Lonely At Christmas?

Excerpts  of an article “Looking for Christmas” written by Nyx Martinez for Activated Magazine. …several years ago, Christmas didn’t bring the same good feelings for me. Maybe that was because I was a 20-year-old single girl who was craving a different kind of love that Christmas. I wanted someone to share it with, someone to love. That didn’t happen. Instead, I faced a string of personal problems and a lot of turmoil. I was spending Christmas near the equator, and my heart felt wintry cold. …Then came Christmas Day. Kelly, one of my best, wackiest friends, phoned in tears. She had tried to reconcile with her boyfriend the night before, but was rejected—turned away on Christmas Eve. It was the saddest story I had heard in a long time. I tried to comfort her, but my own disappointed hopes were too strong, it seemed. What could I say? Together, we prayed over the phone, committing to God our hearts’ desires and expectations. As I listened to Kelly thanking God despite her tears, I felt ashamed of my selfishness. Maybe true Christmas love was there all along, and I just hadn’t noticed. Had I missed it? I had been looking for happiness in a person—someone to fill my need for love. But instead, I had found so many also looking for something real—they were the lonely, the poor in spirit, the outcast, the forgotten, the dejected. It dawned on me: That’s what God’s love is really for, isn’t it? It loves the unlovely, enters a world of disappointment, and brings hope. That December taught me that the spirit of Christmas is alive for everyone, and those who don’t see it are people like me who look in all the wrong places. Yet some folks look in the right places, with open hearts, and they do find that treasure. Joseph and Mary were looking for a decent inn; they found an animal stable. The Wise Men were looking for a king’s royal palace; they found a carpenter’s simple abode. The angels were looking for people to spread the glad tidings of the newborn Savior; they found humble shepherds. God was looking for someone to bring heaven’s love to, and He looked in the right place. He found you. I hope that this time, we will also look in the right place and find those to bring His love to. I hope that each year we will all find Christmas. © 2009 Aurora Production AG www.auroraproduction.com All Rights Reserved (Excerpts used without permission) Article of Interest: Loneliness spreads in social networks

Different, With a Purpose

..In all the ages there never has been and never will be a man or woman just like you. You are unique and have no double. No two leaves, no two jewels, no two stars, no two lives are alike. Every life is a fresh thought from God to the world. There’s no one in the entire world who can do your work as well as you. There is a need for you. God has a plan for you. And if you don’t find and enter into God’s purpose for your life, there will be something missing from the glory that would otherwise have been there. Every jewel gleams with its own radiance, every flower distills its own fragrance, every believer has his own particular bit of Jesus’ radiance. Has God given you a different personality? He has also created a particular circle of individuals who can be reached and touched by that personality only, and you can do it as none other in all the world.

–Virgina Brandt

Face the Lions

A young boy is trying to make his way on horseback to a land of promise, but the boy’s entire journey seems beset with encounters with lions. During the beginning of his journey, when lions pursue him and another nearby traveler, they end up journeying together for added safety. At another time, just as they are trying to reach the safety of a city in advance of some evildoers, and think they may not make it, another lion pursues them. This causes them to expend even more energy and strength to reach the gates of their desired haven. Finally, the boy, exhausted from his journey, is trying to find his way on a foggy path to a place of shelter where he can sleep for the night. But he can’t see the way, and soon realizes he’s lost. And if that isn’t bad enough, he hears a lion’s growl just in front of him. That was the last straw for the boy. He didn’t care to run or hide or try to fight off the attacker this time. “Fine, eat me!” he says. “I don’t care anymore. My life is horrible and everything goes wrong for me.” But to his surprise, the lion talks to him and asks him why he feels like his life is so horrible. The boy goes on to expound on all the difficulties of his journey, making mention of every encounter with lions. He says that surely he must’ve had the worst life of all because everything always went so wrong. Then he asks‚ “See, don’t you now agree that my life is cursed?” The lion responds, “No. Instead I see that your life is blessed.” Shocked, the boy asks him how, and the lion replies‚ “There was never more than one lion with you on your entire journey. And I was that lion. “I was the one who chased you at the beginning of your journey so that you would travel with a companion. I was the one who scared away hungry animals at night, even though my growls also scared you. And when you were running for safety in the city, I was the one who chased you just when you felt like you had no more strength left. “Through chasing you I gave you the strength to run harder than before so that your pursuers wouldn’t catch up with you. And now, when you are lost and feel at the end of your rope, I am here with you to show you the way home.” –Excerpt taken from “Apples Of Gold, Part 1 [#3644]“ Links: Message Channeled From Beyond: “Face the Lions”–full. Click for more…

