Tag: perspective

The Answer You Seek Is Within

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Have you ever spent time looking for your sunglasses or glasses all over your home only to discover that they have been on your head this whole time?! Or maybe you searched everywhere for your phone only to realize it’s been snug in your back pocket?

Something I have learned is that whatever you are searching for to fill a specific void is not out there. The answer is within. You may think a specific thing is going to fulfill you…. And then when you actually do get it you’re going to still have that void. And then you’re going to be left very confused and concerned. You’re going to think, I really thought this was going to fulfill me and answer all my questions. Why do I still feel this emptiness? This void? This feeling?

The answer is right where you are. And the way you discover your answer is by spending time with yourself. Getting to know yourself. Learning to love yourself.

The way we spend time getting to know others we should be spending time getting to know who we are. Why do we act a specific way? Why do we respond the way that we do? Why are we afraid of this and that? Ask why about yourself, and keeping asking it. Discover what you enjoyed doing as a kid, discover what brought peace to you and bring it back.

Saying, “this is just the way I am” is not your full truth. You have shape and definition. Why would you not want to discover the tools and colors that were used to create who you are as an individual. Give yourself time to discover yourself. Not all your discoveries will be pleasant. Some will be painful. Vulnerability forms deeper connections with others. Being vulnerable with yourself does the same.

Nobody is this entire world knows you the way that you know yourself. Nobody knows what you have seen or experienced. You’re worth getting to know, and you’re worth your love. See yourself for the miracle that you truly are.

You Are A Sacred Gift

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There’s a book I just began reading called, “A Child Of The Native Race.” A story of woman who was born to an Indian family but taken away at 18 months old and raised by a white family. It’s a story of returning to her roots.

In her dedication the author Sandy White Hawk says this,

“

Even if we came into this world in the worst of circumstances.

We are not that circumstance; we were sacred when we were born

separate from the hardship that surrounded us.

Our life is good and has a purpose.”

“

This quote above really resonated with me in such a way. I don’t know that I can fully put into words.

It resonated with me because of my own adoption story and discovering my roots and finding my biological family. And it resonated because of my daughter, and her adoption story.

And currently, we are fostering my nephew, who we plan on adopting.

It is sad? The circumstance? In a way, yes, yes it is. And that should be acknowledged. But it is also a gift as well in it’s own way. And the gift may not be recognized until many years later (I can testify to that). This quote above affirms what I already know. That each of us are sacred, no matter how we entered this world. No matter the circumstance in which we are born into.

When we enter into this world we couldn’t be anymore pure. Each of us, first born, are so full of life, curiousity, adventure. It is the world, the pressures, the fears, the power and greed that work to steal us away from who we are. We become confused, afraid, and we feed ourselves lies.

Listen to me….

We are sacred gifts. We are miracles. We are love. You must never forget that. Never forget how significant you are. Never doubt your capabilities. You are chosen. That is the truth.

Forgive others. Forgive yourself.

Many of us DO enter this world through challenging circumstances. But how we come into this place does not define who we are. We are still chosen to be here, despite the troubles that may surround us. And we will find our way.

Lean not on your own understanding.

Live your days recognizing the gifts that surround you. Remind others that they are treasure. Help others to see how remarkable they are. We are never alone on our journey.

Discussing and sharing is healing and it’s connecting.

Lots of love always.

– m.g.

Soften The Heart: Devotional #22

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“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

The payment to live and be with God is death. We know that we are alive, and that one day, we, and everyone else will die. Death is the gateway to be with THE ONE.

Death can be thought of like taking a shower. Our earthly lives are covered in mud. We are head to toe covered in mud and gunk. And no matter what we do we can’t really get clean in this life.

Jesus let’s us know that when we die the mud will be removed. We gain peace knowing that one day, we will actually be clean and free.

This awareness brings joy. We don’t have to waste anymore time scrubbing away “this mud.” We CAN’T scrub it away anyway no matter how hard we try!

There are others who live who are still convinced that they can get clean and wipe this mud away themselves. They spend almost their whole lives scrubbing and wiping this mud, convinced that they can become clean without anyone’s help.

To die, is to truly remove the mud that is clung to each of us like wet clothes. Death is the ONLY way.

Death is a gift. Death is removing the chains of sin to be with God.

