self-reflection

Conquer School Anxiety

LaPorterAugust 25, 20192 Replies

School, Anxiety, Children, Parents, Symptoms, Affirmation, Self-Reflection, Journal Prompts — pixabay

Together may we give our children the roots to grow and the wings to fly. – Unknown Author

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Where did the summer go? I’m still trying to get back on track after our Alabama road trip last week. It was so nice to see my niece, Mariah and her grandparents. Well, fast forward to this week. I have been trying to prepare my boys for the first day of school. I cannot believe my boys return to school tomorrow.

In preparation for my boys returning to school, I could not help but think about back to school anxiety that some children experience. Some children may feel anxious about going back to school after a long summer break or others may be nervous about starting school for the very first time. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility as parents to comfort our children as much as possible during this difficult time.

CAUSES OF ANXIETY IN CHILDREN

Here’s three types of school anxiety children may face:

• Separation Anxiety – When a child refuses to go to school. This type of anxiety occurs in about 4.5% of children ages 7 – 11. This type of anxiety stems from excessive worry.

• Test Anxiety – This type of anxiety is usually related to a fear of failure. Also, this type of anxiety can continue into adulthood and take other forms of performance anxiety.

• Social Anxiety – This type of anxiety is also known as social phobia and can occur in children as young as 13 years old.

SIGNS OF SCHOOL ANXIETY IN CHILDREN

Believe it or not, there are many signs that may exist in children who are experiencing school anxiety.

Here’s some signs to look for:

• Sleep problems, such as nightmares, panic, fear, and uneasiness.

• Tantrums when left at school or other places.

• Headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

• Dry mouth, stomachache, nausea, cramps or vomiting.

• Tense muscles and complaints about body aches.

• Difficult to stay calm and still.

MANAGING SYMPTOMS

Like any challenge in life, managing anxiety symptoms will take research and commitment on your part. Remember, everyone is different so it may take some time before you find what works for you and your child.

Here’s some helpful tips that may help you control or lessen the symptoms:

• Tip 1: Cut down on foods and drinks that have caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate. Caffeine is a mood-altering drug, and it may make symptoms of anxiety worse.

• Tip 2: Feed your child healthy foods, make sure they are exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep to help improve their mood.

• Tip 3: Make sure your child follows a relaxing bedtime routine and stick to it.

• Tip 4: Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies. Unfortunately, many contain chemicals that can make anxiety symptoms worse.

HELPFUL TIPS TO CONQUER SCHOOL ANXIETY

Now, I will be the first to tell you that it will not be easy to conquer school anxiety.

Here’s some tips to help you during this difficult time:

• Tip 1: Organize your home for back to school and allow your children to decorate the space. For example, you can create a comfortable homework area to make them feel more in control and relieve some of their anxious feelings.

• Tip 2: Get your children involved in the back to school process. For example, allow your children to make their own lunch, choose their own snacks, pack their own backpacks or choose their own school clothes.

• Tip 3: Help your child feel more comfortable about his new school environment and routines. For example, plan to take your children to visit the school and talk about the basics, such as teacher name, room number, lunch time, recess, etc.

• Tip 4: Highlight the things that make school great and positive. For example, making new friends, scheduling playdates, becoming more independent, getting new school supplies and clothes. Most importantly, allow your children to talk about their feelings. Remember, don’t talk, just listen.

• Tip 5: Make sure your children get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. This will help the brain function better, improve their mood, and increase the ability to focus and pay attention during school hours.

• Tip 6: Involve your children in fun school activities, such as sports, music lessons, after school clubs, etc.

Remember, back to school anxiety is real, normal and understandable. Try to remind yourself that any anxiety your children may be feeling is only temporary. Before you know it, you and your family will be conquering school anxiety as you embark on a successful school year. If for some reason parents cannot help their children cope with back to school anxiety, make sure to seek the help from a health professional or a local support group.

DAILY AFFIRMATION

Be the best version of you. – Unknown Author

It’s important to lay a positive and stable foundation. The best way to do this is to speak positive words out of your mouth daily.

Here’s an example of an affirmation that you can speak into your spirit:

I inhale positive energy and exhale any fears. I will not worry about things that are out of my control. I am no longer afraid of what could go wrong. I focus on what is going right. I will calmly think of solutions to any problems that may arise. I can handle anything that comes my way.

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

Stay patient and trust your journey. – Unknown Author

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Now, open your journal or notebook and practice journaling each day by using these helpful journal prompts:

• How do you define anxiety?

• What are some ways to help you overcome anxiety?

• What brings peace into your life when you’re feeling anxious?

• How do you plan to comfort your children during anxiety episodes?

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. How do you help your child cope with anxiety? How will your family’s routine change during back to school time? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Traveling with Anxiety

LaPorterAugust 15, 20192 Replies

Traveling, Anxiety, Alabama, sunset, dusk, boat, fishing, rock, boulders

There are seven days in a week and someday isn’t one of them. – Unknown Author

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Guess who’s going on vacation tomorrow. Yes, you guessed it – I am! I wanted to spend some time writing a blog post that will capture ways to handle traveling with anxiety. I have to be honest with you, this week was full of excitement and anxiety while preparing to travel with my family. My husband is driving our family down to Alabama to see my niece, her husband, and her grandmother. We are so excited! This will be our first family vacation since 2015 and we desperately need it.

Despite the excitement of traveling and being with my family, I am struggling with anxiety. I’ll be the first to admit, that traveling with anxiety is very difficult while you’re trying to handle the day-to-day activities, such as planning, shopping, packing, etc. but I am determined not to let it overwhelm me this time.