The Spark Divine

Happypizza: This was very encouraging.

At one time or another, each of us must face life’s tough, emotion-wrenching moments. We might deal with the trials of rejection, poverty, terminal illness, conflict, loneliness, unhappy partnerships, or even death. No matter what difficulties we may face, love is the universal answer to them all.

The power of love—that spark of the divine inherent in each of us—smoothes and soothes, heals and restores. We long for it in our relationships; we desire it in our lives. We admire it in others; and want to cultivate it in ourselves.

We grasp for it with both hands and, if we are wise, we give it away with both, understanding that love, like music, is a melody that lingers in the heart long after the words have been sung. Love is what helps us to feel for each other, to put ourselves into our neighbor’s places. It helps us to see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and feel with their hearts. Better yet, it teaches us to view others the way God sees them.

–Author Unknown

That’s Bad, That’s good

…One day a man bought a stallion, and all of his friends said, “That’s good.” The next day the stallion ran away, and all of his friends said, “That’s bad.” Two weeks later the stallion returned with a herd of mares. His friends said, “That’s good.” The next day his son broke his shoulder when the stallion threw him off. The friends said, “That’s bad.” The next month war broke out. Because the boy was injured, he could not go to war. The friends said, “That’s good.”
-Dan Millman

̒̒̒̒ ̒ all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ̓̓ ̓̓

Romans 8:28(NKJV)

Email From God

God's Email

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
RE: LIFE

Dearest One,

Hi there! This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day.

I love you.

God

P.S. And, remember…

If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the “SFGTD” (Something For God To Do) folder. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not necessarily yours.

Once the matter is placed in the folder, do not worry about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life right now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don’t despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it’s like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the man or woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed their children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes they had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking “what is my purpose?” Be thankful. There are those who didn’t live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people’s bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse–you could be one of them!

Now, you go ahead and have a nice day.

–Author Unknown

God loves you!

Is Your Grasp Slipping?

Happypizza: I first read this story (below) many years ago. Since then I’ve often been reminded of it especially during tough times–always thought it had a very unique “life lesson”. Sometimes I’ve found I just have to let go, and let God have His way in life….not matter how terrifying it may seem at first. As in the story below….you might be in for a surprise!

Holding on?

Trust Him….He will hold you up!

A story is told of a man who slid down a rope into a well. He supposed the rope to be of ample length, but to his dismay when he reached the end of it he could not touch the bottom of the well with his feet. He tried to climb back up the rope but could not. In vain he gripped, struggled and clawed at the rope hoping to get back to the top but a mixture of moisture, grease and his sweaty palms made the task all but impossible. Desperate, fearful and terrified he held on for dear life. He dared not let go knowing full well he would be dashed to pieces at the bottom. Eventually he reached his limit and could hold on no more. His strength and every bit of energy he had within him was gone. He finally gave in and let the rope slip from his grasp. He fell-just three inches!

Can You Tell Me Why Disasters?

Happypizza: My deepest and sincerest prayers and condolences go out to all those who lost loved ones and/or suffered harm, injury or any kind of loss during the recent cyclone in Myanmar and/or earthquake in China.