I know the talk of death is scary. It is. It’s scary because there is still much unknown what’s on the other side. It’s scary to think of the separation from the ones we love on this earthly life. But it will okay.

We have been gifted with faith and assurance that it will be okay. That we are loved. And whether we know it or not, this is something we all actually really want.

We have been given a great gift. Many want to point and blame God for the suffering in this world. However it is the suffering that will actually strengthen our bond with God, it’s the suffering that will provide understanding. To recognize the sin in this world is to cry out to God.

You are loved, always and forever. And you are never alone. May peace be with you.

m.g.

My Daughter Got Splinters In Her Foot And I Discovered A Spiritual Lesson In The Incident

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You’ve probably heard someone say once or twice before, God is good. And how would you define that phrase?

I feel like I’ve had some type of revelation and I’m excited to share it. God is good.

In the past whenever I would hear that phrase I would repeat to myself, God is good. But then think, what does that even really mean?

How do we interpret that? Well for one, we can look around at nature and be astonished.

Like, are you aware of what an octopus can do! It’s pretty spectacular. That in itself points to an incredible creator.

But God also reveals his work and skills in tribals and in times of distraught.

Let me share a little story that just took place a couple of days ago. A story of my daughter getting some deep splinters and what unraveled into a spiritual lesson.

At our house we have a little wood deck that my husband actually made. Picture a yard of turf, then you can two steps onto this wood deck that bridges to a giant sand pit.

Our daughters have so much fun in our backyard. Tons of laughing and imagination. My husband and myself always say how much we love just watching our children play. It’s truly a blessing.

Well one late afternoon the girls and I had just got back from picking up a half pepperoni and half cheese pizza. The girls raced to the trampoline to play with the puppies that we just recently got (2 border collie pups, too cute. But they chew on everything!) I shouted to come inside to eat and then………

Then, I hear screaming. I look out the window and my 3 year old is sitting on the wood deck, head down, crying hysterically. Echoing through out the neighborhood. My other daughter is shouting, “‘mom! She has a splinter!” I knew it was bad. This wasn’t the first time that this type of situation has happened.

I had just sat down too and taken two bites out of my pizza. I thought of course, this is parent life. I walk over to the deck nonchalantly (I’ve learned it’s best to not react too much when they’re in distress. Makes it way worse) and look at her foot. I see it and think, shit.

There’s 2 splinters that are deep in her foot. These won’t be easy to pull out with just tweezers, she’s going to need “surgery”. I call my husband and tell him what happened. Luckily he was already on his way home from work. He tells me to soak her foot in water. I take her to the bathtub.

That was a struggle as you can imagine with a 3 year old. Although it quickly became a party in the bathroom. Her sisters were there fully supporting her. One is feeding her pizza while the other is making her laugh with silly gestures. Her foot is soaking in the water, she’s got a lollipop in her hand, a “bravery” light up watch/bracelet, and her unicorn baby doll. At this point she’s calmed down a little.

Then dad gets home.

She begins to cry hysterically all over again which I totally understand. It’s like when someone asks, “are you okay?” when you’re totally not and you begin to uncontrollably cry. We’ve all been there right?

My husband looks at her foot and with no hesitation but complete confidence says, “I can get those out.” In my head I’m thinking, ummm are you sure, did ya see her foot, and I even suggest urgent care. I reiterate that they are deep and I don’t know if he can do it. My confidence in him is slim.

He says, we’ll wait till she’s asleep. Or we can leave it and let her body reject it. I wasn’t for the latter, I wanted those wood pieces out of her tiny little foot. Splinters can be painful! We all know this.

She quickly falls asleep, I’m sure to the exhaustion of crying. My husband gets all prepped up for “surgery”. I say that with a sense of humor. Our daughter rests on our bed. I give him his space while checking periodically on the both of them.

In this inconvenient moment I think about how amazing my husband is and I think about what a great dad he is too. This is when God comes to mind and the spiritual message enters.

In this moment my husband revealed to me once again what he’s capable of. I saw him in a different light caring for our daughter, coming to her rescue, and even our other daughters took notice watching their daddy take care of their baby sister. As one of my daughters watches from afar she says, “Daddy’s my hero”.

