What to do when everything else fails...

We all have bad days...

Times we feel stretched so thin there’s no more to give...

Moments we want to scream just for the release of stress and frustration.

Days that test our resolve and will to keep going, and make us questions everything.

No one lives in a highlight reel, no matter how great things seem.

While I choose to focus on the positive as often as possible, I’m no where exempt from feeling downcast, exhausted and overwhelmed.

These days are when it’s so important to cling to your truth, the flame you’re working so hard to keep alive.

The times when it’s down to a mere flicker, seek the oxygen, the things you can be grateful for in the midst of the struggle.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

I wanted to share my IG post from a couple of days ago to bring light to a real issue in todays "social" world...

We can get so caught up in the thing that aren't going right, that we forget to lean on our faith, losing our focus on the Kingdom of God.

I've been spending a lot more time reflecting, in prayer and meditation with the Lord, something that has gotten put on the back burner more lately as things have gotten "busier".

Things that I notice more and more that tend to distract me from what really needs my attention. We are constantly bombarded with trivial issues, random posts and updates filled with complaints, gripes and problems, but unfortunately, very few resolutions.

Pop culture and consumerism rules the web (is there any place you can go online without being bombarded with ad pop-ups and solicitations?), and so many people feel the pressure to showcase a highlight reel glamorizing both, yet they neglect their self care and relationships, feeling alone, unfulfilled and isolated despite the "attention" they get from likes and shares.

It's overwhelming, the constant stimulation and feeling of social pressure, but what do we do to realign and redirect the course of our lives?
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Realizing the root problem: there is no substitute for REAL INTERACTION...

​We have to get back to genuine experiences, face-to-face conversations and stepping foot outside of the digital more frequently into the real world.

Allowing the surreal imaging, fake drama and glamorous "experiences" on social media replace our own existence is not only damaging our current culture, it's reshaping things in a way that is unpredictable for the future. 

While I do believe there is potential for good using social, we place far too much emphasis on its importance. And despite the emotional attachment many of us have to the "feedback" we get, often the words we read in posts resonate in that moment, but they don't hold the same weight as a conversation in person.

How much more meaningful is actually getting into our neighborhoods and DOING more of what we talk about, spending quality time with the people we care about, lending aid to those in need, going on that mission trip, and actually utilizing our unique gifts and talents while experiencing the blessings God has intended for us?

We used to know what that felt like, and I sense a shift happening as more people see the negative implications of allowing online interactions take over real relationships and conversations.

Spend more time in prayer, give more of your time and energy to serve others, and nurture your gifts through action.

Disconnect from the digital, and spend some quality time in the real...yesterday I took some time to paint with my son, and just talk and experiment with different colors and designs.

​It was such a refreshing experience, and it took me back to something I love tremendously but never seem to have time for...creating art, landscapes and drawing. Seeing my son so focused and intent made me realize that is something I lack most days.

Constantly pulled in 100 different directions, it is near impossible to get any one task done much less enjoy any semblance of the present moment. I'm striving to regain that clarity and focus...and my prayer is that you will too.
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Gavin Called this "Shells on the Beach". When I looked closer at some of them, the details from the brush strokes really gives a sea shell effect!

We have to focus on what matters most..

"Don't become blinded by the transient."

I read this powerful statement in my current reading, You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity  by Francis and Lisa Chan.

[It is a book about marriage, but it's very much applicable to any person of faith who is looking to grow and enhance their perspective on how we should approach this life.]

We can be so easily distracted by our temporary circumstances that we lose out on what really matters. We miss the forest for the trees, focusing merely on the obstacles (or distractions) instead of working towards building better relationships through walking in love and gratitude each day.

How can we adjust our lens, and refocus on the most important things before us?

First, thank God for the very breath in your body, the fact that you exist and have an opportunity to just BE.

That alone is a huge oversight that we can get caught up in when life is challenging or nothing seems to be going right.

We GET to be here, and while it's a temporary assignment, we are called to make the most of it.

Live in a way that Christ shines through all you do, every interaction conversation and decision...it's something I don't do the best job of at times, and it always has a negative impact on my mindset and spiritual connection.

When things aren't going right, for whatever reason, stop what you're doing and PRAY. Before asking for anything, simply thank God for who He is and all he has done, and will continue to do.

Ask for guidance through your current circumstances, that He would show you the best way moving forward if that is His will. 

Know that there is a bigger picture that we cant even fathom, and that He has a special place for us in that masterpiece.

Let's focus more on our faith, nourishing our bodies with healthful nutrient dense food, and strengthening our bodies to be able to serve to the best of our ability.

If you have prayers requests, would like a list of my favorite spiritual growth books and studies, you are welcome to email me at wonderfully.fitmom@gmail.com

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