WAYS TO COPE WITH ANXIETY WHEN TRAVELING

Anxiety isn’t weakness. Living with anxiety, turning up and doing stuff with anxiety, takes a strength most will never know. – Unknown Author

Traveling should be a fun experience for everyone. Unfortunately, some people like myself struggle with traveling with anxiety. The thoughts of planning and making every memory a lasting one. I’ve found it is important to be aware of your anxiety, feelings, and emotions throughout this process. Acknowledge everything and be honest with yourself.

Here’s some ways to cope with anxiety when traveling:

• Embrace the positive in your life and practice self-care.

• Plan your vacation, get organized and pack smart.

• Plan your itinerary and include fun activities.

• Make time to reflect and write in a journal.

• Read an inspirational book while on the road.

• Develop calming rituals, such as breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation.

• Distract yourself from all of the stress and take a break.

• Reach out to your support team which can be family or friends.

• Identify sources of anxiety and triggers. Then, visualize yourself being happy and full of life.

• Don’t be afraid to seek counseling from a licensed therapist.

With proper planning and encouragement from loved ones, your next traveling experience will not only be fun, but will be full of positive memories with less anxiety.

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

Take time to make your soul happy. – Unknown Author

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Now, open your journal or notebook and practice journaling each day by using these helpful journal prompts:

• Do you experience anxiety when traveling?

• Do you like to travel with family, friends, or alone?

• Where are you going for your next traveling adventure?

• When did you start planning for your vacation?

• Do you prefer flying, driving, or taking a train when planning a vacation?

• Who are you traveling with on your next vacation?

• What will you miss most when you get home?

TRAVEL JOURNAL

Travel is an investment in yourself. – Unknown Author

Whether you travel alone or with family, it’s important to capture the moments in a travel journal. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get creative and choose from the following travel journals via Amazon:

Travel Journal Option #1:

Travel Journal Option #2:

Travel Journal Option #3:

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. How often do you get to travel? When you travel, do you experience anxiety? If so, how do you cope with it. Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Living in Fear

LaPorterAugust 12, 20194 Replies

Never let your fear decide your fate. – Unknown Author

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For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and a sound mind. – II Timothy 1:7 KJV

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Just like all feelings and emotions we experience in our daily lives, there’s a portion of fear that is also necessary. Unfortunately, we have to be careful not to get caught up in all of the fears, negative feelings, and emotions. Often times living in constant fear can cause you to experience unhealthy feelings and physical consequences, such as:

• Chronic worrying

• A high level of anxiety

• Harmful sleep habits

• Issues with your appetite

• Digestive disorders
 
• Muscle tension

• Short-term memory loss

• Increase stress levels

• Depression

• Suicidal thoughts

As you can see, living in fear has a negative impact on your total well-being – mind, body, and spirit.

DEFINITIONS

Worrying doesn’t take away tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s peace. – Unknown Author

It’s important to also note that living in fear will cause an increase in anxiety and worry as well. Below you will find the definitions for fear, anxiety, and worry:

• Fear – an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

• Anxiety – a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an event or something with an uncertain outcome.

• Worry – a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems.

So, I know you’re wondering how you can turn your life around, right? Well, let’s start with focusing on basic lifestyle changes.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it. – Unknown Author

Although living in fear can cause an imbalance in your body, there are many options you have that can re-establish harmony of your total well-being – mind, body, and spirt.

Here’s some lifestyle changes to include in your daily journey:

• Exercise daily.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

• Focus on what you appreciate.

• Write your thoughts in a journal or notebook.

• Be conscious of your worries.

• Learn to relax.

• Pray and meditate.

• Establish a strong social network.

• Talk to a professional therapist or counselor.

Now, remember you’re not going to change overnight. It’s going to take time, commitment, and consistency to find what works best for you. Be careful not to rush the process.

OVERCOME FEAR, ANXIETY & WORRY

Worrying will never change the outcome. – Unknown Author

As you may already know, overcoming fear, anxiety, and worry may not be easy, but it is possible. As you take the necessary steps to overcome these emotional challenges, you will allow yourself to focus on the more important things in life. It takes effort and commitment, but just imagine the number of rewards that will follow. Please keep these important tips in mind throughout the process:

• Tip 1 – Honesty is key so always speak your truth.

• Tip 2 – Focus on your breathing techniques, slowly breathing in and out.

• Tip 3 – Trust the Universe, but don’t question your personal beliefs and values.

• Tip 4 – Don’t fight the feeling, just let go and let God direct your path.

• Tip 5 – Always make time for personal reflection.

My hope for you today is to find a way to balance fear, anxiety, and worry in your life. Remember, a little of anything will be alright, but it’s when you allow stuff like fear to consume your life, is when you will experience stress and heartache.

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. – Nelson Mandela

• Who or what are you afraid of? Why?

• What fear is holding you back?

• What causes you anxiety and/or worry?

• What helps you conquer the fear in your life?

• What brings peace and comfort into your life?

• What gives you courage to move forward?

• How were you courageous today?

• What is your biggest fear in life?

• What is holding you back from improving your lifestyle?

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

I allow love to fill my mind, body, and soul all day today. I am love. – Unknown Author

Let’s talk. Do you find yourself living in fear? How do you cope with fear, anxiety, and worry? Can you list at least 5 ways you’ve become stronger and more courageous this month? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Life Changing Quotes

LaPorterAugust 4, 20191 Reply

I nurture my mind, body, and spirit in positive and loving ways. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s welcome August in with a focus on improving our mind, body, and spirit. Today, I want to discuss the importance of reading life changing quotes with a purpose.