I believe God works and reveals Himself in similar ways. How would we know how great God was if it wasn’t for the hard times. How could God show us what He’s actually capable of doing if it weren’t for those muddy waters that we get caught in? It’s in these times of fear and pain and discomfort that God steps in and says, “I got you, wait till you see how I’m going to heal you and make this better again.”

Do we trust God? Let’s be honest, not always. Like my 3 year old daughter with splinters in her foot, instead of surrendering her foot and letting us help her she held her foot close to her and kept it restricted. We had to wait till she was asleep before we could even touch it!

It’s these moments, which can be unbearable moments that actually bring us closer to God. He reveals different sides that we never knew. We learn more of Gods capabilities, powers, and healing through these moments.

My daughter getting those splinters sucked. But because of those stubborn/painful splinters I got to witness my husband caring for our daughter. So gently he took those out of her foot without her barley even noticing. My daughters watching from afar developed a new level of trust in their Daddy.

I do believe God works like this. And you know what? Yeah, God IS good. He takes unfortunate events and uses them to bring us closer to Him. God reveals that He can remove “splinters” and more. He can make those pains better. And sometimes like my 3 year old, we don’t surrender to Him. But it doesn’t even matter. He’s going to take care of us anyway.

If you want to recognize how God has been good in your life think for a moment of some difficult times. And think about the good that came from those times.

Read between the lines of your life and you’ll see and you’ll know how present God is.

Would love to hear how God has worked in your life or would love to hear a simple moment turned spiritual.

The splinters
The culprits.
When he pulled the first one out.

Thank you for reading! 🙂

Feeling Down? Here’s A List Of Instant MOOD BOOSTERS

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Life will get you down. And sometimes life will strait up knock you down and put it’s giant, ugly foot, on top of your neck mocking you while you struggle to breathe. That sounds harsh, I know this, but there’s truth to it and it is real life. And if you’re reading this blog then you know that, and something may possibly be going on in your life.

But listen, as a beautiful lotus can grow through mud, I do strongly believe and know that good and greatness can grow and push its way through adversity. Proving something that seems nearly impossible to achieve.

Which then gifts us with hope, what every human being needs.

Now let’s talk about our feelings for just a moment.

The feelings that tag along with life can be strong and unbarring but it is vital to not let them control you and cater to their every need. Sad/angry feelings are not a bad thing. They help us enjoy and discover the good/wonderful feelings that much more. How can we know joy without sadness?

Keep that information in your back pocket. You are strong. You are resilient. You are brave. You are loved.

Let yourself feel what you are feeling. Trying to act like the harsh feelings do not exist will only make those feelings stronger and eager to be exposed. This will pass. I can’t tell you when but I know it will pass. It will be okay, and you will get through it. As much as we wish we could say, “Alexa, turn off our feelings”, we can’t. They have to be dealt with.

In the meantime little distractions can and do help and can change your mood for a few moments to get your mind off things.

Now let’s get to it.

Here’s A List Of 28 Healthy Instant Mood Boosters

Do some of these daily, weekly, or multiple times a day if need be for your well being.

1. Call Up Your Best Friend Or Someone You Love

Calling up the bestie is always a way to boost your mood! Your best friend or best friends just know you and always know the right thing to say to turn a frown upside down. The great thing about best friends is they don’t judge at you all. They listen to you, love you, and have your back. But whether you call your bestie or a loved one they are sure to make you feel better.

2. Play Your Favorite Playlist And Just Dance

Sometimes you just need to select a good music playlist, turn the volume up, and just dance it out. Move freely, close your eyes, and vibe out. Allow your body to release the negativity, the pain, the hurt, and just get lost in that movement of freedom.

3. Take THE Shower

THE SHOWER, you know what I’m talking about. Wash your hair, use a deep conditioning treatment, shave your legs, use a body scrub, and take your time. Stand there for 20 minutes with no obligations or pressure and imagine the water cleansing you and rejuvenating you as the rain does for nature. Turn on some music and let the water and steam renew you.

4. Open Some Windows

If it’s a nice day out open some windows to get a cross breeze. Let some light and fresh air into your home. You don’t have to go outside to enjoy a little bit of nature. This is an instant mood booster. You aren’t that different from a flower, you need sunshine in your life to thrive.

