Intentional

This year, I decided not to make a resolution because they're either too easy to break, or to hard to maintain.  Instead, I chose the word "intentional" to help me make better choices, or improvements in my life.

Last November, I chose to walk every day, intentionally, no matter how the rest of the day had gone.  And it was mostly successful.  There were 2 days I didn't make it to a park, but made an intentional walk around my workplace (walmart). Part of this was also create photos as I was out and about in the local patks.

My choices each day are improving, but there are a couple of things that need doing better, especially in my water intake.  

I am near the end of my 30 day challenge of listening to Christian music during my commutes.  Its going well, and I like it! 

One song's lyrics that remind me every day that it's all going to be ok goes like this:

"You've walked me through fires, pulled me from flames. If You're in this with me, I won't be afraid. When the smoke billows higher, and it feels I can barely breathe, I'll walk through these fires, cause You're walking with me.  (Sung by John St Cyr)

Every day, I try my best to make each choice intentional.  As a result, I am walking more, and watching less TV.  

As an added bonus, while the second Friday of January is known as "quitters day",  I'm still working on mine!

Faithfully

"When my world broke into pieces, You were there faithfully.  When I cried out to You, Jesus, You made a way for me.  I will never be the same man, but I still believe."

I have hard some very hard years in my lifetime.  And sometimes I forget I am grounded in the Word of the Lord.  But how easy it is to begin thinking the worst when things are going badly.  That's when I find my faith tested over and over.  

But no matter how often I allow myself to be detoured from the road I'm supposed to be on.  But God is faithful,  and pulls us back in when we're willing.  He may knock but we have to let Him in. 

I've let Him in again,  and it feels so good!  

The thought that made me go "huh" today was that maybe the men who have been attracted to me can see something they desire to have.  No me, physically, but maybe the sense of peace, of joy, that I have when I'm right with the Lord. 

If you're searching for peace, for joy, listen for the knock and let Him in.  You won't be sorry.

I Can Only Imagine

"I can only imagine when all I will do is forever worship You."  A great song by MercyMe.   But what a good movie they made based on his life story.  

With faith we can overcome so many obstacles.  I was raised in church, and I'm familiar with the love of Jesus, of his stories.  But there's a difference between knowing and truly feeling His love.

When I was at my lowest point after my son died, I figured that I would just "exist" from day to day for the rest of my days.  But then I started to get back to my church roots, and found Christian music again.  And I feel like I've found home, found some purpose, and have definitely found my joy!

If you're feeling lost, or feel like you're searching for something, just remember Jesus loves you!

I can only imagine.  Watch it on Netflix!  You won't regret it!  

I Thank God

He picked me up, He turned me around

He placed my feet on solid ground.

He healed my heart, He changed my name,

Forever free, I'm not the same

I thank the Master,  I thank the Savior

I thank God.

A chorus to a fantastic song that I've been listening to.  There are so many others that have also become favorites as well.  I have been listening to Family Life Radio and KLove for a month now, and I love it!

I have always been drawn to music, and was raised in the church, so its a natural fit.  For years, I sang in a church choir and truly enjoyed it.  I wasn't of a soloist quality by any means, but one of the soloists gave me a wonderful compliment. She said she liked watching me sing because my face showed my emotions.  Which is why I do NOT play poker.  lol

I've had many hardships in recent years.  Dad and sis died of cancer and my son committed suicide.  That was the hardest of all.  But I've been able to be ok with it  because of my faith.  

Someday, I will see them again and rejoice.  Until then, singing is a way for me to ... fight off the sadness and depression, to lift my voice in praise of Jesus.  There is a deep joy inside my soul when I sing along, and it helps me to know it is well.

There is wonderful praise music out there. Try listening and see if it doesn't lift your spirit!  I know it lifts mine.