I don’t know about you, but I love to encourage myself by not only reading quotes, but also reciting the words during difficult times. If you allow the words to resonate in your spirit, you will become the words that you read and speak. Sometimes it is important to read and recite the quotes over and over. Many people like to memorize quotes as well just like scripture. What’s important is that you find what works for you and do it on a regular basis to receive life changing results which is your purpose.

I am present within myself. I can center myself with the ease of my breath. I feel grounded, confident, worthy, and whole. – Unknown Author

BENEFITS OF READING QUOTES

I awaken today, appreciating everything in sight, and I give thanks. – Louise Hay

There are many benefits to reading life changing quotes on a regular basis, such as:

• Reminding us about what we already know, or aspire to be, and trigger something within us to get back on track.

• Giving us insight into the thoughts and teachings of very wise people.

• Helping us overcome challenges, such as grief, sadness or depression.

• Keeping our value system and beliefs in the forefront of our minds.

• Offering us a quick boost of motivation and encouragement.

• Being a way to express wisdom into our lives consistently.

As you go through life, it is important to find some favorite quotes to help uplift you when you’re feeling down, to help you make wise choices, or just to improve your overall lifestyle. Honestly, I have a lot of quotes posted on my wall near my desk and I find myself reflecting on the inspirational words throughout the day while I am working at my desk.
 
Here’s a few of my favorite quotes:

MIND QUOTES

• Happy mind, happy life. – Unknown Author

• Your only limit is your mind. – Unknown Author

• A quiet mind is able to hear intuition over fear. – Unknown Author

• Quiet the mind and the soul will speak. – Buddha

• You have to train your mind to be stronger than your emotions or else you’ll lose yourself every time. – Unknown Author

BODY QUOTES

• Speak to your body in a loving way. – Unknown Author

• The body achieves what the mind believes. – Unknown Author

• Fill your body with deep breaths and it will fill you with peace. – Unknown Author

• Your body hears everything your mind says, stay positive. – Unknown Author

• Workout because you love your body, not because you hate it. – Unknown Author

SPIRIT QUOTES

• I feed my spirit, I train my mind, I focus my mind. – Unknown Author

• Never be a prisoner of your past, it was just a lesson not a life sentence. – Unknown Author

• All of the power I need to create a life I love inside of me. – Unknown Author

• You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestation of your own blessings. – Unknown Author

• Reset, readjust, restart, refocus, as many times as you need. – Unknown Author

FITNESS QUOTES

• Working out is my mood changer. – Unknown Author

• Work out, eat well, be patient, your body will reward you. – Unknown Author

• Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even if you don’t want to do it. – Unknown Author

• Do it over and over again until it becomes part of who you are. – Unknown Author

• Fitness means so much more than having a nice body. It means having a much better life. – Unknown Author

FAMOUS QUOTES

• Through my education, I didn’t just develop skills, I didn’t just develop the ability to learn, but I developed confidence. – Michelle Obama

• What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create. – Buddha

• Motivation is what gets you started Habit is what keeps you going. – Jim Ryun

• Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new. – Brian Tracey

• We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are. – Oprah Winfrey

MAYA ANGELOU’S QUOTES

Maya Angelou was one of America’s most beloved poets and authors, who for decades occupied an inspirational role at the center of American life. Maya Angelou was one of my favorite authors who spoke with courage and strength that made everyone stop to listen. I wanted to include some of her quotes that helps to keep me grounded from time to time. Hopefully, the quotes will do the same for you.

• There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.

• If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.

• When you learn, teach. When you get, give.

• Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.

• Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.
 
• I have fallen, but I will get up.

• Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.

• A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.

• Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.

LIFE CHANGING AFFIRMATIONS

I have the power to accomplish everything I need to do today. – Unknown Author

Now, I could not close this blog post out without giving you some life changing affirmations. Please take some time to recite these life changing affirmations every day. Not only recite them, but also believe every word. Feed your spirit life and you will have a life full of happiness.

MIND

• My mind is clear and focused.

• I am in control of my thoughts, feelings, and choices.

• I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

BODY

• I have a strong and healthy body.

• My body is balanced and thriving.

• I am brave, bold, and beautiful.

SPIRIT

• I have a calm spirit.

• I have unlimited potential.

• I embrace happiness as my natural state of being.

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

I am a soul of love. A heart of peace. A mind of stillness. A being of light. – Julie Parker

MIND

It all begins in your mind. What you think, you become. – Unknown Author

• How does journaling help to improve your mental state?
• What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned to date?
• What quote(s) inspires you on a difficult day?
• What do you love about life?
• List 5 positive thoughts that you have. Ready, set, write.

BODY

I am strong, fit, and well-balanced. – Unknown Author

• Describe a difficult situation you’ve encountered. How did it make you feel?
• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change and why?
• How can you incorporate self-care into your daily routine?
• What is something that you’ve overcome in life?
• List ways that you can relax each day.

SPIRIT

You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved. – Unknown Author

• How has journaling helped to improve your spiritual well-being?
• What do I need to mute in my life in order to hear God’s voice?
• What can you do today to help yourself get better aligned spiritually?
• What does God’s presence feel like in my life?
• List a Bible verse about God’s love.

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

I allow love to fill my mind, body, and soul all day today. I am love. – Unknown Author

Let’s talk. What are some of your favorite quotes or affirmations? Do you like posting quotes and affirmations on your wall at home, school, or work? If so, how does this process help to improve your life? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Regaining Balance

LaPorterJuly 28, 20191 Reply

In life, many things don’t go according to plan. If you fall, get back up. If you stumble, regain your balance. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s face it. Living in a chaotic and negative environment takes a lot out of you. In some ways, your life will seem out of balance and disconnected. You may even feel like you are out of control or just simply worn out with day-to-day activities.