5. Go Get Yourself A Treat

Sometimes we just need a little indulgence. Maybe give yourself something that you haven’t had in a while! I’m talking more in regards to food. Treat yourself to some ice cream, or a soda, a cake pop from Starbucks, your favorite candy, let yourself have something that you don’t allow yourself too often! Savor every bite and enjoy the little treat.

6. Light Some Candles In The Afternoon And Play Some Jazz

With the right aroma, candles can be so uplifting, especially in the day time. I see a candle lit and I instantly feel more at ease. I feel more calmness and peace. I feel an assurance that everything will be fine. When we are going through difficult times it’s these little things that are our lullaby.

7. Write Down Any Negative Thoughts On Paper And Then Rip It Up

This works, believe me. You don’t even have to write your thoughts on paper, you can write them on the notes app in your phone and once you’ve calmed down delete it. This really does help and will alleviate some of those feelings of anger or anxiety. Some of us aren’t fully there yet in the journey where we can fully discuss all that is on our minds and that’s okay. Give it to the paper and let the paper gift you with some relief.

8. Revisit An Old Hobby

We have to bring out our inner child and let that child play again! And let that child play often! There’s a reason children are the best teachers. Do activities that you use to enjoy as a kid, as in revisiting an old hobby! Roller skating, scrapbooking, painting, crafts, what did you enjoy? Bring that hobby back to life and get lost in it again.

9. Go For A Walk

Take a walk by yourself and be in the present moment. Notice nature and pay attention to the details of your walk. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Be with yourself and reflect on your blessings. Make it a walk of gratitude and focus on what’s good in life. I would suggest going by yourself too. But please not in the woods.

10. Do A Breathing Exercise

If you are experiencing anxiety this is a great way to release those anxious emotions and calm down your nervous system. This exercise can untangle the thoughts in your mind and help you exit the worrying and fear that you’re in. I can assure you afterwards you will feel better. I suggest Wim Hof aka the ice man. Look him on YouTube. He’s got great breathing exercises and such a positive, uplifting energy.

11. Do Something Nice For Someone

Doing things for others feels good. It releases endorphins, which triggers positive feelings in your body. Seeing someone else smile makes us smile. Knowing that we are the reason they smiled is even better. There are plenty of things you can do for another person. Serving others doesn’t just make us feel good but it strengthens hope. And that’s what everyone needs.

12. Have A Coffee Date With A Friend

Call up a good friend and have a spontaneous coffee date. Your mood will be boosted and there’s will be too. Spur of the moment kind of dates are the best. And hey, the date can be with yourself. Treat yourself for the moment. “Best friends are the therapists you can drink with.”

13. Buy Or Cook A Really Good Meal And Eat It Slowly

I don’t believe enough of us take the time to really relish a delicious meal. Most of the time we are eating while doing something. Maybe we’re talking with people or friends, reading, or watching something. But typically we’re multitasking and not appreciating what we are giving to our body and soul! Love has a flavor. And you can really taste it when all your focus is on simply eating and nothing else. There’s a reason we call some foods, comfort food.

14. Sign Off Social Media

There are times when you need unchain yourself from the internet and get back to real life. It’s so easy to get sucked in like a black hole, and signing off for a bit will for sure support your well being and mental health. Limit the distraction and comparison and put more focus on what you enjoy doing. False perceptions can be damaging and it’s important to not fall into that trap. Especially when you’re already in the middle of going through something difficult. Removing the apps from your phone so you aren’t tempted will boost your mood instantly and you’ll feel a sense of freedom, believe me.

15. Get A Pedicure Or Manicure

Who doesn’t love a mani or pedi! Even guys love them! When you look good, you feel good! And with feeling great comes a level of confidence. Go by yourself or go with a friend. That is a sure way to uplift yourself. And afterwards you’ll have pretty toes.

16. Schedule A Spur Of The Moment Massage

Humans need touch, it affirms our social connections and even our sense of self. It’s soothing to us. What you may need is a simple massage. What wonders a massage can do for our bodies; releasing stress and increasing relaxation. It’s a medicine and positive energy. Our bodies carry so much for us. So much that we don’t even realize. Just like wringing out a towel that was soaking in water, we need to be wrung out to alleviate some of the heavy weights that we carry.

