It is hard to believe that the year is almost through. My goal this year was to make more healthy choices.
Divorce, after almost a twelve year separation, has propelled me forward, which has been exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. Mourning the loss of my life partner and best friend has brought me in closer relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ - causing me to want to know more about my Heavenly Father - His faithfulness, love, mercy and grace.
Music and writing has percolated more fluidly.
I have found so many things to be thankful for, through the challenges of loneliness, emotional turmoil, and physical break-down - constantly made aware of where my hope is. I have learned more about boundaries. Just because someone else does not take responsibility in things, does not mean I need to take responsibility. This seems to be a very common issue in so many lives. Some of us as Christians, live lives thinking that since we are commanded to love God and others, we need to be
self-deprecating in serving others, turning the other cheek, feeling things are all our fault. I used to think that it was really selfish to love onesself, and it can become something God does not want for us when we become so self-centered. When people reject us, we think we are the cause, when instead we need to realize it is most likely because of that person's own limitations. That was a huge lesson for me. A good read to learn more about setting boundaries is Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud. A very important point - God does not want us to be floormats, so to speak.
If we look at Jesus' life, he even set boundaries: He took time for himself to rest and rejuvenate, in prayer at times (Matthew 26:35-37, Mark 1:35) and he felt emotions. There are many other examples given in reference in the above mentioned book, to God wanting us to take care of ourselves through boundaries.
During the holidays, it is important to remember to be a cheerful giver and set limits. Enjoy the life God has blessed you with!
Divorce, after almost a twelve year separation, has propelled me forward, which has been exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. Mourning the loss of my life partner and best friend has brought me in closer relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ - causing me to want to know more about my Heavenly Father - His faithfulness, love, mercy and grace.
Music and writing has percolated more fluidly.
I have found so many things to be thankful for, through the challenges of loneliness, emotional turmoil, and physical break-down - constantly made aware of where my hope is. I have learned more about boundaries. Just because someone else does not take responsibility in things, does not mean I need to take responsibility. This seems to be a very common issue in so many lives. Some of us as Christians, live lives thinking that since we are commanded to love God and others, we need to be
self-deprecating in serving others, turning the other cheek, feeling things are all our fault. I used to think that it was really selfish to love onesself, and it can become something God does not want for us when we become so self-centered. When people reject us, we think we are the cause, when instead we need to realize it is most likely because of that person's own limitations. That was a huge lesson for me. A good read to learn more about setting boundaries is Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud. A very important point - God does not want us to be floormats, so to speak.
If we look at Jesus' life, he even set boundaries: He took time for himself to rest and rejuvenate, in prayer at times (Matthew 26:35-37, Mark 1:35) and he felt emotions. There are many other examples given in reference in the above mentioned book, to God wanting us to take care of ourselves through boundaries.
During the holidays, it is important to remember to be a cheerful giver and set limits. Enjoy the life God has blessed you with!
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