Adversity builds character
Posted by Joan
We all experiences challenges and adverse situations in our lives from time to time but the key to those experiences is not to fold and cave in but to rise above them and grow to a deeper level of who you are. I have recently had numerous challenges come into my life in various levels and degrees and I must admit it makes you sink deep into your soul and reflect on who you are and what it is you are hoping to accomplish. It is far easier to cave in and give up saying, “I guess this is my fate!” I would like to suggest, however, that you quiet your mind long enough to re-evaluate your circumstances and come to grips with what it is that you truly need right now to exist and survive. Sometimes it is sheer survival that gets you through the tough times. It is the self-realization that you can exist with less, that you can use your imagination to find a solution and that you can come out a winner because you are tough and a fighter. There is also a piece of your heart that says: You are almost at the top of your mountain so keep going.
Our character is truly defined by the most difficult challenges that we face. It is that moment in time when we have to stay strong, no matter what and think with clarity of purpose on how we are going to move forward and resolve the issue we are faced with. It is also the knowing that if we stay strong, the challenges will move away and we will have an improved outcome. Hope is powerful. It is vital for your survival to have HOPE that tomorrow will be better and that you will find the necessary answer.
The test of our character can only be strengthened with the support of our Creator who is actually giving us loving support and guidance. I believe that I am always presented with clues to help me move in the right direction, but it is my task to figure out the clues and solve the puzzle placed in front of me. The path to courage and strength can be difficult mostly because we are faced with the unknown. If we knew the end result, we would be more receptive to walking through the tunnel of darkness. Unfortunately, that is not our privilege. Yet I can say from experience that God has never deserted me and although it may take me to the last hour to see the right answer, I get it every time. I have also discovered that if the pieces are not falling into place, then I am in the wrong place. That is the time I need to re-think my plans and move in another direction.
Our future is truly dependent upon our ability to develop our character and keep our minds open to all possibilities. The experiences that we face open us up to ways that we never thought I possible yet as I look back over my life, I can say that I wanted to have all of the experience that I was faced with. It has made my life an adventure to behold. Why you might ask? Because I have grown far more than I thought I was capable.
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller
What does success mean to you?
Posted by Joan
What is it that you would like to succeed in for the coming year? A goal without a plan is just a wish! We all have wishes and dreams, but few go further than that-their wishes. Somehow people seem stuck in the planning process and then they never reach the implementation stage.
It would be a good idea to study the life of an athlete. They are some of the most disciplined people in the world-why, you may ask because they envision their end goal and then create a plan, a platform from which they go forward into high gear. There are a number of factors that all those who succeed have in common:
- Their strong Desire doesn’t shrink. Instead, it becomes stronger as they progress in their endeavor. Possibly because they have a supportive team standing behind them giving help, encouragement and help. Do you need to seek out a support team to help you?
- Their Belief system is also strong and unwavering. They believe in their talents and gifts. They refuse to take NO as an answer to any challenge but rather continue to stretch themselves every day. They choose to move through the pain to reach the other side. Are you willing to walk through the dark valley to reach the other side?
- Their Passion is fierce. Their eye is on the ball and their discipline and persistence doesn’t shrink. It continues to grow and grow…and this is what fuels their energy. It is an unending spiral that they refuse to leave because they do not want to miss a beat. Where does your power and strength lie? Do you believe in your self and your talents sufficiently to reach your glory?
- Positive mind, body and spirit are the character traits that enables them to understand that they have limitless abilities and with the grace and support of their team whether they be natural or supernatural, they are destined to succeed. We all have a supernatural Divine Team that is ready, willing and able to help us on our Journey. It is our job to ask for their help and guidance and then we need to heed their suggestions and advice.
Negative thoughts only have one goal-to help you fail. When you move into that realm of negativity, you open the door to pessimism, feelings of insecurity and the belief that you are limited by some condition, situation or circumstance. I have said often and I will repeat myself- we all make choices and fortunately or otherwise, we will have to live by our choices. If you have a wish or a dream that continues to recur, that is no accident. That is God, your Creator’s way of letting you know that you can experience the success that you want if you are willing to do the work and move through your personal valley of darkness so that you can reach your light and destiny.
If it is important, I know you will find a way, if it isn’t, then you will find an excuse. I hope you choose for your personal glory. I know it is going to be wonderful.
Let your light shine
Posted by Joan
This is the time of year when many people feel more stressed and less relaxed. We tend to pressure ourselves with all the preparations that we aim to make so we and all our family and friends will have a supportive and fun Holiday. But if you do not add to the mix time out for you to relax and get rejuvenated, you will be compromising your health and overall well-being.
In order for our internal light to shine brightly during the Holidays, we all need to allow our mind as well as our hearts to receive the perfect antidote to stress, which I might add, will also help in keeping you healthy throughout the year. The answer is:setting some time for relaxation daily!
Make time in your life for relaxation even if it is only for a half hour every evening. When we relax, our body and mind has the opportunity to slow down, unwind and feel the peace within. Our muscles and joints become less tense and our energy field takes a breather as our blood pressure calms down, our heart rate slows down and tension is released.
I have found that when I make time for me at the end of a long day, I give my body a chance to feel less anxious and less tense. My nerve endings relax and I am better able to have a more peaceful sleep as, I might add, I also give my immune system a change to catch up and replenish.
Our light cannot shine brightly when we are stressed or vibrating in a negative mode, that is, when we tend to feel overly pressured and consequently less effective.
The art of relaxation is like the art of self-realization where you can develop your conscious mind to focus and enrich your body so that you have time to breathe and commune with your inner voice, your soul.
Here are some ways that might help you get started on a journey towards inner healing:
- Snuggle up on the couch in the evening and simply be still as you enjoy a quiet moment.