17. Watch Some Stand Up Comedy On Netflix Or YouTube

I have personally turned to comedy a few times when I was feeling down. When needing to get your mind off certain issues laughing as we know is the best medicine. It activates and relieves your stress response. Now there are so many great comedians out there and so many great shows with easy access. Netflix has some great ones! Pick one, serve yourself some Ben and Jerry’s and let yourself belly ache laugh!

18. Get Dressed, Do Your Hair, Do Your Make Up

Get out of your pj’s and get dressed. Wash your face, brush your teeth, brush your hair while you’re at it and put on some mascara! I promise you’ll feel a little better! As a stay at home mom I’ve had plenty or days where I went to bed the way I woke up. But the days where I decided to actually dress up and look presentable I was more productive and felt confident. You don’t even have to leave your home. Get ready for YOURSELF.

19. Purge Your Things

You have more than you think. This is a great way to release some invisible weight. Think of purging your things like a snake shedding it’s skin. It’s making the room for growth and renewal. It’s also like cutting your hair, and we know how good that feels. Getting rid of stuff is rejuvenating and benefits your mental health by making you feel calmer, happier, and more in control.

20. Cuddle Your Animal Or Maybe A Blanket And Watch A Romantic Comedy

I miss our doggies so much. They were the best to cheering anybody up. Sometimes you just need to snuggle your fur baby to feel better. I kinda think that’s why they were made. Maybe you’re not an animal person though, that’s okay, snuggle with a warm blanket or a fluffy pillow. Whether you watch a Romantic comedy or your favorite tv sitcom this is a sure way to comfort oneself to feeling better.

21. Read A Devotional And Pray About It

This. This personally has helped me in more ways than one. It has strengthened my spirituality immensely. We tend to have this void in us. We search and search and usually fill it with material things, thinking this will make us feel better. Working on your spiritual self is what connects the bridges to discovering more of yourself and what you want in your life. I even began writing my own devotionals (click here to read) to share perspective with others. Read and be comforted!

22. Read Some Poetry Or Blogs About Others Going Through What You Are Going Through

You are not alone. How we need and crave this reassurance. There are many others who have gone through or are going through the same experiences as you. And they share their experiences to help YOU! Seek them, and discover some relief. If you can’t find something in relation to what you are going through then maybe you need to be the one to break the ice and share your story or experience to help another out there. Talking about what we are going through or writing about it is healing ourselves and others.

25. Go Outside And Take 5 Gulbs Of Fresh Air

5, 10, 15, or 20! Go outside and intentionally welcome fresh air into your body. Take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come. All we can do it our best and it’s important to concede how miraculous and significant you truly are. Believe it, it’s true.

26. Go Cry

Do you feel like you need to cry? GO CRY. You don’t need permission. Take a moment to let it out and come out when you feel better. Crying is a release and it’s okay to cry. As a mom I’ve had plenty of moments where I’ve said to my husband, “I need to go cry.” And I go cry. I would go into our bathroom, close the door, and just cry. Once I was done I’d come out and I would feel better. Like many of the other mood boosters that I’ve mentioned crying releases endorphins. Crying instantly alleviates stress and sends us into a more calming state of being. Take crying also as a sign that you need self love time, and make the time.

27. Get Into Your Car, Roll Up Your Windows And Just SCREAM

If you’ve never done this, I highly recommend it. I’ve been doing this since high school. It just feels good! It’s a release of tension. It’s a natural and intuitive way for your body to release emotion. Don’t take it out on your loved ones, that’s not fair. Become aware when you’re boiling and let the rage out in a loud scream in your car. It’s even better with a friend. Because then afterwards you’ll have a great laughing episode.

28. Call Your Mom

Need I say more. Or call your Grandma, or your best friends mom. I feel so incredibly blessed that I can call my mom and she just knows exactly what to say to soothe me. Thank you to all the amazing moms out there who just know what to say and do to making us feel better.

I love you mom so much.

Thank you for reading. And please share what you do that instantly makes you feel better when life’s got you down.

Lots of love,

m.g.

Beautiful Bouquets Of Flowers With Quotes To Inspire You

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Sometimes we just need a little encouragement and inspiration, and flowers are full of both.

