Thursday Thoughts ~ What's the Point?

Sometimes I wonder.... "What's the point of all this?"..... Especially since Terry died 3+ years ago.

What's the point to life - or more specifically - What's the point to MY life?

What's the point to Terry's death? - I mean, if my life is just going around in circles with no real meaning or purpose - why did he have to die? I was perfectly content and blissfully happy being his wife. True there were circumstances I didn't like - like having to go out and work (I've always wanted to be a stay-at-home-wife/mother) ... Which leads to another question...

What's the point of having life-long, soul-deep dreams if they aren't fulfilled the way we desire?

What's the point in working so much for so little in return? - I mean what's the point of "doing what you love" if that doesn't pay the bills or put food on the table?

What's the point of my writing - am I REALLY touching lives for God?

What's the point to my faith if my circumstances don't seem to change? Oh they do change! But is that change for my good and God's glory?

What's the point of Jesus' "abundant life" if my experience reflects lack?

Like a merry-go-round, the questions circle in my brain. And then I look around and hear someone else's story and feel guilty for having such petty, selfish thoughts.

And yet, the questions start again..... What's the point of life when there's so much pain and suffering?

I'm sure Jesus feels the same.....

What's the point of MY Blood, My sacrifice? I died for them and they can't hardly stand each other!

What's the point of MY example? I showed them unconditional love, forgiveness and lack of judgment - they can't even get along with their immediate family much less the world...always gossiping, backbiting and judging! Snubbing each other with their puffed up pride and self righteousness attitudes.

What's the point of My teaching? I taught them the simplicity of faith - "Love God and love one another as I have loved you"....    "THIS... is the work I have for you, to Believe! (Believe on Me and the One who sent Me)" - yet they complicate it all with rules and regulations and works of the flesh, work that draws their heart and mind far, far from Me.

I imagine HE gets as disgusted with people as I/we sometimes do and I'm sure He asks His (our) Father - daily...What's the Point?

What's the point of this post?

I don't know! I told you Thursday Thoughts would sometimes be Random Ramblings LOL!

Seriously though, sometimes I feel I'm just a puppet on this stage called "life."

I mean, I read and study and listen and hopefully learn and then I try to do good and to be more like Jesus....loving, kind, generous, etc - So what am I missing? What's the key?

What's the point?

I'd love to hear your feedback!

Tuesday Treasure - Meditation

Good Morning Friends!

You may be wondering how on earth Meditation can be a treasure. Well let me explain.....

Like many, I've wondered at the benefits of meditation and balked at what seems like an incredible waste of time. I mean, after all, who has hours (or even minutes!) a day to sit in silence and think nothing? Is it even possible to think nothing? Have no thoughts? What's the use? I've got so much to do, just thinking of thinking about nothing is a stretch of the imagination! (No  I'm not going to try and say that again LOL!)

Isn't it funny how we get all bent out of shape thinking about sitting around and doing nothing? And yet....yet...isn't that what we do when we embrace the quiet and sip a cup of coffee or hot tea? Isn't that what we do when we sink chin-deep into a hot bath or Jacuzzi? Isn't that what we do when we immerse ourselves in a good book?

Meditation has the same benefits of all the things we do to relax. The main difference I've found is between relaxing and letting your mind wander or center on the bliss of the moment or bliss in your life compared to 'focused' or 'intentional' meditation.

We've all enjoyed those moments of pure relaxation, pure bliss where you heave a huge sigh and just be still and listen to the quiet. Focused or intentional meditation has the same effect but a different result because focused meditation makes an impression or cements an idea into your subconscious mind.

The Bible talks extensively about meditating on the "law of the Lord (which is LOVE)."

The dictionary defines meditation as "continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation and spiritual introspection."

Focused or intentional meditation is taking a simple thought or word, (mantra) and keeping it uppermost in your mind. This can be done in the traditional way (sitting quiet, low or no lights, soft music, etc), but here's the good news! It can also be done any time, any where, for ANY length of time! Even mere moments throughout the day is beneficial.

How?  Simple.

Write your intention down, carry it with you and keep it in front of you throughout the day. Every chance you get, breathe deep and repeat the intention. Keep it simple - a single word or short sentence. If possible begin your sentence with "I AM" (ie; I am love, I am blessed, I am healthy).

Visualization is another form of meditation as is writing affirmations. Meditating on Scripture strengthens faith. Meditating before bed induces better sleep.

Want to experience the benefits of meditation but don't know where or how to start? Here's a couple of great CD's to check out.....

Prayer of the Heart - Meditating to the "Jesus" prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me."

I Am Wishes Fulfilled - tuning forks subscribed to the letters in I Am set to soft, lyrical music.

Well known wellness expert and spiritual leader, Deepak Chopra has several CD's and often does a 21 day FREE Mediation challenge.

I hope you'll check out some of these resources and find your own special form of meditation because the peace and well-being that results from doing so is truly a treasure to behold.

Until later...take care & be Blessed!
PamT

Saturday Spotlight - The Covering by Dana Pratola!

Good Morning Friends!

Today's Spotlight is my friend, Dana Pratola with her book The Covering. I've read this book and highly recommend it to those who love edgy, sensual Christian fiction!

Now more about Dana in her own words.....

God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and three dynamic kids, all of whom are destined to make wide, colorful splashes in this world. We live in New Jersey with our Maltese, Lola, and German Shepherd, Jett. I have no hobbies to speak of, unless you include writing. I don’t.

