A Change in Scenery

It is a good feeling when you are doing something you love and feel called to do. It's even better when you wake up each day to say "Thank you God" and mean it. I have a career I enjoy and look forward to doing as long as I can. I also have a gift to inspire and encourage others through my words.

This isn't something I do on my own, it is directly tied to my relationship, and faith, with God. He is my foundation, when I take my eyes and focus of of Him, this is when the words and ideas stop. It's taken me a few years to realize I lost focus. Instead of focusing on God's presence, I focused on MY loss. Instead of looking up, I looked at MYSELF. I, I, I, and me, me, me...it isn't about me or you...it's about Him.

Don't get me wrong, it's okay to grieve and work through our losses. We need time to process, heal, and move forward but when we refuse to move forward and only focus on ourselves. Grief and healing are cycles in our life and we need to go through each of them. The tricky part is not to stop in one stage longer than necessary or depression and other illnesses can creep into a productive life. I encourage you to look at your life. Is there something or someone you are missing? It's okay to miss our loved ones but it's not okay to miss our time with God, especially in the midst of our deepest pain.

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"God is our refuge and strength, 
an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging...
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run into it and are safe...
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears,
and rescues them from all their troubles...
Seek the LORD and his strength;  
seek his presence continually!"
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Psalm 46:1-3; Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 34:17; 1 Chronicles 16:11; 

Let's bring this back to the positive. Look at today's photo one more time. It's taken looking down the pier's rail. This is like life. We can choose to always see it as a straight line and without variation OR we can tilt our head, open our heart, and look at it with new eyes or from a new direction. Life is full of opportunities, don't let life's struggles, challenges, and losses ever take your eyes off your faith in God. You deserve to enjoy life and use the gifts God's given you to help others and also bring joy to yourself. 

Have a great day...look up!