Flowers Need Time To Bloom. So Do You. – unknown
You’ll grow beautifully in your own way. – unknown
May flowers remind us why the rain was so necessary. – Xan Oku
She may lose a few petals, but it doesn’t make her any less of a flower. – Alicia N Green
Deep in your wounds are seeds, waiting to grow beautiful flowers. – Niti Mejethia
A flower blossoms for its own joy. – Oscar Wilde
Happiness is to hold flowers in both hands. – A Japanese Proverb
When a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower. – Alexander Den Heijer
Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow the flowers or you can grow the weeds. – unknown
Where flowers bloom, so does hope. – Lady Bird Johnson
The Flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all. – Walt Disney
A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms. – unknown
May the petals teach me the art of letting go. – Xan Oku

Have a wonderful day, and buy yourself some flowers.

Xo m.g.

Soften The Heart: Devotional #21

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“Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me with your generous Spirit.”

Psalm 51:10-13

The Bible shares with us that each of us are salves in this world. We are either a slave to sin or a slave to Christ. Either way, we are owned.

God granted us the choice in whom we will serve. We have been gifted a freedom to make mistakes, question authority, challenge ourselves, and find ourselves. In our freedom we begin to understand humility and love. We learn, grow, and teach (intentionally or unintentionally).

In choosing God, it is also mentioned that the path of Christ is not an untroubled one. Many tribulations will follow each us in our lives. However there is a degree of peace, patience, and assurance when strengthening your faith and choosing to be a slave of righteousness.

It’s a difficult web to be caught in. And we are all in it.

We need help each day to choose God over the traits of this world. Some days we have slips and will continue to have slips. But we must not shame ourselves, we must give ourselves grace and others daily. We must exhort ourselves, challenge others, and be brave to do what others may not be able to.

To seek God is to have the fog lifted in your life.

Fog can keep us stagnant because we are unaware or afraid. Since we can’t see beyond it, we decide to remain stationary because we only trust what we can see.

To have the courage and hope to seek something greater is to discover what’s beyond the fog. It’s to surrender to the unknown.

And it’s the discovery that there is indeed more than what meets the eye.

Soften The Heart: Devotional #19

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“…for all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 18:14

Let’s define a few of these words so we can better understand this scripture and message.

The definition of the word humble is having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance.

The definition of the word exalt is hold (someone or something) in very high regard; think or speak very highly of.

If you reread the scripture with those definitions you could say it says that whoever thinks very high of themselves will be brought to their knees and a person who lives a humble life will come out on top. Possibly a more fulfilling, peaceful life.

This scripture instructs us to not look down on others. We are instructed to remain humble at all times. And if we fail to do so God will definitely interrupt and remind us of our place. We will be reminded that we know very little to what we think we may know.

Erase the mentality that you are more deserving than another person. Truth be told, we don’t know what others do in secret. One person may share their charity work publicly while another chooses to remain anonymous.

Erase the thoughts of it will never happen to me or assuming you have more time than another. No one is more righteous than another. We are all sinners and we are all broken in search of repairing and rescuing.

Many walk this life living unconsciously. Unaware that the past still has control over their wheel. They are stuck in their conditioning and haven’t gained the courage or knowledge to break the cycle. We are in constant need of God’s grace to revive us.

We must be patient and again humble ourselves. Change can be extremely difficult for many. And we are not judge those. Some do not change their lifestyles because it’s what they know. They are comfortable, and they feel safe even when their environment is questionable to another. They don’t know any different.

When Jesus was on the cross, during his death, he remained humble. He didn’t say anything cruel nor did he exalt himself. He said, “forgive them Father, for they do not know.”

Recognize how fragile life truly is and offer compassion and offer it fully to everyone. There was a time when you didn’t know. Just as children don’t know many things. With time they begin to understand.

But God calls us at different times. And when we are called we are to be examples.

Pray to God to correct you when you are exalting yourself, pray to be humbled and pray to be humbled often.

May we live with love.

– m.g.

Allow God To Catch You When You Fall

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When your child is just learning how to stand or learning how to walk you are either holding them, or standing very close by.

In case your child falls you want to be there to catch them, versus them falling down and hurting themselves.

Nobody wants to see their child hurt or in pain, so we stand very close.