I’ve been carefully following the news of the two recent natural (or as some say “unnatural”) disasters in both Burma and China. It is so sad and sobering to watch as the full scope of the desolation, which tragically resulted in the loss of an untold thousands of lives, unfolds before our eyes.

It’s real to me personally as I have been to Burma before and have friends in both China and Burma—who thankfully from what I’ve heard are all safe.

I will not get into the politics of the disaster….especially considering the one in Burma where it seems the horror of the disaster is compounded by the political situation. What I do want to write about and touch on is the “God factor” of these events or “acts of God” as natural disasters are often referred too. Especially the question: How could God allow these things to happen?

It seems that natural disasters cause many to lose hope and faith in God. I find it can also, strangely enough, strengthen my faith and hope in God!

You might wonder how I could find a natural disaster to be faith-building? Well, first off it’s helpful to start with a belief in a God of Love and a belief in an afterlife—this life is definitely (and I want to emphasize this point) definitely not the end!!

In short–I believe that death for the loving is not something to dread and fear. This physical life/existence is not eternal or final and we can look forward to the eternal life/existence beyond this life! So I feel no matter how tragic the circumstances are in are in our current physical reality, those who lives have ended and who have passed on to the next are in the loving hands of their Creator and what better place can you be then that? –Maybe it was his mercy?

If you want some further reading on how one can look at tragedies and disasters in the positive–click to read this dissertation below:

“Why Disasters?”

And for a compilation on comfort read here:

“God’s Promises of Comfort and Deliverance”

One addition–not long after I watched a report of both the disasters on the international news, I came across and listened to a old song titled “Can You Tell Me Why Disasters” written and sung by an artist named “Zac Lightman”. I liked it so much that I transcribed it from my MP3 player to my computer so I could post the lyrics with this post. I think the song’s message is as hauntingly applicable for today as it was when it was written over 20 years ago.

Here are the lyrics:

Can You Tell Me Why Disasters?

Why do the innocent seem to fall for no reason?
They say the good die young,
While the guilty go along
You must believe in Love
to truly understand.

It is the same question down through the ages
if God is love how could he let this be?
How could he allow the poor to suffer
and then let the guilty go free?

Although death is not a curse for the loving–
it’s a gateway from suffering and pain
It’s the mercy of God to end their sorrow
and a chance to start over again

Can you tell me why, why, why disasters?
Why do the innocent seem to fall for no reason?
They say the good die young
while the guilty go along
You must believe in Love
to truly understand

Lyrics by Zac Waxman

Please continue to keep the victims of these disasters in your prayers. Pray that help, relief and supplies will get to those who need it desperately and that those who survived will be taken care of and comforted. Please also pray for the commendable and laudable efforts of all those involved in the relief and rehabilitation work–for their strength, courage, skill, and protection while they are helping those who were affected.

You say…God says!!!

HappyPizza says: It has been awhile (a few weeks) since I posted something but I think sometimes a blogger must live life a bit in order to experience things to write about that will have a positive or meaningful effect on others. Sometimes I’m tempted to start writing and or posting something automatically….but I feel there should be a balance to that. This last little while, I decided to give my posting a little pause…it was good a chance to reflect and experience….I’m glad I did, I was able to muse over the purpose and benefit of my blog. So far I think it has hit the mark of what I initially intended for it to be—in short a positive and meaningful read.

Luckily for me during this period of waiting I was rewarded with a “secret stash” of inspirational quotes and stories which a friend passed on to me that are certainly worth sharing. I enjoyed them and I think they are in tandem with the theme of my blog. On a side note: at least for my blog an RSS feed is the best way to monitor posts.

Here is one of the articles I liked:

OF ALL THE NEGATIVE THINGS WE HAVE TO SAY TO OURSELVES, GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER …

You say: It’s impossible.

God says: All things are possible. –(Lk.18:27)

You say: I’m too tired.

God says: I will give you rest. –(Mat.11:28-30)

You say: Nobody really loves me.