When we find ourselves out of balance, our lives may include challenges, such as burnout, health problems, financial distress, emotional eating, isolation, and relationship issues just to name a few. Don’t worry, take a deep breath, and know that it happens to the best of us. It’s important for you to know that regaining balance in life is the key to your peace and happiness.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF EMOTIONAL BALANCE

Life is a balance between holding on and letting go. – Rumi

While you’re traveling along your journey in life, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of maintaining emotional balance. After all, the characteristics of emotional balance allows you to participate in life to the fullest extent possible.

Here’s a list of the characteristics of emotional balance:

• A sense of contentment.

• A passion for living and enjoying life to the fullest.

• The ability to deal with stressful situations.

• The flexibility to learn new things and adapt to change.

• The ability to bounce back from adversity.

• A healthy level of self-confidence and self-respect.

• The ability to build and maintain fulfilling relationships.

EXAMPLES YOUR LIFE IS OUT OF BALANCE

To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life. – Elizabeth Gilbert

To overcome this difficult challenge in life, you must first acknowledge that your life is out of balance. Don’t be afraid to address anything in your life that do not align with your lifestyle and beliefs.

Here’s some examples you may encounter when your life is out of balance:

• You find yourself reacting to everything in a negative way.

• You have unidentified and reoccurring health issues, such as fatigue or stress.

• You feel like every little thing is an emergency in your mind.

• You may be too tired to recognize or enforce your own emotional, personal, and professional boundaries.

WAYS TO REGAIN BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE

Remain calm in every situation because peace equals power. – Joyce Meyer

Once you’ve identified that there is an issue with your life, it is important to regain balance in your life by any means necessary.

Here’s some ways you can help regain balance in your life:

• Slow down. It is important to establish control over your time by slowing down.

• Live in the now. The fewer thoughts you have about your past or future, the more you’ll be present to your own inner spirit.

• Let go of control. Allow things to progress at their own pace so that you develop trust in the flow of life.

• Break old patterns. Simply breaking old habits one by one will begin to erode negative thought patterns and beliefs.

• Explore triggers to emotional highs and lows. It is important to avoid problems by identifying the root cause of your emotional challenges.

• Nurture yourself. Find time to be relaxed and happy throughout your day. For example, try meditation, getting a massage, reading a book, spending time in nature.

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

Life is about balance. Be kind, but don’t let people abuse. Trust, but don’t be deceived. Be content, but never stop improving yourself. – Nishan Panwar

As you can see, journaling holds all of your emotions, thoughts, and feelings in one sacred place. Journaling has a way to uncover parts of yourself you never thought existed. Journaling can be fun, but also can be a serious process to help you cope with many life’s challenges, such as depression, grief, or loneliness. The most important fact about journaling is you have total control throughout the experience. You can keep it secret or share it with others. No matter what you decide, always be open, honest, and willing to write from the heart.

MIND

It all begins in your mind. What you think, you become. – Unknown Author

BODY

I am strong, fit, and well-balanced. – Unknown Author

SPIRIT

You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved. – Unknown Author

When you have made the decision to embrace life and regain balance, you will focus on making your own happiness and peace of mind a priority. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t wait. Start today.

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Stay patient and trust your journey. – Unknown Author

Let’s talk. When was the last time you lost your life balance? How do you regain balance? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Unbreakable Faith

LaPorterJuly 21, 20196 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Faith, Grief, Comforting, Scriptures, Reflection, Journal Prompts — Pexels

God uses our trials to build our faith, draw us closer to Him, and give us a testimony of His faithfulness for others to see. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, I want to discuss two topics that are dear to my heart – faith and grief. Do you often wonder if faith is needed to help you overcome grief? I sometimes think about this very question, but before we can make an attempt to answer the question honestly, we need to know and understand the definitions for both faith and grief.

DEFINITIONS – FAITH & GRIEF

God is still writing your story. Don’t let go of your faith because of what you have to see. – Unknown Author

Faith can be defined as:

• Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

• Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

Grief can be defined as:

• Deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death.

Now, that we have clear definitions of both faith and grief, you should be able to answer the question – Do you often wonder if faith is needed to help you overcome grief? As for me, I believe you must have some level of faith to help you not only overcome grief, but faith is also needed to help you get through the difficult moments you may experience throughout the grieving process.

In addition, I believe we all have some level of faith within us. For example, when someone we love passes away, it is inevitable that questions of faith, spirituality, grief, and healing arise. All of these feelings and emotions can make you feel so many things at any given time.

FOUR PHASES OF GRIEF

Grief never ends…But it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith…It is the price of love. – Unknown Author

Believe it or not, understanding the nature of grief can help us better cope with loss. Grief is a natural and healthy process that enables us to recover from terrible emotional wounds that may occur in life. I don’t know about you, but when I experienced the grief process after both of my parents suddenly passed away, my father (July 2003) and my mother (December 2015) passed away, I was forced to deal with my emotions whether I wanted to or not. In addition, I felt surrounded by darkness and heavy waves of anguish. Even though my husband was there right by my side, I still felt alone throughout this difficult time.

Here’s the four phases of grief that you may encounter throughout the grieving process:

• Shock – You may feel numbness inside like you’re trapped in a bad dream.

• Reality – Deep sorrow sets in accompanied by weeping, sadness, and depression.

