For David from Rebekah
You lured me with your eyes,
so intense, yet warm and inviting.
Intrigued, I couldn’t look away;
for I was captivated by your stare
and lost in the mystery of you.
With your words, you welcomed me,
enticing me to experience your world.
With curiosity, I followed, then lingered,
consumed by the discovery of you.
Within moments, I knew you were different,
Yet we were the same.
From deep within, I knew that I knew,
from that moment on,
there would be only you and forever, us.
Beloved, I am still amazed at the wonder of you.
I have dear friends going through tough times right now. Some have experienced great loss, some have major health issues and others are trying to parent their children through painfully hard times. Living in a fallen world can be cruel and the obstacles so enormous.
For someone who likes to talk, lately I’ve been finding myself at a loss for words when asked what I think about certain situations. I don’t know why some people get their healing miracle and others don’t until heaven. I don’t know why one praying parent’s teen makes good choices and another, whose parent prays just as hard, lives in a danger zone. Why does one person’s faith move mountains when another’s seems to inch along? Only God knows the answers we seek and until He gives us insight we must stand in faith believing that in all things He is working for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose. His Word says so in Romans 8:28.
And this I know to be true as well. I can think all day long and lose hours of sleep analyzing something from every angle only to find myself exactly where I started, still not knowing why some things happen the way they do. With all my pondering, searching and asking, one thing has become apparent, I must always stand on the Word of God. I can’t let my emotions get in the way. I can’t let hearing the world say “the reality is” have any influence in my life. Living a half century has taught me that just because something is a fact in the world’s eyes, doesn’t mean it is God’s truth.
Clearly, God’s ways are much higher than my ways. If I want to know the will of God, I must know His Word. He speaks to me through His Word. If God says it, I believe it. I may not understand why things happen the way they do, but I trust Him. I trust Him with my life and that of my loved ones because I know how very much He loves us. Therefore, my words should reflect my faith in Him.
In my desire to be Kingdom minded, I’ve been trying to read a chapter in Proverbs, the Book of Wisdom, everyday. I’ve found much truth in these passages as I meditate on them. Proverbs 30:5 says “Every Word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” I say Amen to that! I believe there is a scripture for every life scenario in Proverbs, and certainly elsewhere in the Holy Scriptures as well. When I find myself not knowing what to say or even how to think on a matter, I look to see what God says about it and then put it into my heart. If I do this enough, the Word becomes part of me. Proverbs 4:20-23 says “My son, pay close attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
When I was younger, there were times I didn’t know to guard my heart. Finding that sorrow that can overtake an unguarded heart led me to understand God’s wisdom in this. Now I guard my heart with everything I’ve got.
The Word also says in Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit”. Oh, there are so many words I would like to take back, so many times that I have spoken death instead of life, fear and failure instead of faith and hope.
Joyce Meyer says “….if you’re speaking the right things – words of faith, confessing God’s promises – then you are going to have positive results. However, if you’re speaking wrong things – doubt, fear or worry – then you’re going to have negative results. The words you speak today will impact the life you live tomorrow!”
I have found these things to be true as well and because of this, I am different now, I purposely speak life. Sometimes situations are hard and I don’t have the answer. And truth be told, if anyone were to ask what I thought about something truly important, unless my thoughts and words line up with those of Almighty God, anything I’d have to say would be worthless and could possibly do more harm than good. With the power that words hold, I want mine to be a blessing in the lives of others, never a curse.
And whenever I’m asked for help or advice, I pray my first response is to speak faith filled words, never words laced with fear. 1 John 4:18 says “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.”
I must know well the One who loves me perfectly, so when I speak, my words of faith bring peace.
I like this article very much and I hope you do too!
Actions speak louder than words. You can say you respect your husband, but he’ll have a hard time believing that unless your behavior backs it up.
What does respectful living look like? Here are 25 ways you can communicate respect to your spouse without uttering a word. If you’ll make it your habit to do these things, the next time you tell your husband how much you respect him, he won’t have to wonder if you really mean it.
