Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Serene or Sarcastic? Bitter or Better?



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It's getting super hairy out there in the world, right?

Whew. How tragic when young people, especially, become so cynical and jaded. There's hardly anything sadder than a bitter 30-year-old who believes every negative sentence he reads and drinks sarcasm for breakfast.

Do not let this happen to you, ok? 

"Crave balance," God tells me lately, for if I do? I'll never trip into the deep ruts on either side of His straight road. And He reminds me to read the great stories and quotes, inspiring ones like the one, above, and this--




(Click to enlarge. Is this writing tiny or what?)



If bitter or better after bad times are my choices, I choose better.

Oh, and I liked what Troy Dunn (the reunion guy) shared over at Facebook:


PLEASE.
Let's not let the politicians crush the holiday season. Lets take back our social media and fill it with positive, inclusive posts that celebrate humanity and the joy of the holiday season. 
I invite you to join me in TURNING OFF THE NEWS FOR A MONTH. Flip on holiday movies, music or whatever puts you in the spirit of joy and service. Smile, laugh, love, compliment.


I agree! Even went and unfollowed the few political pundits I'd signed up with for, frankly, I've heard enough. I'll still read headlines (so to keep current), but not all the gory details following them, for my read-all-about-politics season is over. (Gladly, it proved short.)

Took ages, but I've learned to recognize a dead-to-me season---you find struggle and boredom where once you found Grace.

And also, you discover peace when you stop fighting God and--finally--let Him scoot you over to His next season for you. 

So. Much. Peace.

Oy.





"We want God to change our circumstances, but God wants to use our circumstances to change us. The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances." ~Elisabeth Elliot 



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 "Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour."  1 Peter 5:8


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4 comments:

Betsy said...

Wonderful thoughts today my friend. I truly believe that we should be remembering the reason we celebrate this season and it's not a bit political is it? I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired of the news. I'm joining you in turning it off. Have a blessed day.
Betsy

Terra said...

This post is a great tonic for me and just what I needed to read. You will understand when you read the blog post I am writing and which will be published later this week about the saddest day in my life, which happened earlier this month.

Pam said...

Good post, Debra! We have to be vigilant to keep our focus on the Truth. I heartily agree with "If you want 2017 to be your year" at the top of the page. This life we live can be uncertain, but we still have the power to make choices for good--for God.

Debra said...

Hey Betsy! Glad you'll be joining me in turning off the news. Enjoy your time away! :)

Terra--I appreciate your telling me this post was timely. I'm so sorry you experienced your saddest day! I'll watch for the post at your blog and I'm praying for you in the meantime. Hang in there!

Pam--that's a perfect word--focus. I believe that's a huge reason why some people stand and others fall--because of where they placed their focus.

Thanks, Everyone! Blessings, Debra