboli
  6. “I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise, it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than Him.” ― C.S. Lewis
  7. “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” ― Nelson Mandela
  8. “Not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die.” ― Anne Lamott
  9. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” – Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV
  10. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV
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Life, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

A Very Bumpy Bus Ride – My Lesson in Humility

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I take so much for granted. I admit it. Sometimes I forget how far the Lord has brought me. How much He has blesssed me. I had a lesson in humility this past week. The brakes went out on my truck. I made it home, thank you Lord. But the light was on and no matter how much brake fluid I added, it leaked right out by the back tire.

My husband, God bless him, said he wanted to fix it instead of taking it in. He had done the front brakes earlier this year. So the fun begins. He took the tire off and it was drum brakes. Lots of springs and little pieces. Looked liked a nightmare to me, but he was game.

That was last Monday. Let’s say, there were parts to be bought, tools that were needed. And one very stubborn husband who was determined to get the job done. I admit it, I would have not even attempted it – way too many parts!

In order to get to work, my husband took me and dropped me off this past week. I forgot what a blessing having a running vehicle was. I took it for granted that it would always work and I could go where I wanted to go.

There was one night he got stuck at a job over 2 1/2 hours away. I got off at 5 and went outside. Then what? Here I sit. Most of my coworkers had left at 4:30 so I couldn’t ask them for a ride. I thought about flagging a car down, but hey, I never did do the hitchhiking thing.

So I sat for a moment. There was that initial moment of panic when I thought, “Oh no, I am going to be stuck here all night.” No Diana, you are not staying here all night. Then you run through your kids and your friends and wonder who can I call to come get me? I texted a few – all still at work. Ugghhh.

Then Holy Spirit opened up my mind. My work is on a bus route. I hadn’t ridden a bus in years. The last time was when I was living in a violent relationship and my husband at the time wouldn’t let me have my own car. It was a very troubling time in my life. But hey, a bus? Why not? I walked over to the bus stop about a block down. I called the number on the sign and asked when the next bus was coming by. Guess what? There was one in 10 minutes! Yeah!

The bus pulled up and I got out my wallet. I thought hey, I’ll go to the mall until my husband could come get me. I had no idea how much it was. I asked the driver – only $1.50 but I would have to get a transfer to get to the mall. Ok, here I go.

I sit down in the seat and look around. Across from me is a visually impared woman with a service dog.  The dog was laying down quietly at her feet and had a doggie jacket on that said, “Don’t pet me, I’m working.”  I smiled. The driver took off and as we drove through the city I thought, “Hey this isn’t so bad.” I can get accross town and not even have a car! I looked back at the woman. She was sitting quitetly enjoying the ride.

And then it hit me. I can’t imagine the hardship this woman went through to even get on the bus without her sight. Just trying to get to the store, or work, or wherever was so much harder for her than me. My heart dropped. Here I was all upset I didn’t have my truck and yet this same bus is how she got around everyday. Forgive me and my pride Lord. humility 2

The bus hit a bump, I grabbed for the rail. It seemed like we were going so fast.  This bus is so bumpy! We rode to the bus station and she got off. She walked over to the next bus as she was transferring too. Turns out it was the bus to the mall.

I followed her in as she sat down. This time I sat behind her and prayed that God would restore her sight. I thanked God for the lesson in humility and learning to be grateful for what I do have. And I asked God to bless her.

We arrived at the mall together. She got off and the dog tried to go back to the air conditioned bus. It was one of those 90 degree days. She stopped him, and they walked in together to the mall. The same place I went to hang out for an hour until my husband could get me.

Life lesson learned – things are not as bad as they seem. There are always others who have much more to deal with on a daily basis. Life is good, God is good, and I had a very enjoyable bumpy bus ride!

humility

 

Anxiety, Healing, Hope, Life, Mental Illness, Religion and Spirituality, teens, Uncategorized

Mom-xiety – When You Don’t Know What is Going On and You Panic

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It was a normal Saturday. Our teens were out doing their thing as my husband and I focused on house stuff – well and Netflix too. A great relaxing day. Then I texted one of my kids. Just checking in, mom stuff – you know. No answer. I brushed it off, no big deal.

Four hours later, I texted again. Still no answer. Another hour later – still no answer. That’s it – that was all my imagination needed to get off to the races. My anxiety started to rise. My heartbeat increased. My mind was going a thousand miles an hour.

What it they were kidnapped?

What if someone did something to them?

What if they are hurt and can’t call me?

What if they don’t want to talk to me?

What if they got a ticket and are in jail?

What if they are dead somewhere on the side of the road and can’t call?

Yeah, you know.

