Do ostriches stick their heads in the sand?* I’ve heard so . . . but that seems like a terrible predicament. Besides a very strange site – butts up and no heads, it doesn’t seem safe. Particularly, if seeking protection from a threat. Actually, it’s silly. Really, the unthinkable response.
“Do not be anxious about anything!” (Phil. 4:6) Well, that’s short and simple. So, why do people worry? Why are you sometimes anxious? I can think of numerous legitimate reasons: cares of responsible living, relational issues, health problems, details surrounding death, unexpected sorrows, financial concerns. Realistically, there are also reasons not so legitimate. Regardless, let’s explore tips for anxiety and worry.
A few months ago, we published an article “Action Is Better Than Words.” Of course, that is true. In fact, I don’t think anyone would disagree. However, words are important, too!
You may remember diagramming sentences in grammar school. (Perhaps you’re thinking – “Ugh – don’t talk about that!”) Most people either loved or hated diagramming sentences. Nevertheless, whenever you assemble words, you express concepts and ideas. Equally, you assemble attitudes. Interestingly, you also assemble influence.
OK! So, nobody builds an altar anymore. Well, not really. Yet, there are ways we automatically build an altar in our lives on which we make sacrifices – for goals and dreams, for relationships, to feel validated – all the while hoping our sacrifice will bring desired results. Incidentally, it helps to consider – your life is an altar.
Many countries celebrate freedom. Sadly, freedom is not a reality in some countries. Interestingly, freedom with perspective is critical. Actually, true freedom is much more than a “right.” More accurately, it’s a “responsibility.”
Of course, it is to be cherished and enjoyed. Ultimately, however, it is to be protected by how you live and what you do to secure it going forward.
I’m excited about this first article in a short series – Be Free!
All it takes is putting your foot in the wrong place – and down you go! It could be stairs, slippery ice, wet pavement, carpet that catches your shoe, a highly-polished floor – or even somebody sticking their foot out in front of you (hopefully not on purpose). Incidentally, putting your foot in the wrong place also applies to a balanced life.
Let’s explore some ideas about maintaining a life of balance.
To engage life fully, you need to be “all-in.” Consider: have you ever looked at a lamp that blinks off and on? First, you suspect a lightbulb. So, you unscrew it and (to test it) screw it into another lamp. It works! Your mind scans possibilities. Could this be poor wiring inside the lamp? Or the cord. As you follow the cord to the wall, suddenly, you see it. The plug is only half plugged-in. To work, you know it needs to be all-in.
If you are reading this at the beginning of your day, you have no idea how today will look. If it’s the end of your day, you might be pleased – or rather disappointed – depending on how things went. So often, life does not meet people’s expectations. Many times, you must make allowances and adjustments. Especially, when things don’t go well.
Before we start with “Always Say Yes,” I want to tell you about an Easter devotional – FREE – to use this week. This tool gives you 2 pages for each day that feature:
If you follow us on your favorite podcast app, you’ll get the audio episodes of the same content in your feed. So, you can have a visual and audio version to Prepare For Easter.
Click here to get your free copy.
Have you ever seen a pressure cooker going full tilt? It’s a noisy, powerful event. Weights rocking. Steam hissing. The sound of boiling water from inside the cooker. It can even be a bit scary if you think about all the built-up pressure and stress going on inside that sealed kettle. Yes, the kettle you are standing right next to! With this illustration, let’s discuss the pressures of life and secrets of hope.
