Be Kind...to yourself

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

1 Corinthians 13:4

        Kindness is an important characteristic to possess.  Kindness is defined as the quality of being generous, considerate, and friendly (New Oxford American Dictionary). Being kind displays Gods' love and acts as a moral compass.  Kindness and love are synonymous; they go hand in hand. Living  in today's times with the hustle and bustle of everything, we sometimes forget to take time our for ourselves; to be kind to and love ourselves.  We get so caught up with people-pleasing chores until we forget about ourselves.  Being kind to oneself begins with acknowledging God and then, affirming who we are in this world; the reason God created us.  When we affirm our identify, we are loving and showing kindness to ourselves.  

        So many times, I have come down extremely hard on myself when I make a mistake or fail at something.  I beat myself up and begin to sink into a depression.  However, as I gain more years of life, God has granted me His wisdom to see that everything that happens in my life has been orchestrated by Him.  My failures are stepping stones to achievements, my mistakes prompt me to ask for His forgiveness and start all over.  Gods' love has shown me how to be kind, not only to others, but now to myself.  I have learned to encourage myself and be patient with me.  Be kind and patient with yourself. 

        Be Kind and Patient with Yourself. 

Staying Fit for God

 

Keep Rising

“Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” Proverbs 24:16

It is so easy to give up when life gives you difficult circumstances, when life seems to be the darkest it's ever been, and when there is no silver lining in sight. Some people ponder the question, is it worth it?  Yes it is. We are reminded in the Bible, that God is with us, no matter what life throws our way, He is with us through everything. 

Black History month is great time to learn about how African-Americans overcame adversity and kept rising.  Even today, people of color are still fighting for equality, overcoming adversity, and rising despite what other groups of people try to do.  

When life brings its challenging and uncertain events, focus on the One, Certain God to see you through. Trust God not man to help you Rise.  Rise up with prayer!

Rise up with prayer!

Be Humble

 

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will exalted." Matthew 23:12

  Humility is maintaining a modest view point of oneself; not believing you are more important than others. Humility is understanding that we are no exception to a rule, and should abide by rules and laws. At the same time, we should not look down our noses at each other, but always be willing to help each other out when in need.

The picture of the bumble bee pollinating the flower reminded me of Gods’ perfect work. The bumble bee and flower work in perfect harmony, neither considers itself better than the other. Both work together for the greater good. The bee helps the flower produce seeds and the flower provides nutrients to the bee. The bumble bee and flower live in humility and harmony, and serve each other. We could learn so much from Gods’ creation when we stop and observe His laws in nature.

Let’s live like the Bumble Bee and Cone Flower - in Humility and Harmony.

Laugh Out Loud!

"Don't take life too seriously, laugh!" Dr. Vanessa Elliott

  Laughing is a response to lively amusement as defined by the New Oxford American Dictionary. Laughing helps to relieve stress and creates an awareness of one of God's gifts in the form of laughter. God wants us to enjoy life and embrace moments that produce laughter in our hearts.  

During my darkest days I have discovered moments that produced hearty laughter; even when I did not want to laugh. Laughter counter balances crying and revives the soul, and gives strength to go on to another day. So, today laugh, laugh, and laugh some more, out loud!

Let laughter into your life.

       

   

Patience is...

 

Inside Out

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

   In today's world, people are so focused on how they look on the outside, until they forget about how they look on the inside (metaphorically). Dorothy West said, "Beauty is skin deep, ugly to the bone. And when beauty fades away, ugly claims its own." There are beautiful people who display ugly actions, and these ugly actions will remain well after their physical beauty has faded. Our actions begin with our hearts.  How beautiful is your heart? 

     I long ago said to myself that "I want my insides to reflect my true beauty."  I knew then my physical beauty would fade, but God's beauty would remain in me.  A person's true beauty does not rest in the outward appearance, but the inward condition of their heart. Characteristics of a Beautiful Heart include:

• Kindness
• Patience
• Selflessness
• Humility

  As I write this message, I am reminded of a recent experience in the grocery store, right before the snow storm Blair came through our area. Everyone was rushing through the store as if the sky was falling, and I remember saying to myself, "slow down, it is just snow. Be patient." I remained patient and took my time shopping for the items on my short list. When I got in line, for the self-check out counters, there was a woman waiting for the next checkout counter to open up, she looked at me and saw that I had very few items, and she said, "go ahead, you have fewer things than me and I am in no rush." I thanked the lady and we both laughed and shared a few funny comments while at the check-out counters. This woman’s beauty showed from inside out; her heart was filled with kindness and laughter.  

    We all should strive to develop beautiful hearts and let our beauty flow from the inside out.  We can begin with displaying small acts of kindness, such as holding the door open for the next person, or sharing words of encouragement to someone experiencing hardship.  Don't let your beauty fade. 

Where is your true beauty? Inside or Outside?