Emotions

Have you ever had one of those weeks? I'm sure you have. You know, the kind of week that leaves you feeling exhausted emotionally; trampled. We may have felt physically exhausted from time to time, but emotional exhaustion is quite different; and it can also affect us physically. 

There are so many emotions that can overwhelm us, if we let them. Maybe we feel angry because of the injustice and cruelty in the world; sadness because of suffering and loss; fear of the unknown; shame because of bad decisions or mistakes made; heartbreak because of dishonesty or deception. All of these emotions are part of what makes us real human beings that have feelings, living daily in an imperfect world; not emotionless robots, simply going through the motions of day to day activities. And, although difficult to experience, I believe these emotions God has equipped us with, serve a greater purpose in making us wiser, stronger and more courageous individuals who, like plants in a garden, continue to grow.

Gerbera Daisies

As Gandhi said, "If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him...."  It starts, one person at a time.

If we prayerfully allow them, these negative emotions, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, can help us seek more of the things we would like to see in the world: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control".  (Galatians 5:22-23) These are the fruit of the Spirit; and I am thankful that God, in His loving faithfulness towards us, is always pursuing the cultivation and growth of this fruit within us. 

God Bless!

Joyful Hope

(Matthew 5:16)

© 2017 JOYFUL HOPE  

hopecultivated.blogspot.com

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Stories: If I only knew then, what I know now!

Over 300 views of my first blog posting in two days! WOW! Canada, USA, Costa Rica, Ireland, Cuba and Israel: I’m so pleased you stopped by, and I hope you return!  Isn’t social media amazing? On its own, it is neither good, nor bad; but how one chooses to use it, is a different story. It’s like most things: it can be used to do good works, or exploited to do harm.

My goal is to encourage, inspire and bring hope. Also, if you haven’t already discovered on your own, I am a follower of Jesus Christ, so there will be many references to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If any of that creates negative feelings or disinterests you, you’ve come to the wrong place. If it interests you, and perhaps you know others that would also be interested, please share. I want people to experience the same joy deep inside their soul, despite their circumstances, that I so willingly want to share. It is possible! If that perks your interest, I hope you return.

Since I’m new at this and haven’t yet decided which day of the week I will post regularly, you may want to follow this blog, so you will get a notification of each new blog posting; otherwise, I suppose you could just keep checking back regularly; whatever is most convenient for you. I’m going to try to post weekly, but depending on what’s happening in my life, it may be slightly more, or slightly less often. Just sayin’: Life happens.

In the Holy Bible, we read where Jesus taught using parables in the Gospels. Now although these short stories were fictitious, they were used to teach and illustrate a lesson to be learned. Each of our lives are full of experiences, and although we may not realise it at the time, those experiences are learning moments; teachable moments in our lives that help to shape how we deal with future experiences. It can help others as well; BUT, not if we keep these great learnings to ourselves. How many times have you said or have heard others say, “If I only knew then, what I know now….” I’ve said it many times.

I am so inspired by those who have faced major challenges, obstacles and adversity, many of which seemed insurmountable at the time. Yet, they overcame them; not on their own I would suggest; but through God’s intervention. Their stories help build our own courage, and often encourage us not to give up hope for brighter days ahead. Some of these people can become your best cheerleaders, during times when we need it most.  I know that’s been true for me. They know from experience; and experience, not education, leads to wisdom. Sure, the “brighter days” ahead may not be exactly as we had planned it. In fact, it may look nothing like anything we ever imagined. And undoubtedly, it never comes as quickly as we would like.

Perhaps, I suggest to you, these are just a few of the life lessons we are being taught: faith, gratitude and patience. More on this in the coming days and weeks.

God Bless!

Joyful Hope

(Matthew 5:16)

© 2017 JOYFUL HOPE  

hopecultivated.blogspot.com

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED