Having purpose is so important, and it is motivating. But when your purpose becomes an attitude of competition only to put down someone else, that pride will be your downfall. That downfall may not come to you immediately, but it will come. Eventually, it will come.
Purpose should be an inner competition of better self. Purpose should be an outward vigor of thriving through hardships. purpose should be an omnidirectional display of helping someone else to achieve their dream.
When purpose meets awareness of another, that purpose becomes a superpower that is not easily stopped. When purpose meets denial of self for the life of another, that purpose becomes almost invincible.
Choose purpose over pride. Self-denial over self-absorption. Compassion over competition.
And you’ll be amazed at the world you can create.
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better tobe of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.
August…What can we say? It’s the eighth month of the year, not included in a holiday, not included in a celebration. It’s surrounded by the heat of summer and the busyness of back-to-school events (for those with children or working with children). These are what’s often referred to as the “dog days of summer.” Seriously. How exciting can they be? As the heat swirls and the kids’ activities build, let’s all take a minute to breathe deeply and exhale slowly; take a moment to refocus our attentions on what is important and remember Intentionality. Let’s be intentional as we move forward in the year, not allowing the days to slip into obscurity, forgetting God has called us to a great fight of faith. 1 Timothy 6:12. In our intentionality, let’s speak words of Truth, His Truth, boldly and unashamedly. Let’s speak words of Truth in love and grace, never condoning sin, but loving the sinner rather than the sin. Let’s speak words of Truth in faith, believing that the Holy Spirit will draw those who are lost. John 12:32. Let us remember that courage is given to us by God to be who He’s called us to be and to win the lost at any cost. I love this quote: “Courage is not the absence of fear but acting despite it. In fact, you would not need courage if you did not have fear.” (Arthur W. Lindsey, C. S. Lewis Institute) Let us be ambassadors for Christ, being intentional in our everyday lives to listen to His prodding, to obey His direction, and to reach those who might be right there in front of us who desperately need to hear, “Jesus loves you!” It doesn’t take much to help someone to have a better day, but sometimes, we do need the courage to look, listen, speak, and reach out. Joshua 1:9. In our courage, let us not get caught up in the temptations of the enemy that will cause us to look at flesh and blood as the problems with sin. Sinners will sin. Christians will sin. By the grace of God, we all go. 1 Corinthians 15:10. Remember, our battle is never with a person. Rather, it is with the enemy of our souls! Let’s put on the full armor of God. Let’s intentionally raise our swords and grasp our shields of faith with purpose and with vigor. Let us march on the gates of hell and cast down any vain imaginations, speak against the darkness, and let His light shine so brightly within our lives that the demons tremble and the lost see Jesus beyond our humanness. 1 Peter 5:8. Ephesians 6:10-20. During these “dog days of summer,” let us not be distracted by the heat nor by the busyness. Let our intent be the Father’s business, and let’s go and be who He’s destined us to be! Matthew 28:18-20.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I amwith you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
What a funny and revealing question to ask if someone practices religion. But maybe that’s a normal activity outside my little corner of the world.
Practicing a religion creates an image of rituals, traditions and an adherence to a law or laws that has not relationship, no interaction, no love for real persons. Practicing a religion makes me think of practicing for a sport, an activity, or an upcoming event but never allowing that given circumstance to become a part of you. Because practicing for something is very different than embracing something, becoming something, and allowing that something to become a part of you.
When something is a part of your life, and you embrace it for all it is, it becomes who you are. You don’t simply practice a ritual, but you live a lifestyle. You don’t simply follow a tradition, you know it like the back of your hand. You don’t simply obey a law of the religion because you’re told to do so, but rather you surrender because there’s a higher purpose for the obedience than just the obedience.
So, to answer the question directly, “Do (you) practice religion?” I guess, I’d have to answer in complexity and simplicity, all at the same time.
You see, I’ve fallen in love with a man named Jesus, who is both God and man. I have a relationship with Him. I have embraced His ways as my own, and although, I may fall and don’t get it quite right at times, I keep striving to seek His ways and follow them for the betterment of my life.
Some people might call me religious because I do somethings that are considered traditional, like prayer, church attendance, and paying my tithes. And I do somethings that some would believe to be ritualistic like following certain words of wisdom, listening to preachers, or even things I won’t indulge in.
But I’d have to disagree. Because it’s not about a religion, and it’s not about a tradition; although, those things are attached to the reality of it, I suppose.
