A Matter of Living!

A Matter of Living!

Have you seen a well-rooted tree, upright as can be, but yet with no sign of life in it? You can barely make out its contribution to the filtering of air, but it is still holding its space. It hasn't been abundantly fruitful, but it makes no sense to uproot it. Every now and then, as seasons change, it sprouts promisingly, and before you know it, there isn't anything or much you hold on to as harvest. Most of us find ourselves being of this nature, that of just surviving. 

Now, imagine a life wherein you choose to be more positive than negative,  confident than timid, and willing to learn, rather than to be complacent.Actually, growing and developing,  not just existing. Have fun and expose yourself to challenges and adventures,  rather than swimming in comfort.  Really living your life, in laughter and pain, in riches and lack, for better and for worse,  through it all _ loving yourself.

When you invest in self-care, you become a little less of the person you don't want to be every day. This journey helps you mind the things that are in your own way in your thoughts, choices, and actions. There is an awareness of self that awakens. You eventually discover how much of what you do that you shouldn't be doing, do not do but should be doing, and who you are and not. Much more, how all these elements relate. As you work on building yourself to live in your authentic sense, a positive, confident, and teachable you no longer is just imaginary. It becomes visible in time, that as your flaws are fully exposed through self-care investments, as well your assertiveness projects, fittingly so. It no longer is an imaginary thing but a reality.

For me , it all started when I challenged myself into trusting in the worthiness of my existence, when I worked on living my life believing that I Matter and Invested in Myself. It has been a humbling journey... I am glad I didn't give up when I looked in the mirror and saw myself to blame. I am thankful for when I did not choose to let go when I could have taken the easy way out of holding on. I am humbled by the work that remains in progress. It has been a beautiful year of focusing on self-acceptance. My intention was clear from the beginning. It is the glory I didn't quite anticipate. There is joy and peace within that I believe has been a long time coming, it is too overwhelming at the same time. Loving myself has gone against my idea of being for everyone. It can't possibly be that I lived thinking I could be liked and loved by everyone for so long, whereas life tirelessly kept showing me otherwise. It is very well now to be not for everything and everyone. It is evidence that I am embracing my individuality and recognizing that of others. It has been breathing respect, honor, value, and discernment. Epiphanies Galore! I am thankful.

Herewith, my last spiritual encouragement for this concluding year:

Topic: Being thankful , always.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1. This encouragement is about living expressing gratitude -being thankful. 

Always(is a time factor)- it then  pronounce that you are living in gratitude all the time.  With there being a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3) and the scripture saying in “all circumstances”,  then signifies that it is a part of worship or of our daily spiritual well-being to be thankful.

Doing it or being thankful all the time then brings about contentment , peacefulnes, and joyfulness.

1 Timothy 6: 6-8

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

2. Some things to take heed of…

In the book of 1 Timothy chapter 6,  in the condemnation part of loving money, the scripture explains that there is a whole lot of evil that comes through to one's life that builds up from their love of money. This is one of the things that leads to debauchery and even ungratefulness, consequently leading to being unfulfilled.

When you are in pursuit of money you are likely to not be minding your Spirituality.  Giving thanks in all circumstances can not apply to you because you are waiting to get the money first and then be sure you are in a better position to express your gratitude.  Your gain is fleeting, just like money. It is important to respect what money and the lack of it, can condition.  It is also important we give thanks to God , always  , when our pockets are full or empty.  Many families now are broken over money disputes,  and the Inequalities that are widely denouncing their unity, are borne of money. As the festive are upon us, it is important to make time to reflect on everything that your life and life itself and make sure you end with a thanksgiving prayer. You may need to pray for reconciliation and recovery from many things but the scripture we read said in all circumstances,  we must give thanks.

EPHESIANS 5:18-20

… but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father.

Surely His goodness and mercy is forever.  You had moments in the year directly and or loss,  that only grace got you through.

It could be many destinations you reached daily, ins and outs.

It could be loved ones at are still with us or losses that God has brought many support structures or room for better things that you didn't even know you needed. Some losses are of gain for they got you back to being humble, considerate, understanding and respectful. And, you are now feeling and living better spiritually,  as you gained a better relationship with God.

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

3. Contentment is not absence of ambition,  wishes, goals to improve,  or even money itself. It is not about everything being perfect. The only exception to perfection,  is God’s love for us. Contentment is a state of being comforted, healthy,  at peace and even happy. In our spiritual life- this has to be in all circumstances, it should be enough.

All circumstances

v  Whether you have loads of money,  liked, promoted at work, appreciated by your family -OR NOT , be thankful.

1 Timothy 6:11-12

v  But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Whatever state you are in, do not be neglectful of your spiri. Choosee what will be of eternal life. Being of gratitude is one of those spiritual deposits. 

4. The Lord’s grace is enough.  Hislovee endures forever.

1 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Be glad in this. Rejoice in Him- alwayss.

v    Thank you all for the moments we shared sharing, and those we hope for.

May you invest in being thankful.

Enjoy your time in the life ventures presented to you and yours. Thank you for being part of yet another wonderful year of sharing on Self-care matters in order to build on self-awareness. Awareness of self helps one present themselves better. May you live aware that You Matter. It takes a lot of unwavering faith to live boldly, as you are without taking away from who you've been and also like to become. It is a matter of confidence. Hebrews 11:1 ___to more sharing and caring next year!

💜Invest in Yourself, It Matters. YOU MATTER!

Regards

Livhuwasha