“Mom-xiety – when you don’t know what is going on and you panic.” – Diana Rasmussen

I busied myself most of the day. Then went to try to go to sleep. Texted again, still no worry and faithanswer. Well that was it – I was off to the races again. I couldn’t fall asleep. The pictures in my mind kept getting worse and worse.

Why do we always think the worst?

I was up every 2 hours last night, checking my phone. Not wanting to make a big deal, I didn’t call them or their friends. I thought about it though.

I could have hunted them down like an animal. I could have gotten in my car and went and made a fool of myself, I didn’t. I stayed home and worried. Yeah I prayed – “God you take care of them, so I don’t kill them for not getting back to me.”

I woke up early Sunday morning, 5:00 am. By 5:30 am I couldn’t take it anymore. I texted their friend. Still no answer. I was pacing the floor by this point. This Mom-xiety is awful!  I hate that feeling of being out of control and not knowing what is going on. That’s the truth.

It was about 7 when I got a text from my child. All was well. They had gone boating and had not brought their phone. I didn’t know wheter to laugh or cry from releif! I didn’t lose it and bite their head off. They were out living life and having fun, and being responsible. I was the nutcase yesterday.

Some days I have it together, and other days I just lose it. I wish I wasn’t so up and down. Anxiety sucks. Yeah, I take meds. Yeah, I pray. But when your heart is pounding out of your chest and your brian is a tornado and you can’t breath – then what?

Do I have faith. Yes I do.  Somedays, I guess I just forget to use it.

bible verses for anxiety

 

 

God, Life, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Quotes About New Birth and New Beginnings

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Everybody loves a new baby. Just the act of bringing forth a new life into the world is a miracle. New babies are so adorable. Life is so precious. Totally helpless, the new baby  depends on their parernt(s) or adopted parent(s) to feed them, to hold them, to love them. Babies aren’t picky. Anyone will do. All babies need someone to help.

The same is true for the Church. New babies in Christ are born all the time. They need spiritual mommies and daddies to care for them, to feed them, to hold them, and to love them. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus and not only look forward or to our own needs, but let us  look beside us to feed the new babies Lord.

Babies remind us that we can all begin again. We can always make a new choice and start over. God is patitent with us. He is not willing than anyone should perish. God is FOR us, not against us. Let us start today – with our new life and a new beginning with Jesus. Your story is not over yet – it is just beginning!

born again

Quotes About New Birth and New Beginnings

 

  • “God’s Word is the living seed that brings new birth. It is the milk that nurtures the new life of a young Christian and the meat that builds the muscle of a mature believer.” ― Colin S. Smith
  • “As a newborn baby breathes and cries, so the signs of life in a newborn Christian are faith and repentance, inhaling the love of God and exhaling an initial cry of distress. And at that point what God provides, exactly as for a newborn infant, is the comfort, protection, and nurturing promise of a mother.
    “If God is our father, the church is our mother.” The words are those of the Swiss Reformer John Calvin … it is as impossible, unnecessary, and undesirable to be a Christian all by yourself as it is to be a newborn baby all by yourself.” ― N.T. Wright
  • “A son or daughter in any human family is either born to or adopted by the parents. By definition, a child can’t be both. But with God we’re both born of Him and adopted by Him.” ― Jerry Bridges
  • “Faith is the evidence of new birth, not the cause of it.” – John Piper
  • “The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand-new creation. Not to make people with better morals but to create a community of prophets and professional lovers, men and women who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of the Spirit that burns within, who would live in ever greater fidelity to the omnipresent Word of God, who would enter into the center of it all, the very heart and mystery of Christ, into the center of the flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant, furious love. This, my friend, is what it really means to be a Christian.” ― Brennan Manning
  • “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • “Eternal life is not a peculiar feeling inside! It is not your ultimate destination, to which you will go when you are dead. If you are born again, eternal life is that quality of life that you possess right now.” – Major Ian Thomas
  • “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
  • “The gospel declares that no matter how dutiful or prayerful we are, we can’t save ourselves. What Jesus did was sufficient.” ― Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out
  • “A transformed life is the greatest of all miracles. Every time a person is “born again” by repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ, the miracle of regeneration is performed.” ― Billy Graham

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faith, God, Life, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

The Power of Light and Reflection in our Everyday Lives

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I had the window open the other day.  The sun was shining and it hit my funky salt lamp light. All of a sudden the ceiling of my living room was full of reflected light. There were dancing little circles everywhere. All the while the salt lamp just sparkled in the sun. It was beautiful. Such a small thing, but it opened my eyes to the power light and reflection.

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So what does that mean in normal everyday life for us? Is there really power in light and reflection?

First I did my homework and went to the dictionary. After all, there is always more to the story.

