"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." ... Romans 8:37
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This past summer, weather forecasters told us here in Buffalo (and other places) that The Polar Vortex Was Coming. In September. It would be bad.
We had a gorgeous September.
But I have friends who spoiled their summer and September because they dreaded a polar vortex which never came. That's how we ruin our life: we pump dread into our heads and miss all the wonder and magic and blessings still out there everywhere.
We dread grocery shopping.
We dread getting up early.
We dread going to work.
We dread cleaning the house.
We dread exercising.
We dread visits from unfavorite people.
We dread going to the dentist. Or doctor.
We dread buying (expensive) gas on blustery days.
We dread company/office parties.
We dread the permanent ending of a favorite tv series.
We dread clothes shopping.
We dread losing our loved ones.
We dread winter.
We dread painting a room.
We dread possible accidents.
We dread paying bills.
... and if we keep believing that we can't help dreading things-- if we don't tell ourselves to knock it off and then retrain our minds--well, we create for ourselves a dreadful life.
Not because of what happened to us, but because of how we responded to it. It's possible to break our 'viewer', to allow this dread, this fear of unpleasantness, to crack and skewer what we see. All while others still view the beauty, unfiltered, unskewered.
Always, God has something better. Always God empowers us to become overcomers, though what remains is that we always believe He can. And that we can, also.
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"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." ... Romans 12:2
"Fear brings torment..." "I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." ...1 John 4:18, Psalm 34:4
“Panic and terror aren't the only kinds of fear. There are deeper kinds, more terrible kinds. Apprehension and heavy, heavy dread.”
― Veronica Roth, Four: The Traitor
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The News would have us believe that all teenagers nowadays are thugs, but they are wrong. Here is one of thousands of stories which prove that.
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A very special thanks to all veterans on this Veteran's Day!
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Free Kindle books:
In Between
Home to Walnut Ridge
A Fine Mess
Freezer Meals
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"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." ...Philippians 4:8
Debra, this is so your thing, to bring to our attention again and again that we are to, "Fear Not".
ReplyDeleteIf only people would listen.
I loved the link to the story about the 17 yr,. old firefighter and posted it on FBook. People need to hear more about goodness in action!
Thanks for the nudge, Debra. Most of us need to be reminded that we are incredibly blessed.
ReplyDelete