- Choose Joy
It’s true: A happy wife makes a happy life. Please don’t use moodiness as an attempt to manipulate your man, but in all things rejoice, because that’s the right thing to do. (1 Thessaonians 5:16; Philippians 4:4) - Honor His Wishes
Give weight to what your husband thinks is important. Make those things a priority that matter most to him, whether it’s having dinner ready when…
View original post 1,291 more words
Ah…..the joys of being thin. Now before you read the blessings that follow, here is my disclaimer. I am not thin. I have not been thin in many years. And sadly, the years that I was thin, I didn’t know it. I had fallen for the lie of the magazine covers and multi-media stereotypes of what beauty looks like. I wasted several years not feeling good about myself. And I understand, truly I do, that we are to love ourselves and see the beauty within and without, regardless of our size. This is true. But what is also true, is that there are many blessings that come with being thin, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
I am writing to those who are thin to encourage you this day to remember you are blessed. Whether you have worked hard daily to stay healthy and fit, or your natural self is designed in such a way that being thin comes easily to you, you are blessed.
Every morning as you are dressing for the day, most anything you throw on will look good on you. If dressing takes you a long time, it’s not because you can’t find anything that fits well but that you look good in everything you put on. What a blessing!
Shopping for new clothes is fun. Your choices abound with chances that most all you try on will fit. Shopping can be a lunch hour experience that brings joy at your new purchase. You are blessed!
As you go about your day you are light on your feet. Your bones thank you because you are not carrying so much excess weight that it becomes a burden. You are healthier and participating in athletics or vigorous adventures is a pleasure to you and keeps you youthful. You are blessed!
If being thin is an effort on your part that you accomplish through determination and making continual wise choices, I admire you greatly. Mentally, you are strong and your eyes are fixed on the prize of living a disciplined life. You are blessed!
If you have overcome a lifetime battle with food, both physically and emotionally, I have great respect for you. You are a victor who has accomplished something that many in this world have not. You have proven that you die to self each day for your greater good. You have defeated the demons and emotional bondage that one time led you to find comfort in food. Whatever your battle, you have won and you are no longer the same person you were when you began your journey to be the best you can be. With this accomplishment, there will be no stopping you in your future pursuits. I congratulate you and respect you. You are blessed!
I am thankful when I see the blessings of others. It brings me hope. If at times I sound envious, I am. But not as much for the outward blessings, though those would be great. But, I yearn to be on the other side of this journey, having already gone through the fire that finally wins the war instead of still being in the battle, dodging darts from the evil one. Too many times I have begun and failed, self-destructing for reasons that still aren’t totally clear to me. But today is a new day and with every moment, I have hope. Therefore, I too, am blessed.
I would love to hear testimonies from those who have won their war and are experiencing the many blessings that come with being victorious.
Scripture:
“I long for your deliverance; I have looked to Your Word, placing my hope in it.” Ps. 119:81 ISV
I look around me at all the things that have found their way into my home during these past couple of months. Some I treasure and some have now joined the existing clutter. I am way passed the “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure” phase and beginning to look like the dreaded hoarder. This year’s resolution has much to do with purging myself from unwanted and unneeded things. I also realize that the outward appearance is probably more symptomatic of inward emotions that must be dealt with, a purging needed there as well.
If I were to go through therapy I would probably discover some deep rooted reason that causes me to hold on so tightly to things. I have boxes of stuff that I am determined to store until I’ve gone through each and every one to see what is worthy of keeping. The problem is finding the time to do the process justice. I know many who would say “just throw it away. If you haven’t thought of it in over a year, you don’t need it.” Though they may be right, often times I find treasures throughout the “junk” that I really want.
Since this purging has begun I have found photographs that bring a smile to my face and warm my heart. These either find their way into my scrapbooks or on my wall. I have found letters from friends and family, notes from my daughters and husband, and keepsakes that I knew when I stored them away, that someday, I would be glad I did. I was right and I am thankful I kept them all this time. And yes, I have also found lots of junk that should have been thrown out long ago.