LIGHT 

  • the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible – “the light of the sun”
  • understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment – “she saw light dawn on the woman’s face”
  • provide with light or lighting; illuminate – “the room was lighted by a number of small lamps”
  • make (something) start burning; ignite – “Allen gathered sticks and lit a fire”

So, without light – things would not be visible.  Dark is lifeliess, boring, blah. It’s hard to see anything without light.

Darkness used to cover the Earth. Until God spoke:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was[a] on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.  And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.” – Genesis 1:1-5 NKJV

Now we know there are lights and there are LIGHTS. I’m not talking about a candle light. How about the sunlight that fills the sky and the Earth with brightness. Not everything that gives light is the TRUE LIGHT.  Just because it lights up doesn’t mean it is real.

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Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” – John 8:12 NKJV

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What about reflection? I love how the light shines off all kinds of stuff and then it shows us somewhere else.

REFLECTION

  • an instance of reflecting; especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
  • the production of an image by or as if by a mirror

So with a refelction – it comes from the source. It produces an image of what the source is. Have you seen those beautiful mountain and lake pictures where the mountain is reflected in the lake? There really isn’t another mountain in the lake. The light hits the mountain and the water reflects it.

mountain and lake

Thoughts to Ponder:

What would happen if instead of trying to create our own light in the world, we just reflected God’s light?

What if we were just His vessels to carry the His light into the world?

Kind of like a pitcher carries water. We carry light – God’s light!

What if we looked at the SON like we look at the SUN?

Wouldn’t we just REFLECT His light?

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV

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“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – matthew 5:14-16 NKJV

faith, God, Hope, Life, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Stand Strong in the Storms of Life

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Life can be a storm sometimes. Sometimes it seems like storms come for no good reason. Life doesn’t always make sense. I have had one of those months. I had the flu and was out of work for 4 days. One of my kids was in an accident due to the winter road conditions and my truck got totaled. They were ok, thank God. God protects His kids, that’s for sure. But not the vehicle. Total loss is what they said. The GAP insurance I thought I had didn’t carry over when we changed insurance companies. Ouch. And hey, I just got a bill for the telephone pole that was broken in half, ugh… it’s been a month.

These are the times I have to stand strong and believe that God is with me during the storm, in the waves of trouble and turbulence. Just stand Diana, God knows, God sees, and He will make a way where there seems to be no way. One of my friends made a generous offer for us to buy her deceased husband’s truck. A man I played music with for over 10 years. She is such a blessing to me. My best friend, I love her.

These are the days I have to trust God and believe what He says, even if I don’t see it yet. Guess it’s time to use this faith muscle I have and trust God. I struggle with trust. I have been betrayed, cheated on, rejected…we all have. Trust is a choice. I have chosen to trust the wrong people in my past. I was so naive. I trusted everyone and got hurt. Time and wisdom teaches you to test the spirits. Not everyone should be trusted. There are a lot of liars out there.

But what about God? Truthfully, I am still learning to trust Him. It’s new. He is faithful, that is new. He is honest, that is new. He is truthful, that is new. Yeah, kinda blows my mind sometimes! I am learning to stand on His Word, just cause He said it.

What about you? How do you learn to trust God and stand strong?

Bible Verses About Standing Strong

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” -1 Peter 5:5-11 NKJV

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NJKV

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV

“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.” – Philippians 4:1 NKJV

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:19-25 NKJV

“But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

God, Healing, Life, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Women

Life is too Short to Sweat the Small Stuff

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I have known 5 people who passed from this life and into the next over the past few months. It’s humbling. We always think we have more time here on planet Earth. I am learning how to let go of the negative people in my life and not to sweat the small stuff. It hasn’t been easy. It’s not a natural thing either, that’s for sure.

I had a disagreement with my boss this past week. I feel what she did was wrong. She doesn’t think so. I haven’t pursued it. I bit my tongue and didn’t say anything. But it affected me. I woke up at 4 AM four times is past week after having dreams I was fighting with her. It’s exhausting. At this point, it really doesn’t matter who was right and who wasn’t. It’s not a contest. I guess there will always be times that workers and management do not see eye to eye.

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Then I had to ask myself:

“How important is it Diana?”

“Will it really matter a year from now?” No.

“Does her option of me define me?” No.

“Does she want to help me succeed?” No.

“Do I have to let her opinion affect me?” No.

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I read this great story on a blog that helped me put it in perspective. It was a Buddha story, so don’t get all freaked out ok?

Buddha was well known for his ability to respond to evil with good.  There was a man who knew about his reputation and he traveled miles and miles and miles to test Buddha. When he arrived and stood before Buddha, he verbally abused him constantly; he insulted him; he challenged him; he did everything he could to offend Buddha.