It’s all about a relationship with a Savior who has completely changed my life and the trajectory thereof.
It’s all about His knowing every tiny intricate detail of me, my emotions, my thoughts, my being and my beliefs, and He still loves me. It’s all about His knowing me, loving me, and long me enough to never leave me the same.
He invites me into a personal relationship with Him, and my mind cannot even fathom everything about Him. And in exchange for my surrendering my will and ways for His, He gives me eternal life and the promise of heaven that is more beautiful than anything ever imaginable.
He’s amazing.
And I’d encourage all who read this to check Him out for yourself…
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.” Hebrews 10:16-18 NKJV
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
An ancient boundary would be a place set up by forefathers to make territory, valued land, and a home.
Oxford says it’s a line that marks the limit of an area.
Webster describes it as something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent.
A definition I like is a dividing line.
Because truthfully, that’s exactly what a boundary in a relationship is. It’s the start and stop of what I’m willing to tolerate to allow you close proximity me.
And we all have them. We all set them. Intentionally and non-intentionally.
We set them for random dogs that run up to us on the street. We set them for rulers and dictators who want to control. We set them for arbitrary strangers in public. We set them for our boss, our coworkers, our friends.
And yet, when it comes to loved ones or family, sometimes, we question if boundaries are appropriate. Are they needed? And are they valid?
Instead of answering this forthrightly, let me answer with a question.
If you so easily set that boundary for the arbitrary stranger that you may never see again, why would that person get more attention for your thoughts than the ones with whom you are closest?
Let that settle in and mull it over for a minute.
If you set a boundary for that stranger, as in they can’t just simply steal from you without a fight, why would you allow a loved one to continually steal your peace of mind day after day?
If you set a boundary for that ruler or boss in your life, as in he or she isn’t going to come into your home and rearrange your life without resistance, why would you allow a child to walk in and wreak havoc in your abode?
If you set a boundary for that random dog you encounter, as in it will not jump on you, eat whats in your hand or dispose of itself on you without a kick, shove, yell or simple walk away, why would you allow a family member everyday to do the very same things, even if it is a mental or emotional act of abuse?
When someone is unruly, disrespectful, overbearing, self centered, or selfish in their regard to someone else, sometimes, you’re going to have to decide how much you will tolerate and then, set a boundary for no more.
It doesn’t matter if they don’t like it.
It doesn’t matter if they agree.
It doesn’t even matter if their feelings are hurt, and they say so.
What matters is the peace of mind that comes when the line is drawn and sanity is found.
What matters is the love that returns when the fence is erected and a calm is found within its limits.
Set those boundaries. Stand your ground.
And begin to breathe again.
Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.
There is so much truth to this statement that it’s almost difficult to add anything to it.
Too often, we continually try to change people to fit what we need, or better yet, we work hard to “lead them” to a better place to accommodate who we are and who we are becoming.
But people are people.
You might can lead them well, and when that is feasible, by all means, carry on. But when it is someone who is bringing constant harm to you or to someone you love, be careful giving your time. Because you’re also giving your love, your thoughts, and eventually someone else’s flesh more than just your own.
When it’s toxicity, abuse, or dysfunction we’re talking about, step back and evaluate what you’re truly letting go of:
Peace of mind. Peace in your home.
Love in your heart. Love in your surroundings.
Sanity. Sanity in your loved ones.
If these things are given up for the sake of family, friendship , or other relationships, is it really worth it?
Sometimes, you have to hear what someone is saying, see what they are doing, and understand they are who they are. This is a a choice. And you f it doesn’t line up with the peace, love and sanity you need for your life and for those within your charge, then by all means,
Step away.
You both will be better for it.
As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
My journey didn’t stop with mere time travel or writing; it led me to become one of the most sought-after empaths, a soulful psychic who reads the hidden depths of the human spirit. I’ve been blessed—or perhaps burdened—with an ability that allows me to feel the emotions of people from every corner of time.
I am a licensed psychologist based in Greece. My love for housekeeping has inspired me to create this blog about home management and family relationships. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing!
Dedicated to movie nerdom, nostalgia, and soul invigoration. In the late 90s, I worked at Blockbuster Video where they let me take home two free movies a day. I caught up on the classics and reviewed theatrical releases for Denver 'burbs newspapers and magazines. Today, while raising two young, beautiful daughters with my amazing wife, I look forward to anything rated R and not Bluey. Comments and dialogue encouraged!