Now, truth be told, I wish I had taken the time to go through these boxes earlier, much earlier. They have been a small stressor in the back of my mind for a long time; a task I knew needed to be done but was just so much easier to put off to another day.
I have discovered I do that with my emotions too. Instead of dealing with something that has a negative hold on me, I often allow it to linger only to face the same negative emotion each time the old thought surfaces. This year’s resolution is to do a complete purge inside and out. I know it will take a lot of time. I know sometimes it will hurt. But I also know, my God will be with me every step of the way to guide me and get me through it. After all, He’s been urging me to do this for quite some time. Now, I’m ready and I have a feeling that once I conquer this purge, resolutions from years past will also be achieved.
I have a lot of mixed emotions about finally doing this but three things I know for sure. I am not relying on faith in me to be successful, but on my faith in the power of God who raised Christ from the dead. Secondly, I am standing on God’s Word that says, “…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose”. And most importantly, I am counting on God’s grace to get me through. It’s is going to be quite a journey.
If anyone has any encouraging success testimonies to share, I would love to read them!
Scriptures:
Phil 2:12-13
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
Col 2:11-12
“In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.”
It was an amazing October day at Navarre Beach and one I will never forget. My husband David and I were finally enjoying a very much overdue vacation at Beach House on the Moon, an incredible townhouse overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. We spent many an hour sitting on its deck as well as the sandy shoreline watching the ebb and flow of the water while sea gulls flew overhead.
During the winter months on Navarre Beach, visitors are blessed with being able to watch the sun rise in the east over the magnificent gulf and then at the close of the day, look west to see the sun set behind the distant water’s edge. All of this beauty can be seen without ever leaving the deck. What an incredible blessing. David and I awoke early every morning to welcome the sun with its mighty glow upon the water and gazed admiringly each evening as it set through colors that warmed the sky.
One morning David and I were watching Louisiana pastor Jesse Duplantis on television and heard him say something intriguing. He said that God already knows what you need, why don’t you pray for something you want. Well, I’d never really thought of that. I believe in prayer and spend time daily in prayer but usually I am praying for concerns that are close to my heart. I also spend a lot of time giving thanks because God is such a good God and the more I think of the times He has blessed us, the less I worry about my concerns of the day.
So, later that morning as I sat on the deck looking at the wonders of God’s creation I decided to ask for something I wanted. I said, “Lord, I have seen every sunrise and sunset and they were beautiful. But Lord, I really would like to see some dolphins. I know we’ve seen a couple lazily swimming by, but I would really like to see dolphins being dolphins.” So there it was. I kind of laughed at myself thinking of what I had just done but I really wanted to see dolphins and if Jesse can ask for what he wants then I can too. One thing I know about God is His Word says He is no respecter of persons, meaning what He will do for one, He will do for another.
Later that morning I was doing my Bible study from the master bedroom desk. The large window provides a beautiful view of the gulf from the top floor of the beach house. It was so peaceful there, so quiet. Then all of a sudden I hear David yelling my name from the downstairs deck to look at the water. There before our very eyes were 15 to 20 dolphins playing right in front of our beach house. He quickly got the camera and joined me on the top deck. We were so excited pointing at one then the other. There were so many and they were jumping the waves in groups of two and three. At times, they appeared to be playing Follow the Leader swimming and jumping one behind the other.
It was though they were performing for us, just for us. They lingered so long, playing back and forth, that David and I were laughing out loud at the sheer joy they were bringing us. It was so amazing!
As they swam away, David reminded me that this was what I had prayed for. Actually, it was far better than what I had prayed for. I gave thanks to God for giving me what I wanted. But more than that, I thanked Him for showing me in a very real and tangible way how much He loves me. And as a parent delights in giving their children something they really want, He delighted in giving me something I really wanted. I totally believe that to be true.
The next morning as I was sitting on the couch looking out over the water, much to my surprise three, yes three dolphins jumped the incoming wave in unison. I squealed, David shouted, and we rushed to get the camera and head for the deck. As we looked out over the gulf, a pod of dolphins took center stage and gave us a performance we will never forget. God didn’t just show up, He showed out and showed off his beautiful dolphin creations! Oh, the joy He brought me soul!
