Good morning, friends! Actually, I think it’s a great morning. You’re alive and well, so let’s thank our good, good Father for that. If you accepted my challenge from yesterday’s Sunrise Sermon, you’re focusing on all things good in your life — using all of your archaeology tools to unearth the hidden gems all around you. Two of the most powerful tools we have are our ears — tools that can go where our eyes cannot. Even in darkness, they can do good work, sifting through all those things that distract one’s eyes, in search of a message — a promise of good news. There’s nothing better than hearing an unexpected compliment that’s not meant as flattery but merely to share what’s obvious to others and to encourage you at the same time.
Sometimes, though, we close our ears to the good news and lose sight of the promise of better days. We get stuck in messes that we create or begin to sink chest deep into someone else’s quicksand without any recollection of how we got there in the first place. Sometimes we sink fast, without a plan to get out. It’s easy to get caught in someone else’s mess if we veer off course and lose our focus. Remember this: You don’t have to have a front row seat for every imminent disaster. You’ll have plenty of trials to contend with in your own life without using your precious time to watch someone else’s demise. Sadly, we’re drawn to that stuff — stuff that isn’t our business — stuff that our brains will surely take note of and replay at a later date. And it’s not just the bad stuff that we’re drawn to; we welcome the gentle tugging of others’ excitement and celebrations as well. That, too, will replay in our minds when we least expect it, and the comparisons begin — the enemy of progress.
The brain is a powerful recording device, and it captures everything we experience — whether it’s someone else’s tragic moment, a horror movie, a crossroads in your life, or a celebration. Our brains record it all, and sometimes, it replays and repeats the scary moments — moments that may not even be ours. It’s important to discern when it’s time to press STOP on the recorder. Certainly, you can’t shut off your brain, but you can silence the noise that’s distracting you so that you can record a new message.
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 1:6
You don’t have to stay stuck. Make a decision right now to put one foot in front of the other and then repeat until you find your rhythm. Every little step you make in the right direction is progress. Encourage yourself. Speak boldly! Record a message for yourself that empowers you to keep moving. Something as simple as I am a child of God — fearfully and wonderfully made. God provides for me, and he is all that I need. God heals me so that I may do his will. God loves me, and his love endures forever. You have the power to break all chains of the mind that keep you bound simply by recording a new message. Do you want to become stronger? Record a new message every day — a Virtual Journal that can become your playlist at the end of each week, month, or year. Scroll down to the comments, and share your recording with me. I want to be stronger too.
Before you leave today, please take a few minutes to listen to my Music Monday selection from Mandisa entitled “Stronger.” May blessings abound! <3
Good of you to point out this traps to avoid. There are so many good things to feed out brains, it is a pitiful waste to feed it useless to harmful images.
I’m so glad you had this follow-up message. I was strong yesterday. In 24 hours I hit some roadblocks, and I feel sure it’s Satan attacking me. Satan sends trials when you are down, and I needed to recognize this. I had to turn the focus back on God, and your suggestion of making a new recording was a wonderful concrete action to take. Thank you.
“For God so loved the world…”, and the world includes me. Jesus loved me enough to die for me, and I’m going to bask in his ever-present love.
Needed this.
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
I happened to see your blog today and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Right down to the song by Mandisa. I won’t go in to detail but the challenges I’ve faced have finally caught up to me. I have felt hopeless, fearful and have just wanted to give up. I’m a strong woman and a believer. However, even the strongest person can only take so much. I’ve had my limit. Just for today I’ll take the advice of this blog and Mandisas lyrics and “hold on just a little bit longer”. Thank you,
Praise God for answered prayers! Velma, as the Holy Spirit speaks to me, I pen these posts. My prayer is always that these messages make it to those who need them. I used to feel a little sad when no one read (or only a few people did) until the first time someone said “This is exactly what I needed today.” My entire focus changed in that moment. As a strong woman and a believer, I get it. When I write these posts, I’m ministering to myself as much as I am to others. I, too, have reached a point (just this week) where I felt stuck and only had two options — stay where I am and be miserable or take a leap of faith. No bells and whistles went off when I took that step, but I took that step. I overcame fear for a little while and did something for me. I read a quote this morning that will be the muse for my Sunday post: “Virtue lies in the struggle — not the prize.” May blessings abound in your life, sweet Sister, and know that I will lift my prayers for you right now. <3
Many blessings to you as well. I pray you will continue to help others with your words. I’m at the end of my ropes. I don’t know which way to go anymore. I’m drowning. I can no longer recognize any options at this point. However I will continue he to take that leap of faith by continuing to move forward
There are always options, sweet lady. Sometimes we don’t want to consider them because they’re too hard or not necessarily good options. If you don’t know which way to go, perhaps you might just sit still for a bit without distractions and listen for God’s voice. I believe you’ll hear him (just as I did this morning when he suggested I look at my blog’s notifications). One of my favorite verses comes from James 4:8 — Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. I’m pulling for you!
Thank you!!
Reblogged this on fiercefabulousfunny.
Thanks for sharing the love, Velma. <3
Just wanted to let you know that I always enjoy reading your work. You are so very inspiring and one of my favorite things is that you sometimes include a song.