In this walk of life, we are the child and God is our heavenly parent.

But like most children we are very stubborn. We believe we can do things on our own, better yet, WE WANT to do things on our own. Like we need to prove something.

The thing with this mentality is we end up falling many times in life and learn many things the hard way, and it hurts. It hurts really bad. And God is just there waiting, patiently, to help us when we are ready to ask for it.

It’s not that he hasn’t tried to help us, we have pushed Him away saying, “I can do it myself, I don’t need you.” So he watches us fall and thinks to himself, please let me help you.

He knows learning how to walk is challenging and He knows the walk of life can’t be done without the help of Him.

Actually, it’s not that it can’t be done, it can. God just doesn’t want it to be a hard walk of life. He gives us an opportunity to try on our own but he stands by waiting for the permission to help us.

He wants to catch us on those falls because he knows if we keep falling we will be become discouraged and won’t try anymore.

Nobody wants to crawl forever. We want to walk and RUN. When we allow God to catch us we will begin to take more risks, we will be confident, and we won’t be afraid.

When my children were small they would crawl to the edge of the bed only because they knew I would catch them. Imagine if they could talk at that age and say things like, “alright mom, stop, I want to crawl all over the bed myself without you hovering me.” But my children let me be there for them just in case. They felt safe. And they actually enjoyed me catching me.

If you don’t want to let God catch you when you fall that is ultimately your choice, however if you surrender and just let Him help you….your life will change in the most incredible way because you will know that you can do anything.

You can crawl to the edge of the bed with no fear, always.

If, you allow God to catch you when you fall.

– m.g.

There Are Many Who Believe In You, You Just Don’t Believe In Yourself Yet

The Wild Gems2 Comments

Awhile back now I was researching how some baby birds learn how to fly. The reason I was reading into the process to begin with was because an author of one of my devotional books tied the development of baby birds learning how to fly to personal growth.

I just absolutely loved it and it resonated in such a way. What a great metaphor that many can relate to! Such a different perspective to perceive.

Think of a baby bird for a moment will you, all cozy and comfy in their little nest. The nest is harmless, and it’s very familiar. It’s all the baby bird knows really. Mama feeds and provides for them there, and they feel safe.

Then one day, mama bird just starts throwing her babies out of the nest! What a far drop too! I’m not kidding either, she tosses them out and I imagine her saying, “todays the day!” I found this fascinating! I had no idea!

There comes a time where mama knows it’s time. If she’s not throwing them out she’s gently nudging her precious babies out of the nest. There’s no bargaining with the mama.

The baby bird I’m sure is TERRIFIED, like what is going on!! Is my mom trying to kill me! She must hate me! But the mama bird doesn’t feel that way at all. In fact, she does this because she LOVES her babies. She KNOWS that her baby needs to learn how to fly for survival. Because there will come a time when she knows she will longer be there for her baby and she needs to know that they will be okay.

She knows her babies to need to fly and her bird friends know it. The baby bird is the only one saying, “mama No, later later! I’ll learn later. I’m not ready!”

But guess what….

Push comes to shove and the baby bird FLYS. The baby bird finally believes in itself as the mother always has and chooses to opens its wings. The baby bird trusts in his mom that there’s a reason behind this.

Life is very much like this. It never waits for us to be ready. Because truth be told, we never will be. We are too cozy in our nests.

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If you have been thrown out of “the nest”’in someway….if you’ve been taken outside what you know and you’re scared and frightened this may actually be an unprepared flight lesson.

Who’s knows why this is happening, but there may something that you need to learn. The time is now. And this frightening experience will benefit you, as it does the baby birds. Questioning it will not do anything.

You will later realized that you HAD to be thrown out in order to learn how to fly.

Oh I hope this all makes sense. Ponder it a bit.

What I want you to know is that God believes in you, the universe believes in you, many others believe in you……. people believe in you and see your potential (they always have) , it’s time to believe in yourself and to not be afraid of the falls from the nest. You were born to fly, that’s what those wings are for.

Welcome the push and shoves with bravery and perseverance. It’s normal to be afraid but once you push through that fear who knows what you’ll see and capabilities you’ll discover.

Who knows where your wings will take you……

Beautiful places, that I’m sure. No need to be afraid. Trust, always.

-m.g.