God gave me a passion to write Christian Romance. These books don’t contain explicit sex scenes, but my characters have real desires, struggles and choices to make. A lot of the time they make the wrong ones. No subject is prohibited but good always triumphs. This is not your mother’s Christian fiction. 

BLURB: What do a Christian woman and a faithless biker have in common? The devil of course.

EXCERPT: Vaulting from the bed, Gunnar slapped at his body, desperate to quench the consuming flames that caused his flesh to bubble and his skin to pucker and shrink away.

He tried to scream, but the nauseating stench of sulfur robbed his breath.

If he could just pass out from the pain it would be over. But he’d been asleep and that hadn’t prevented this. Sleep prompted the nightmares.

His heart pounded so fast and hard, he expected it to explode in his chest, but he wouldn’t be so lucky. Then, as quickly as the flames ignited, they vanished, and he collapsed to the floor, shuddering and wheezing. He sucked in as much air as he could with his face pressed into the carpet fiber.

As usual, the images of hell and its demons slowly dissipated, as did the pain. Though he would recall being racked with unspeakable agony, the only lasting physical effects would be strained muscles acquired from his ineffectual fight. Even now, his entire body throbbed.

When he was able to release his white‐knuckle grip on the carpet, Gunnar pulled himself up to sit on the  

edge of the bed and dropped his head into his hands. He wouldn’t survive another night of this.

Purchase your copy of The Covering  HERE!

Find out more about Dana by visiting her Website, FaceBook page or following her on Twitter @DanaPratola

Well friends, I hope you enjoyed this Saturday Spotlight! Stay tuned next week when we host another great author and his or her book(s)!

Until later...take care, be blessed and remember.... Ask(in trust)~Believe(with faith & passion) ~Receive(with gratitude)~Share the blessing!

 

Thursday Thoughts...

Good Morning Friends and a Happy Thursday to You ALL!

As I sit her this morning I am amazed at how God has worked in my life this past week.... I am reading more, better organized, and accomplishing more on a daily basis. Even writing regularly again!

Is it a coincidence these blessings coincide with the first week of Lent?

I don't think so.

For many, this is a special time of year. A time when we set aside certain habits or time to pray and reflect more. Although I pray daily and talk to God all the time, I relish this season.

Whether observing 'Lent' is a part of your religious practice or not, it behooves us all to take time out of our normal routine and spend extra, quality time with the Lord.

Only good can come of it!

Something to think about....

"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)

No Wonder They Call HIM the Savior

Good Morning Friends!

Well as you can tell by the side bar, I've updated my blog and am implementing a new blogging schedule.

Today's "Tuesday's Treasure" is No Wonder they call HIM the Savior by Max Lucado.

The book is a study on the Cross and those present (and missing) at the cross on that fateful day when Christ was sacrificed and I can not begin to tell you how powerful it is in reflecting the love of our Lord and the Cross of Calvary. I've read it before and would encourage you to read it - especially during the Lenten season as it is such a beautiful testimony to the Grace of our Lord!

There are chapters that make you smile (yes smile), chapters that make you cry, chapters that make you reflect on your own faith and chapters that RIP your heart out. 

This man has a unique way of expressing the Grace of God through Jesus Christ and I feel EVERY believer (regardless of your denomination) will benefit from reading this book.

How did I benefit?  I have a deeper appreciation for Christ's sacrifice and knowing He did it for ME.  We all presume that we wouldn't desert Him in His darkest hour.  But, would we?  How many times do we desert or reject Him today?

Several years ago, as a new Christian, I was meditating on the Scripture "if you deny Me before men, I will deny you before My Father" (Matthew 10:32).  I prayed that I would never deny Christ.  As I mentioned, I was a new Christian and not very bold in my faith outside of church.  I was also new at listening to Christian radio.  (I was--and still am--a country music fan)  Anyway, I would always turn the radio off of the Christian station when I got out of the car because I knew no one else in my family liked the music.  Well, immediately after praying that I would not deny Jesus this occurred and God spoke very plainly to me:  "Why do you turn the station?  Isn't that a way of denying Me?  If they don't like the music, let them change the station."

Talk about an eye opener! 

Now, some of you may think that I'm exaggerating a bit, but I'm not.  

I believe we would all benefit by praying for God to reveal to us the seemingly "little" ways we reject Him in our daily life.  It will greatly aide us in becoming stronger, bolder Christians.  There are many things we say and do that we may not even realize are hurtful to Jesus.  And, anytime you hurt Him, you reject Him.

If you have read any of my articles, essays, and posts, you know I don't write to condemn but to inspire. We all fall from grace.  We all make mistakes.  We all reject Christ (yes, I still do, too).  But isn't that what Grace is all about?  If we never fell, we wouldn't need the healing power of God's mercy. 

I love Christ with all my heart and I pray daily that I not fail Him in any way.  When I do, I pray (and try to listen) when the Holy Spirit convicts me.  Sometimes its little things that matter but the Bible says: "It's the little foxes that spoil the vine."

May we ALL open our hearts and minds to Christ's teachings and not be so quick to defend our actions when we are convicted.  Yes, many others who claim to be Christians are just as bad (or worse) than we.  Yes, the world is hard to live in.  Yes, it's VERY hard to live what we believe.  Christ never said it would be easy.  He did say, however, that we would not be alone.

Be encouraged and blessed this day in Jesus' name!

PamT

Happy Valentine's Day!

 I pray your day is filled with Love & Blessings!

The Visionary is FREE today & tomorrow on Kindle! 

Get your copy here:http://amzn.to/UP1JJ3