• Reaction – Anger or guilt may occur toward family and friends.

• Recovery – There is an attempt to accept the loss within that have occurred.

Even though I’ve provided these four phases of grief, remember that these phases may vary in duration from person to person. Why? Because we are all different and experience life challenges in very unique ways. It’s also important to note that these phases may not be experienced at all, but I know I experienced all of them throughout the grieving process. Quite frankly, it was very hard for me and still is from time to time. I not only have to seek professional help, but I also do a lot of research and reading on my own to learn about different ways to help myself cope. When we neglect to go through the grieving process correctly, you often trigger depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other serious problems so don’t be afraid to seek professional help or support from loved ones.

MANAGING GRIEF

No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. – C.S. Lewis

No matter how strong we are or how much support we are given throughout the grieving process, grief can affect your thinking, behavior, emotions, relationships, and overall health. I have found that one of the most difficult tasks for a bereaved person to encounter is adjusting to the new environment without the loved one who has passed away. For example, decisions have to be made regarding the appropriate time to put away a loved one’s things, make lifestyle changes, or form new relationships. Again, each person may handle these decisions differently so be careful not to judge.

Here’s three steps to recovery using God as a guide and comforter:

• Step 1 – Grieve – Though grief is bitter to our soul, we must allow sorrow to run its natural course throughout our lives. Denying or repressing pain can lead to emotional problems.

• Step 2 – Believe – It’s important to put our unbreakable faith in God’s promises and not our own.

• Step 3 – Receive – God desires to give us peace and comfort, but we must ask Him for it, then be willing to receive it with an open heart.

WAYS TO HELP OTHERS THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. – Unknown Author

Everyone grieves differently – depending on personality, religious beliefs, maturity, emotional stability, support factors, and cultural traditions.

Here’s some ways to help others through the grieving process:

• Ask God for guidance about when to speak and what to say.

• Encourage the bereaved person to share his or her feelings openly, then be willing to listen and don’t judge.

• Be flexible and gentle with yourself and others. Allow the grief and mourning process to unfold naturally.

• Don’t push or preach, but if the person indicates an openness, pray and share meaningful Scriptures, not personal opinions.

• Do simple things without being asked, such as providing a healthy meal, running errands, or making yourself available just to talk.

• Encourage the bereaved person to seek the help of a professional grief counselor or local support group.

COMFORTING SCRIPTURES

Healing is an art. It takes time. It takes practice. It takes place. – Maza Dohta

Seek comfort in your soul by reading the Holy Scriptures. This will allow you to start the healing process and allow you to be comfortable with expressing your feelings.

Here’s a few comforting scriptures to help you get started in the healing process:

• Psalm 23:4 (NKJV) – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

• Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) – “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

• Matthew 5:4 (NKJV) – “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”

• John 14:26 (NKJV) – “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

• John 16:33 (NKJV) – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

My prayer for you today is that you take the words from this blog post and hide them deep in your heart. Take time to reflect on them often throughout your journey. Finding healthy ways to cope with unbreakable faith and grief are a part of life and both contribute to our mental health as well as to our total well-being. I think it is very important for people to learn how to survive hardship at some point in life. For me, I am in the midst of this process and use my Renew Inspiration blog as a positive platform to not only encourage myself, but others as well. Embrace unbreakable faith and grief for yourself, and nurture it in others as they seek peace and comfort at such difficult times in life.

Reflection, Faith, Grief, Sadness, Water, Sunset — Pexels

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

Faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain. – David Willis

Here’s some thought-provoking journal prompts that I want you to focus on:

• What do I give permission for myself to do today?

• What is the best way to increase my faith?

• How does faith help you get through the grieving process?

• Why am I grieving right now?

• What is my fondest memory of my loved one who passed away?

• What are some of my grief triggers that affect me the most?

• When you are alone, what do you do?

• What season holds the most memories for you?

• List five ways you’ve become stronger and more faithful this month.

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Faith is all about believing. You don’t know how it will happen, but you know it will. – Unknown Author

Let’s talk. Journaling through grief takes hard work, commitment and unbreakable faith. Faith that will move the mountains in your life. Do you enjoy journaling through the grieving process? How do you use faith to help you overcome the challenges of grief? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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My Present Place

LaPorterFebruary 10, 20198 Replies

Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. This is my happy place. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Wow, I cannot believe it has been a whole week already! Time really flies when you’re having fun, right? Before I dive into my topic today, I want to express appreciation for ALL OF YOU who have subscribed/followed Renew Inspiration. It really means a lot to me. My prayer each and every day is to find the right words to say to help you along this journey called life. I look forward to reading your personal thoughts in the blog comment section for each post. It’s not only refreshing to hear your point of view, but it is also healthy to have on-going dialogue with others.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my present place. Am I happy or sad? Am I willing to make the necessary changes that are needed to excel in all aspects of my life? Am I content right now or willing to step out of my comfort zone to explore new endeavors? These are just a few questions that I have found myself thinking about this week. Have you ever just sat down in a quiet place and allowed yourself to think without interruption? This process is called self-reflection. It’s really important to spend quality time in self-reflection mode whether you have all your stuff together (you think) or you’re still trying to find your way (most of us).

DEFINE SELF-REFLECTION

Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things…then better yourself. – Unknown Author

Before moving forward, I think it is important to understand what self-reflection is before you can commit to practicing it on a regular basis. Self-reflection can be defined as meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions, and motives. To take it a step further, you must be willing to learn more about your fundamental nature, purpose, and essence of life. Take a moment and look in a mirror. What do you see? You see a reflection of who you are on the outside. For example, you notice your physical facial features, the color of your skin, your hair color and style, etc. However, self-reflection is not only your outward appearance, but it is a way of assessing yourself deep within – mind, body, and spirit.

