Pulled Into Letting Go

Thursday, November 17, 2022

OVERCOMPLICATING OUR BLESSINGS? WHY?

It's almost Thanksgiving. I haven't posted in a while. It's not because I didn't have anything to say, or want to say. It's because I needed to be quiet and let God speak to me. I'd been moving at a speed faster than my prayers could fly. It was time to slow down a moment and let life sink in. Also, my kids were sick and now I'm sick. This morning I had a bad headache, I thought I would throw up. Not fun.

The holidays can be a hard time for so many, but why? Why do they need to be hard, when it's supposed to be such a joyful time? Are we simply overcomplicating things, or is there more to it? Something God's been working on in me is to be a more loving person and to do things out of love, not obligation. I had to stop and ask myself - was I posting on this blog out of love, or obligation? Was I running myself ragged in my personal life out of love or obligation?

Cutting my toxic family out of my life has been really hard. Frankly, it's one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make, and carrying through with it has been even more difficult. I can see the blessings that have come from it already, though. I can see how great this is going to be for me long term and I can already see how wonderful it's been for my children. They are healing and flourishing.

Take time to stop and just enjoy the view.

Today, while I was laid low with a debilitating headache, so many things became clear to me as I opened my heart and cried out to God. Sometimes illness can be a blessing. It forces us to come to a complete stop and focus on what really matters - our relationship with Jesus. My life isn't great because I can write well or inspire others with my story. My life isn't great because my kids are awesome human beings. My life isn't great because I married the most handsome, sexiest man in the world. My life is great because Jesus is in every moment of it and He loves me beyond measure. My life is great because God is great. Why did I overcomplicate that by trying to add in so many things that I didn't have time for Him?

I can't tell you what to do, who to love, or how to heal. All I can do is point you to Jesus and share my own story. My ups and downs, faults and weaknesses, and strengths that come as a result of my belief in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice at Calvary. There is no love greater than Jesus' and no healing greater than that which comes from Him. What I can tell you is that I wish I had cut my toxic family out sooner. I wish I had spent more time in the Word with Jesus. I wish I had loved myself and others more and I wish I had focused more time on my children when they were little. There is never enough time in this life, so we have to make the most of it while we can. Life is too short to be overcomplicating our blessings.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)

Stay tuned for another episode. I aim to crank out the blog posts three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.

Friday, November 11, 2022

SHORT, SWEET AND TO THE POINT

You're busy. I'm busy. It's FRI-YAY! We all have things to do. I get that. I respect that. I'm going to reiterate a post from earlier where I gave you five simple tips to remember during the holidays. Ready for it? Here it is.

Manage Expectations. You can only control yourself. Everyone else is responsible for their own behaviors, attitudes, habits, and actions.
Set healthy boundaries. Know your limits and set healthy boundaries.
Self-care. Have a list ready to go of all the ways you can prevent, combat and/or navigate through holiday anxiety before it sets in.
Communicate clearly. Have food allergies? Let the host know. The biggest misconception about communication is that it has already occurred. Make it happen.
Prayer. Begin, end, and center your day around prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. God first, y'all!

That's it! Have an awesome day and remember - I love you, but more importantly - God loves you! Happy Veteran's Day to all of our National Treasures!

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!