Buddha was unmoved, he simply turned to the man and said, “May I ask you a question?”

The man responded with, “Well, what?”

Buddha said, “If someone offers you a gift and you decline to accept it, to whom then does it belong?”

The man said, “Then it belongs to the person who offered it.”

Buddha smiled, “That is correct.  So if I decline to accept your abuse, does it not then still belong to you?”

The man was speechless and walked away.

Source: https://personalexcellence.co/blog/critical-people/

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How I am Learning to not Sweat the Small Stuff:

  • I don’t have to attend every argument I am invited to.
  • I don’t have to let the negativity of others in.
  • I can agree to disagree.
  • It’s a job, not who I am.
  • I don’t have to prove myself to everyone. I can just be me.
  • I can accept that not everyone will agree with me or even like me, that’s ok. We are each entitled to our own thoughts and opinions. Life would be boring if we were all the same.
  • God knows and God sees. He knows the truth. I can be free from the opinion of others. I can choose to trust Him to deal with the ‘sandpaper people in my life.
  • We all reap what we sow. I’m gonna plant my own seeds and take care of my own garden. I want good fruit, fruit that will last. I’ll plant kindness and peace, and hope.
  • God will repay her for her false accusations. I don’t have to.
  • I’ll pray for her. God says to pray for those who persecute you. Do I want to? No. But I know the only way I will be free of this is if I let go of it and let God take care of it. I trust God. He is faithful. He is true.
  • I’m going to refocus on the things I am grateful for, not the things I am not. If you have ever used a magnifying glass you know it magnifies what you look at. I am going to magnify the good things, not the bad.

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(all images from Pinterest)

Life, Quotes, Soldiers, Spirituality

5 Quotes to Honor our Fallen Soldiers – Remembering Ethan Barclay-Weberpal

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Sometimes there are no words to express how we feel when one of our own dies. It’s hard. We recently lost one of our hometown Soldiers to a senseless act of violence. Yes, Ethan Barclay-Weberpal was killed Jan. 16 at Camp Pendleton was from Janesville, WI. Our city mourns him. It’s not right. He just graduated boot camp and was killed by a fellow Marine. Stabbed to death by a peer. He was a Marine. What happened to Semper Fidelis?

“Semper Fidelis” or “Semper Fi” signifies the dedication that individual Marines have to “Corps and country,” and to their fellow Marines. It means “always faithful” and it’s the Motto of the Marine Corps. What happened?

Not much is being released in the News, just that the other Marine was arrested.  I didn’t know Ethan, but my friend did.  I can’t imagine the pain that Ethan’s family is going through. It is so wrong.

According to USMClife.com:

Messages also came from Marines who knew the private first class, “saying what a great guy he was, sharing pictures, offering to help in any way they can while they are hurting themselves,” Casey said.

One of those Marines described Ethan as an “amazing” young man who brought a smile to everyone who knew him, and one of the few who continued to go to church.

The Marine said the pastor once invited anyone who knew the songs to lead them, and Ethan knew all the words.

“He led a lot of people to God,” Casey said.

“Those are messages that make you say, …” Scott said, hesitating.

“They make you ask why,” Casey said, finishing the thought.

Dear Lord, comfort Ethan’s family and friends. Flood them with your love and your comfort. And bring justice to this situation, in Jesus Name!

You can donate to Ethan’s family here:

https://www.gofundme.com/marine-pfc-ethan-barclay-weberpal

Ethan

5 Quotes to Remember Our Fallen Soldiers

  1.  “We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” – James A. Garfield
  2.  “It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” – H. Norman Schwarzkopf
  3.  “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
  4.  “And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.” – Joseph Rodman Drake
  5.  “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell

 

 

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How Thankfulness Changes the Atmosphere and Stops Negative Thoughts

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Be thankful. Sometimes easier said then done. Yet I have found when I purpose in my heart to be thankful the atmosphere changes. My focus changes, my heart changes, and my mood changes.

I must admit the first thought in my head may not be the most positive thing. I think the Enemy knows that and when I’m not quite up yet, the self condemning thoughts try to start. I won’t repeat them, just know that they are not good.

I have found the secret to get the bad thoughts to stop – start thanking God. It doesn’t matter for what – anything.

“Thank You Lord for a new day. ”

“Thank You Lord for keeping me and my family safe.”

“Thank You Lord for your grace and mercy.”

These are just a few of my ‘go to’ thank yous. And instantly the condemning thoughts stop!

I don’t think the Enemy can live in the place of praise!

pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 NKJV

Thankfulness changes the atmosphere and stops negative thoughts!