HEALTHY WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-REFLECTION

As you begin to practice self-reflection in your life, you will notice a shift in your mindset, an increase of positivity in your life, and discover a deeper connection within. Here’s some healthy ways to practice self-reflection throughout your journey:

• Prayer and meditation – Take a moment to quiet your mind, read a scripture, pray, and meditate. Allow your mind, body, and spirit to only connect with God so you can hear His voice.

• Yoga and exercise – Every day is important to do some form of yoga and exercise. Movement gives you more energy and helps keep you healthy.

• Reading inspirational books – Reading keeps your brain healthy, but reading inspirational books also keeps you in a positive mood.

• Reciting positive affirmations – Reciting positive affirmations will give you hope and encourage you to focus on your goals/dreams.

• Writing or journaling – Writing is a form of self-expression. Capture every moment of your life in a journal so you can pause to reflect on the good times and make changes to avoid bad situations.

• Drawing and painting – Showing your creative side will help to open your mind to different aspects of life. You become calm and relaxed as if you have no care in the world.

• Vision board – Create a vision board so you can have a road map to success. Be creative and use pictures from magazines or from online, quotes, goals, etc.

FIND YOUR ZONE FOR SELF-REFLECTION

Self-reflection is a personal way for you to learn more about yourself. It’s important to find your zone and comfort level so you can reap the positive benefits of self-reflection. Here’s some helpful tips to help you find your zone for self-reflection:

• Tip 1 – Be honest with yourself. Honesty is key to success. Be honest with the process and with yourself. It’s important to remind yourself how things are going and how you are behaving throughout the process.

• Tip 2 – Notice behavior patterns. Be aware of your behavior patterns so you can strengthen the positive/healthy ones and remove the negative/unhealthy ones from your life.

• Tip 3 – Be able to articulate your core values. Take time to identify what’s most important to you so you can evaluate if you’re living those values throughout life. Your lifestyle has to shift at some point, and you should notice the change from the inside out.

• Tip 4 – Be forgiving. Be gentle with yourself when you don’t seem to get it right along the journey. Remember, we’re all human and we all make mistakes.

• Tip 5 – Keep track of your self-reflection. Start a journal where you record your observations and monitor your personal growth throughout this process.

My Present Place, Renew Inspiration, Self-Reflection, Meditation, Journal Prompts — pexels

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

My body is healthy, my mind is focused, my soul is calm. – Unknown Author

Journal Prompts are given to inspire you to write freely about your life and to improve yourself. Take time to think about your thoughts, to acknowledge how you feel, and to strive to be spiritually grounded throughout your personal journey. You have to dig deep inside yourself and do the serious work to truly understand your present place. Keep in mind, this is an on-going process because life is always changing.

MIND

• What am I thinking right now in this very moment?

• What thought patterns do I have and how do they impact my life?

• How does meditation guide me through my day?

• Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?

• How do I deal with difficult thoughts or failures?

BODY

• How do I feel right now in this very moment?

• What is one old habit you want to eliminate in your life?

• What do you consider to be your most challenging flaw?

• How often do you exercise during the week?

• How do relax your body?

SPIRIT

• Am I spiritually grounded right now in this very moment?

• What is something I need to be free from and surrender to God today?

• What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

• Are there areas of my life where I need to learn to trust in God?

• How has journaling helped me get closer to being spiritually grounded?

TIME FOR REFLECTION – MORE JOURNAL PROMPTS

• What is the number one problem you would like to solve (or see solved) in the world?

• What is the number one thing missing from your life right now?

• What is one of life’s little pleasures that I appreciate?

• When was the last time you felt fully alive?

• What can I do to nurture my mind, body, and spirit?

• In what ways are you different from the person you were 2 years ago? 1 year ago?

Instead of sadness, anxiety, and depression, choose to practice self-reflection to help you cope with life challenges. You will think differently, feel better, and strengthen your spiritual being. Your whole being will thank you and those people surrounding you each day will thank you as well. Peace and blessings!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS

As I stated before, I look forward to hearing from you. Please take a moment to reflect on this blog and answer these questions in the comment section. You’ll be surprised how much we learn from one another. What are your thoughts related to self-reflection? How often do you practice self-reflection? How has self-reflection changed your life?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Shifting Your Mindset

LaPorterDecember 23, 201810 Replies

Shifting, Mindset, Reflection, Healthy, Habits, Vision Board, Resolutions — pixabay

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You don’t need a new day to start over, you only need a new mindset. – Hazel Hira Ozbek

Special Thought – Life is only as good as your mindset.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I cannot believe it is two days before Christmas and 9 days before the new year. Time really flies when you’re having fun, right? I want to spend some time discussing a very important concept called – Shifting Your Mindset. Honestly, I feel it is necessary to not only shift your mindset, but also you should evaluate your life from time to time. It is important to use positive activities, such as practicing self-reflection, creating healthy habits, or maybe even preparing a vision board for the upcoming year.

Shifting, Mindset, Reflections — pixabay

Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away. – Barbara DeAngeles

Self-reflection can be defined as meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions and motives. Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things, then better yourself throughout the process.

• Self-reflection allows you to notice negative patterns in your life. Consider alternate approaches to your situation(s) and begin to move away from the stressors altogether.

• Self-reflection keeps you focused on the bigger picture. Identify a clear vision of where you want to see yourself in the future. Write it down and remind yourself of what you hope to accomplish.