The revelation that I gained that day both for my prayer life and my relationship with my Heavenly Father is invaluable to me. It’s not so much that I’m going to be spending long hours asking for my “wants,” but I will ask for things dear to me because I know that God cares about those things too. In the Bible, James says in James 4:2, ”…You do not have because you do not ask God.” So, yes, I will be doing some asking. After all, God does answer prayer.
But I think the thing that means the most to me that I discovered that week is that God wants very much to be in relationship with me in a tangible way. He cares about my wants and dreams and He wants to give me the desires of my heart. Most of all, I love the way He loves me!
Scriptures to ponder:
“Therefore I tell you whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if a son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead: Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:9-13
With every mile that passed David and I began to feel the stress that had been mounting for some time slowly lift, being quickly replaced with the anticipation of spending a week on Navarre Beach. This week away from home was a double blessing in that not only was it a vacation but a gift from our youngest daughter, Katelyn as well. We are so very thankful for both and to David’s brother Tommy and his wife Pam who helped make it all possible. You see, a couple of years back, Tommy and Pam had had the good fortune to buy an amazing property on Navarre Beach. They then showed great generosity in helping Kate surprise us when she approached them with this gift idea. Since Christmas last year, David and I have been looking forward to this October vacation and praying daily that nothing would prevent us from actually seeing our second honeymoon after 28 years come to pass.
Our long overdue vacation becoming a dream come true was only hours away. We knew we were getting closer as the temperature was getting warmer, though the hour was near midnight. The weather forecasters had predicted a week with temps in the high 70s and mid 80s, perfect weather for Florida in October. We marveled at the town house that sleeps ten, so much room for just two people but we would take advantage of it all. We are already making plans to return next year with the whole family, especially since every bedroom has a full bath and TV. We could have played Goldilocks and tried every bedroom in the house but the Master bedroom on the third floor could not be beat with its Sleep Number king size bed and Jacuzzi tub in the huge master bath. The town house also has an elevator for anyone who would rather take the lift instead of the outside stairs.
Whether looking at the Gulf of Mexico from our top deck or taking the spiral staircase down to the main deck to spend hours watching the waves there too, peace was found everywhere. Actually, one of our greatest joys was watching the dolphins catch the waves and play with each other as though no one was watching, or then again, maybe they were performing just for us! Every day they showed up, they showed out and created many laugh out loud moments for Dave and me. From where we sat on the deck it was less than a 50 yard walk to where we placed our beach chairs at the tide’s edge. The fall is a wonderful season to be in Florida as so few people are spending time on the beach. We saw less than eight people sharing the sand with us that week and we could not have been happier.
Even though we were on vacation we took advantage of the kitchen that looked like it came out of Southern Living magazine, or in my dreams. It was fun cooking a few meals there. The cabinets are stocked with every appliance, pot, pan or utensil one needs to cook a relaxing evening meal. Of course, eating out was an extra thrill for David too because he loves seafood and the local restaurants had fresh catch prepared just the way he loves it! After checking out the Food Network’s recommendations on great places to dine in our area, we drove the few miles through the Golf Island National Seashore to enter Pensacola. The white sandy beaches were beautiful! Once in Pensacola, we ate at Crab’s. Adam Richman is quoted as saying it was possibly the best beachside restaurant he’d been to. We agree. We also dined at McGuires Irish Pub in Pensacola. David had read that Robert Irvine said its Reuben Egg Rolls was one of the best things he’d ever eaten and we were not disappointed. Needless to say, along with sea shells, great pictures and fond memories we also brought home a few extra pounds, though delightfully gained.