God says: I love you. –(Jn.3:16; Jn.13:34)

You say: I can’t go on.

God says: My grace is sufficient. –(2Cor.12:9; Psa.91:15)

You say: I can’t figure things out.

God says: I will direct your steps –(Pro.3:5-6)

You say: I can’t do it

God says: You can do all things. –(Phi.4:13)

You say: I’m not able.

God says: I am able.–(2Cor.9:8 )

You say: It’s not worth it.

God says: It will be worth it.–(Rom.8:28 )

You say: I can’t forgive myself.

God says: I forgive you. –(1Jn.1:9; Rom.8:1)

You say: I can’t manage.

God says: I will supply all your needs. –(Phi.4:19)

You say: I’m afraid.

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. –(2Tim.1:7)

You say: I’m always worried and frustrated.

God says: Cast all your cares on Me. –(1Pet.5:7)

You say: I don’t have enough faith.

God says: I’ve given everyone a measure of faith. –(Rom.12:3)

You say: I’m not smart enough.

God says: I give you wisdom. –(1Cor.1:30)

You say: I feel all alone.

God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. –(Heb.13:5)

Reject Rejection

Reject rejection.

(Lisa Jimenez)

Rejection to the sales person is the greatest form of failure. No one would want to be rejected, right? Wrong! There is one kind of person who doesn’t mind rejection. This person is someone who understands the Law of Averages (LOA). He or she knows that it often takes ten rejections to get one yes. Thus rejection simply means you are that much closer to making a sale or getting a yes. Rejection is just a part of the journey to success. Reject rejection by accepting the Law of Averages.

It Didn’t Come To Stay….

A wise woman once said “I have always been encouraged by the words “And it came to pass.” When I am upset by troubles, I go to the Word of God, and I never get far before I read “It came to pass.”–an old English phrase meaning “it happened” or “next” or “once upon a time” But I read that phrase and interpret it literally, “Thank God that the storms of life didn’t come to “stay” but that it came to…”pass” –it passed over, came and left.

I found that in my “storms” of discouragement and despair I just had to carry on faithfully. And as I did, these things came to pass, and I was brought through them. The storms did not always end when I wished them to. I had to go through the beatings and the thrashings many times, but God always gave me the grace, and afterwards brought me through, comforted me, healed me, kept me and rewarded me—It didn’t come to stay—it came to pass!

So next time you are weathering a storm or you are facing one of those test of endurance—tell yourself that it hasn’t come to stay but it has come, and will definitely pass!

Here for additional reading

Feel good when things are good?

Here is something that I read a few days ago that was so inspiring and uplifting. I’m not exactly sure where it originally comes from, since a friend sent it to me, but the message was very well put. You know how sometimes you can read something and it’s will be just what you need at the time, or help you see things in a new light, or even give you some good advice to a problem you’ve been struggling with, well this kinda did that. Optimism is a great thing but courage to stay optimistic in a difficult time is extremely admirable.

“It is relatively easy to feel grateful when good things are happening and life is going the way we want it to. Even then, we often take things for granted. It feels so good to take a moment to express our appreciation to other people, to life.

A much greater challenge is to get in touch with gratitude when we are going through a difficult time, or life is not going the way we think it should. At these times, we are more likely to be feeling hurt, confused, or resentful. There have been times in my life when I felt more like shaking my fist at the universe, wondering why it was dealing me such a cruel blow.

It’s interesting‚ though, that after going through a difficult time, in retrospect we can often see that there was something important and necessary about that experience. We may not arrive at this perspective until months or even years later, but eventually we can see that there was some important lesson learned, a deepening of our wisdom, an awakening, or perhaps a new door that opened in our life as a result of events that seemed negative at the time.

For example, the loss of a job may have led us to spiritual or emotional healing. The ending of a relationship may give us the opportunity to discover that we need time alone‚ or it may pave the way for a more satisfying partnership. At that point, we may begin to feel grateful that life unfolded as it did.”