• Self-reflection prevents you from worrying about things out of your control. Instead, direct your energy toward things you can absolutely improve within your life.

• Self-reflection helps you face your fears. Recognize and admit your fears to yourself and eventually learn how to handle them.

• Self-reflection allows you to clearly define happiness on your own terms. When are you most happy? Who do you most enjoy spending time with? What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? By recognizing the positive life events, you can apply your knowledge to future goals and endeavors.

Keep in mind, self-reflection is an incredible gift so please embrace it every day. Meditation can make our journey through life more peaceful if you allow it to. In the mirror we find a reflection of our appearance, but in the heart, we find a reflection of our soul.

Time spent in self-reflection is never wasted – it is an intimate date with yourself. – Paul TP Wong

CREATING HEALTHY HABITS

Create healthy habits, not restrictions. – Unknown Author

Well, it is that time of the year when a lot of people set new goals or resolutions to create healthy habits for the new year. People set out with the best intentions but often times fail to keep the momentum throughout the year for various reasons.

Please keep these important tips in mind when creating healthy habits:

• Start with a realistic, small and attainable goal.

• Work it into your schedule and write it down like any other appointment.

• Track your progress in a journal or online.

• Figure out strategies to overcome what might hold you back.

• Enlist a friend to work on the goal with you.

• Reward yourself for small victories.

• Forgive yourself if you slip up and keep trying. Giving up is not an option.

• Use triggers to your advantage. For example, meditate before bed time every night or lay out your workout clothes every morning before you leave for work.

Remember, when you start to create healthy habits your enthusiasm is high, and you’re motivated to see positive changes within your life. Be patient and allow yourself to make mistakes along the way. Our greatest capacity to have influence over our health is with creating healthy habits.

It takes 21 days to make or break a habit. – Unknown Author

VISION BOARD

Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe. – Oprah Winfrey

Have you ever created a vision board for yourself or your family? If not, what better time to think about creating one. A vision board is a visualization tool which refers to a board of any sort used to build a collage of words and pictures that represent your goals/dreams. By placing visual representations of your goals into one space, you can easily visualize them frequently.

Follow these important tips to create an awesome and inspiring vision board:

• Create a list of goals you’d like to achieve in the next year. In order to visualize your goals, first you need to know what they are. What do you want your ideal life to look like?

• Collect a bundle of old magazines with beautiful pictures. Our local library sells older magazines for $0.25 or ask your family/friends.

• Find pictures that represent your goals and inspire you. Focus on how the images make you feel.

• Make a collage out of your photos. Once you have collected enough photos, it’s time to make your vision board.

• Add motivational “affirmation words” that represent how you want to feel. For example, I want to feel joyful, powerful, fearless, loved, strong, healthy, loving and financially free.

• Take a few moments to contemplate your vision board every day. Place your vision board somewhere you can see it every day. Then, make time to look at it once or twice a day.

Don’t forget to write down when you created your vision board. It’s a good idea to create a new vision board each year. As you continue to grow, evolve and expand, your dreams/goals will too. Now, let’s reflect on the concept shifting your mindset for a moment. Hold your vision board in your hands and really internalize the future it represents. Read your daily affirmations and inspirational words aloud. Feel yourself in the future you have designed. Believe it is already yours. Be grateful for the good that is already present in your life. Acknowledge any goals you have already achieved and acknowledge the presence of God in your life.

If you don’t have a vision, you’re going to be stuck in what you know, and the only thing you know is what you’ve already seen. – Iyanla Vanzant

time, watch, book, past, flower, future, present — pixabay

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Your deepest struggle can, if you’re willing and open, produce your greatest strength. – Oprah Winfrey

• On a scale 1 – 10 my mental health is a ___________ because ___________________.

• What is happening in your mind right now? in your body? in your spirit?

• What does my vision for tomorrow look like? for 2019?

• What are the best choices I have made in life so far?

• What is one of life’s little pleasures that I appreciate?

• What challenged you today?

• What is something I need to be free from and surrender to God?

• Write about an area of your life you need more support in right now.

• Write about a goal or area of your life you need to be more committed to.

• List some new healthy habits you’d like to adapt in the new year.

As we look ahead to 2019, we’ve got gratitude on our minds. Continue to focus on your healthy living and fitness journey. I wish you a new year filled with joy, peace, hope, love, family, friends and laughter!

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

Make your vision so clear that your fears become irrelevant. – Unknown Author

Becoming more self-aware provides an understanding of what we truly want in life. Now, it may not be easy, but as you can see, it is necessary, so you can make changes that will impact your life in a significant way. How do you plan to shift your mindset for the new year?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Target, Blue Host and WordPress Affiliate Programs which are advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Target.com, Bluehost.com and WordPress.com

Season’s Greetings

LaPorterDecember 8, 20182 Replies

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Season's Greetings, Holiday Season, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays — Pixabay

When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. – Maya Angelou

Something to Think About – Jesus knows the way because He is the way.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Season’s Greetings! Always remember, the greatest gift you can ever own is not found in the shops or under your Christmas tree. It is found in the hearts of your loving family and your true friends. This should be a special time of the year filled with happiness and peace. Finding time to share joy and positive memories with family and friends. Don’t forget about those who are less fortunate than us. Sacrifice your time by serving people in need at your local homeless shelter, foster care agencies, nursing homes or hospitals. Visit some of your neighbors and make sure that your elderly neighbors have healthy meals for the holidays as well. Also, don’t forget to send monetary donations to your favorite charities. Jesus isn’t just the reason for this season. He’s the reason for every single day of our life. Wishing all my family and friends a beautiful and blessed Holiday Season!