David and I had a wonderful week and to Katelyn, Tommy and Pam we say thank you for this blessing! We’ve also learned that in the future we will make getting away together a priority every year. We owe it to ourselves and to our marriage. We highly recommend Beach House on the Moon at 7709 Gulf Blvd. Navarre Beach, Florida. Here is the link if anyone wants to check it out! http://www.vrbo.com/380701
Favorite Restaurants:
All American Heroes – 8544 Navarre Pkwy
David loved the N.O.L.A. (A toasted authentic New Orleans-style Roast Beef Po-Boy, dressed in Mayo, Lettuce & Tomatoes and dripping in brown gravy. He really loved the brown gravy!)
Also very good were the Club-Sub and Reuben
East Bay Crab House (Navarre Beach) – Cajun Angels – Jumbo Shrimp stuffed with crabmeat stuffing and wrapped with bacon, seasoned with blacken spices and broiled to perfection.
Crab’s Beachside Restaurant (Pensacola) – Flash Fried Shrimp and Fried Fish Platter, Charbroiled Chicken, Honey Buns, and to celebrate Rebekah’s birthday, its renowned Death by Chocolate Cake with Hot Fudge Sauce.
McGuires Irish Pub (Pensacola) – Rueben Egg Rolls, Hamburger steak covered in Sweet Vidalia Onions, St. Patty Melt, and its famous bean soup.
I like to talk, there’s no doubt about it. Just ask anyone who knows me. And I try to keep true to what my Mom taught me in that “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”. Certainly, that’s wise advice by a wise woman. Billy Graham has been quoted as saying (and I’m paraphrasing here) “we should speak about others in private as if a parrot lives in our house”. Again, sound advice, but we should take it one step further and watch what we say about ourselves as well. Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it.” Could we really change our lives by the very words we speak?
Though we may be familiar with this scripture, we must not take it seriously because if we did, we would put a guard over our mouth and make sure we only spoke positive things about ourselves. And yet, we are constantly saying things like “this will be the death of me”, or “that is just killing me,’’after all, they are just expressions, right? But what about the things we say concerning our future. Are you one that always expects the worse outcome? Do you says things like “I can’t even imagine ever living in a house that great,” or “I’m always passed over when it comes time for promotion.” Or the ever popular, “Nothing good ever happens to me.”
But, what if by voicing our doubts about our future well being, successes or accomplishments we actually got what we fearfully and carelessly spoke? Why, then, would we express such doubt about good things happening to us when we serve a God who says He has a good plan for our lives? But do we really believe in our hearts that what He says is meant for us too? The Word says that from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. But does what we really believe in our heart and speak out of our mouth affect our lives?
Jesus says in Mark 11:22-23, “Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be though removed, and be thou cast into the sea and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says.”
Obviously, our words have tremendous power and do affect our lives. We teach our children to speak positively over themselves as with The Little Engine That Could. As parents, it pains us to hear our precious ones say that they will never be able to accomplish things that we know they can. So we encourage them and say, “Yes, you can! I believe in you! Believe in yourself!”
Our Father wants each of us to believe in ourselves too. Jesus says in Matthew 19:26 that with God all things are possible. If we take Him at His Word and do what He says, speaking big things into our lives may seem a bit crazy in the natural, but in the Kingdom, it’s just the way it’s done. We serve a big God who makes the impossible possible when we speak words of faith and stand firm. But, if you can’t say anything good about yourself or your situation, you’d be better off saying nothing at all! What if everything you said came to pass?
Sometimes when I am reading my Bible I come across something that makes me go “huh?” And then it may take a long while before I get my answer, either through sound teaching or revelation from the Lord. The Old Testament story of the Nephilim certainly gave me reason to pause and ponder during my studies.
For years the account of Genesis 6 has puzzled me, especially where it talks about fallen angels having relations with daughters of humans and thus, having children together. In Hebrew, Nephilim means “fallen ones”. Yes, it’s pretty creepy and the result of said relations was a really evil giant race. The NIV translation follows:
6 When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with[a] humans forever, for they are mortal[b]; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”
4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown. (From my research it seems that many that walked the earth at that time thought highly of the Nephilim and their wicked abilities. This is not surprising since by then, the world was filled with evil.)