- Cook yourself a healthy meal at home and listen to soft music.
- Listen to your body and its messages. You will definitely avoid unwanted disease.
- Get a massage – it definitely releases toxins from the body and makes you feel relaxed too.
- Smile and laugh with your children, partner or pet-you will reap the benefits
- Take a Yoga class – it is definitely calming
- Meditation – We have a FREE Sunlight meditation on our website in the READ LISTEN & LEARN section. Download this 9-minute MP3 and experience a wonderful healing meditation.
I encourage you to add relaxation to your daily routine. Research has shown the benefits of relaxation on a daily basis. It can and will contribute to a healthier and happy lifestyle.
Do you feel like your life is falling apart?
Posted by Joan
Do you feel as though everything you touch falls apart-that your life is in conflict and you feel caught in the dark crevices of life?Be faithful and TRUST GOD in the dark places because that is where you are shown how to grow. It may feel like a test and a challenging moment and it is, but when something is ending in your life and when things are falling apart, it usually means that the old ways must be cut and severed so the New Tomorrowcan be born.
It is easy to get discouraged with life when we are pushed into a dark place of despair and fear. God doesn’t send the difficulties but He allows them so that we can grow our spirit and develop the depths of our soul because in truth that is our true purpose-to grow and move out of our comfort zone. God doesn’t cause the pain but He definitely allows pain to appear because He knows that in our dark places we will get stronger -braver and more in tune with the wonders that God wants us to know.
This may be the time when your faith is stretched and challenged but know that this is also the time when you must develop your spiritual muscles and show God and yourself that you are a winner and will not give up. When I have been challenged in my life, the pain was intense-fear set in and doubt and worry were always present. I soon was shown that this was the time that my soul developed a strength that I would never have understood if I was not brought to this place. God is growing our character-our sense of value and worth to see if we are worthy and up for the task. It is during these times that we are shown who we are and what we CAN become.
God’s message is: We must go through the valley in order to get to the other side-the side where our joys and greatest moments will be revealed. It may not seem fair or just but when you are brought to the other side of the dark valley, you will walk into the brightness of your celebration. God is leading you to your glory but you must first walk through the darkness of the valley if you want to reach your destiny. Believe that on the other side of the valley is the feast prepared for you. The dream you have been dreaming about for a long time is about to be revealed. When you are confronted with your dark places-Trust God-#Believe in His Power and Get Excited because you are being prepared for your greatness. This experience is simply a prerequisite for your extraordinary journey.
We all have questions-we may lack understanding and reasoning but don’t get caught up in the logical reasoning. Instead, continue to honor God, trust in His way and believe that God has a purpose; that the perfect reason of why you were brought to this dark place will eventually make sense.
People do not determine your destiny-God does! Stay in God’s favor-praise and give ‘Thanks’ to God for all that you have. Oh, yes, there will be times when we feel broken, disappointed and move into the darkness ➞but PLEASE ➞ don’t get discouraged or bitter. Stay in faith and do not settle in the valley. Don’t give up and linger in the valley-continue to move through it-push through the darkness and keep going. Soon you will see a small flicker of light and as you keep walking, you will begin to see that small sliver expand into more and more light and finally you will get through and see the beauty that is waiting for you on the other side. No one likes to be buried in the dark places-that is why, you should not linger there. Your potential can only be experienced as you continue to keep walking.
Read this Psalms 23-4-The Lord is my Shepherd:
“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows…”
I believe that the journey is well worth the passage way through the Valley of the darkness. For me, I know I must keep walking!
How important are you?
Posted by Joan
In a recent story, I read how one teacher made a phenomenal and positive impact on her high school seniors. She handed out blue ribbons to each one that stated, “Who you are makes a
difference.” But the story didn’t end there; she explained why each child was important to her and to the class. Additionally, she handed three extra blue ribbons (to each student) to hand out to others for the same purpose. What transpired was beyond miraculous as one of the blue ribbons inspired one man to become a better person, and even stopped a potential suicide. Imagine having the capability to inspire someone to lead a happier life and inspiring someone else to just live — all through simple recognition?
How important are you? Well, that is truly in the eye of the beholder; but I want to tell you today that who you are makes a difference. In the endless paradox of society, each of us holds a valuable place on the grand stage of life. While some of us are called to duty to be mothers, fathers, leaders, engineers, teachers, and service workers, (among others) we are all a critical part of the Universal flow of energy. What we do today, affects others tomorrow. That’s why it is so important to develop positive patterns in life. When we support, encourage and recognize others, remarkable things happen to us. We learn that by showing appreciation, we are appreciated. We learn that by servicing others, service is reciprocated to us. By showing affection, we gain more love. You see, the power of the importance of you is what keeps the flow of Universal energygoing. One good turn deserves another…and that’s what makes the world a much more special place in which to live.
If you think you are not valued, you are certainly wrong. The mere fact that you have taken the time to read this article makes you an important person to me. This means that you are ready to receive recognition and are ready to accept blessings that are waiting for you at this very moment. When you have a positive attitude of gratitude, you are
ready to become a vital part of the Universal flow of energy. It also means that you are ready to transform your life into a healthier, happier, and more prosperous one.
How, do you ask? Begin making a conscious effort to be grateful for everything and everyone in your life. Here are some simple pointers:
- Thank individuals and acknowledge others more frequently;
- Promote and carry out random acts of kindness;
- Offer assistance whenever you can;
- Express sincere interest in others.
Remember what I said earlier? One good turn deserves another. The more you offer your unconditional love, appreciation, and service to others — the more you receive in return. That’s the critical element to keeping the positive Universal flow of energy going. Additionally, you learn that being important to others is much greater and nobler than being important to yourself.