Today be thankful and think how rich you are. Your family is priceless, your time is gold, and your health is wealth. –Zig Ziglar

REASONS WHY JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

The beauty of Christmas is not in the presents but in His presence.

We should celebrate Jesus Christ because He is the ultimate gift to the world (Romans 5:15)

His love inspires people to be extra kind and giving this time of year that’s why you give special gifts to those you love and cherish (I John 3:16)

It’s a time of year where we can all be like little children, just like He taught (Matthew 18:2-5)

Christmas lights remind us that He is the Light of the world (John 8:12)

We can be of good cheer and full of hope because He came to save us (John 3:16)

Everybody loves when a baby is born, but none has changed the world as Jesus has (Matthew 1:21)

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Season’s Greetings. Happy Holidays. Be Kind. Be Thoughtful. Be Genuine. But most of all Be Thankful.

How do you plan to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this Christmas holiday?

What action did you take today that brought you joy? What action did you take to bring joy to others?

How do you spread Christmas cheer?

How do you plan to serve others during the Christmas holiday and beyond?

When have you felt that you deserved something you wanted and couldn’t get it?

How could you remind yourself instead about all the blessings you already have?

What are you looking forward to this holiday season?

Who made you smile during the holiday season?

The holiday season makes me feel ____________________________.

Write about 4 emotions that come to your heart on Christmas day and why?

List 10 words that come to mind when you thinkof Jesus Christ. Ready, set, go!

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

Merry Christmas. Tis the Season to be Jolly.

How do you plan to spend the holiday season? How do you plan to share some joy and holiday cheer to those around you? Do you have any family traditions or recipes that you share every year?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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God’s Promises

LaPorterNovember 25, 2018Leave a Reply

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (II Peter 1:4 NIV)

Something to Think About – My imperfections will never override God’s promises.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Did you know that people who believe God’s promises have an advantage over people who don’t? If you read and study the Word of God, you will find that for every problem in life, God has given us a promise. When struggles threaten our lives, it is important to find hope by not only reading God’s Word, but also focusing on God’s promises. Some of God’s promises are positive which are the assurance of blessings, and others are negative which are the guaranteed consequences. However, all are binding, for not only is God a promise maker; God is a promise keeper. We have to dig deep within to find hope by praying God’s promises to existence within our lives.

GOD’S PROMISES

Let’s be who we were made to be – People of the Promise. Let’s hide these promises in our weary hearts.

• You will know God (See Hebrews 8:11) – Everything in creation gives evidence of God’s existence. It’s important to realize that we can know God’s heart, his joy, his passion, his plan, and his sorrows.

• You were created by God, in God’s image, for God’s glory (see Genesis 1:26) – God created us to be more like him than anything else he made. Remember, this is an on-going process as we are shaped into God’s likeness.

• You are made right by faith (See Romans 4:16) – God’s promise to us is salvation by faith. Make sure to increase your faith and stand on God’s promise.

• God will guide you (See John 20:30-31) – As you read God’s Word, make sure to trust God’s promise that he will show you the way you should go.

• You are an heir of God (See Romans 8:16-17) – You are an heir of God and have divine resources deposited in your heart. God is rich in mercy, love, wisdom and grace.

• God sent Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer (See Psalm 34:22) – Our Redeemer is here to rescue us, protect us from evil. In addition, our Redeemer offers a safe, secure and loving future in His presence.

• Our prayers have power (See James 5:16-18) – Prayers should be the first step for believers. God delights in and will answer our prayers. Just trust and believe.

• God is near (See Judges 6:12) – God’s presence is all-encompassing which means God is with you throughout your journey today, tomorrow and forever.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION

God’s promises are like the stars, the darker the night the brighter they shine.

• Trust in God’s timing.

• Rely on God’s promises.

• Wait for God’s answers.

• Believe in God’s miracles.

• Rejoice in God’s goodness.

• Relax in God’s presence.

I WILL STATEMENTS

• I will make the knowledge of God my highest pursuit.

• I will trust God with all that is within me.

• I will guard my heart and mind with God’s truth.

• I will respond to troubles with increasing faith.

• I will live freely because his grace has rescued me.

• I will rest in the assurance of salvation.

• I will build my life on the promises of Scripture.

• I will no longer live as a slave, but as a free child of God.

• I will lay claim to the nearness of God.

• I will trust that I have been redeemed and my salvation is secure.

• I will make prayer and meditation my priority and passion.

• I will find comfort in Jesus Christ, who fully understands every desire, pain and need that I have.

• I will live with eternity in mind, knowing the best is yet to come.

God's Promises, Reflection, Bible, PInk Flower — pixabay

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Poor choices, wasted years, mistakes we’ve made – God answers the mess of you with one word – GRACE!

• Do you believe in God’s promises? Why or why not?

• Have you ever felt forsaken by God?

• The area where I need to put more trust in God is ____________________.

• I feel God’s presence most when ______________________.

• What is one thing I could do to improve my spiritual walk?

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

You can see God from anywhere if your mind is set to love and obey him. – A.W. Tozer

God has perfect timing; never early, never late. It takes a little patience and faith, but it’s worth the wait. Always remember, God has a reason for allowing things to happen in our lives. We may never understand his wisdom, but we simply have to trust his well. Do trust God’s will on today? Have you ever experienced some of God’s promises?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Target Affiliate Program, Blue Host Affiliate Program and the WordPress.com Affiliate Program which are advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Target.com, Bluehost.com and WordPress.com