5 The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
(Thank goodness for Noah and his family and for keeping a pure blood line and seed for the coming Jesus. If satan had had his way, all bloodlines would have been corrupted by the Nephilim gene pool. God preserved the human race through the flood.)
So, one of my unanswered questions has been are those deceiving Nephilim part of satan’s army today and could they once again infiltrate and pollute the human race? That is truly a troublesome thought. Thankfully, while watching Joseph Prince recently (I love listening to his teachings) he addressed that very question and answered it through Scripture. Jude 1:6 says, “And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home, these He has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on that great Day.” And 2 Peter 2:4-5 says, “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; if He did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others…”
I think it was an excellent decision for God to bound them up with everlasting chains! Don’t you?
rebekahhurst.com
I don’t like needing glasses. When I hit my 30’s I needed them occasionally but only to read. Then in my 40’s I needed them absolutely to read. And now, at age 51, it’s apparent that not only do I need them to read but if I want to see anything clearly and accurately, I better have them on or learn to be content with seeing less than the whole picture.
Just to be clear as to what I’m talking about, let me give you an example. Often times I use the shower rod in my guest bathroom to hang jeans on after I pull them out of the washer. Long ago I realized that drying certain things was sure to decrease them in size, which of course would be beneficial if, in fact, I too were decreasing in size. But, no, that’s not the case here.
Well, recently as I was looking upward to hang my clothes I noticed cob webs in the corner of my shower. As I followed their path it unfortunately did not just stay in the corners but did instead travel the perimeter of the bathroom. Observing this, I felt a quick kick in the gut as I wondered just how long those webs have been there, especially seeing how full and thick they were as they stretched around the room. And dang it, if that wasn’t bad enough it had only been a couple of weeks since I had company using this bathroom.
On top of it all, I just kept thinking “How did I miss it while I was preparing and cleaning for their stay, because surely I would have noticed,” wouldn’t I. And then it hit me, I wasn’t wearing my glasses the day I cleaned in there. And then it really hit me, “I wonder what my company thought?” Oh, well. Nothing I can do about that now.
You see, this kind of thing happens fairly regularly when I don’t wear my glasses. I miss things. Granted, at times it makes things easier for a little while, kind of like delaying bad news. Like when I look in the mirror without my glasses I’m much happier because I don’t see all the wrinkles that have started to invade my face. Therefore, at that moment it seems like looking at things without glasses can be a good thing. But though I may not see them clearly, the truth is, the wrinkles are still there.
Life is a lot like that. Just because we don’t see something, it doesn’t mean it’s not there or happening all around us. Going through life choosing not to see things clearly is like looking through rose-colored lenses, if we’ve remembered to wear our glasses at all. How we navigate through life often depends on our willingness to see things truthfully and how clearly we see the direction we want to take.
There have been many times in my life where I have chosen to look at circumstances with blinders on. Usually, those were the times I only wanted to see what I wanted to see, not willing to accept the truth about certain situations. Sometimes no matter how long we wish something to be so, it just isn’t and no amount of wishing in the world will make it so.
It is only when we see clearly that we can change our direction to the better path. And when we take off the blinders, we can deal with the issues that come our way head on, instead of waiting to pick up whatever pieces are left after a crash and then to try and start all over again.
Have there been times in my life when I was content with not seeing things as they truly were? Yes, it was easier that way in the beginning. But as time went by and reality hit me square in the face, the truth was far harder to deal after living in denial for so long, just as with the cob web layers that had multiplied, growing full and thick and into an ugly mess.
The truth is that just as I needed to be wearing my glasses to give my best effort in cleaning my bathroom and clearly seeing the task at hand, so should I go through life choosing to see clearly. Regardless of what comes my way, I need to journey through with eyes wide open and focused whether dealing with circumstances, emotions or relationships. To do so, I must take off the blinders so I can squarely see and promptly deal with any oncoming obstacle or distraction trying to prevent me from living a more excellent way. Though there may be times that ignorance seems blissful, in the end, it’s the truth you know that sets you free!
rebekahhurst 