THINK CORRECTLY

When you realize how small and fallible you are, it's much easier to understand and forgive the failings and smallness of others.

Expect to make mistakes.  Blunders can't always be avoided.  It's okay when you fail and mess up.  Just be 'man' about it.

A grudge carried to the grave does no one any good.  So what if you've been wronged.  We are living in just such a world, full of injustices, misgivings, loss, lack and sad endings.
It's not the end of the world!

Create your own reasons to be happy and be free to feel exactly how you want to feel.  What others think of you don't matter.  What they don't approve about you is none of your business!
Work on quieting your thoughts and calming your emotions.  Don't allow anyone to steal your peace and rob your joy.  Guard your heart.

You can't prevent thieves from breaking into your house and cleaning you out.  That's something beyond your control.  They come without your invitation.

Worse still is the other type of robbers who wreak havoc in the theater of your mind.  These are more destructive than the former.
Unseen robbers who comes to rob, steal and destroy not your physical properties or possessions but your tranquility, mental wellness and peace of mind. 
Beware these ruthless 'intruders' who can do much more harm to you psychologically and emotionally.  
They lie, cheat and raise your level of fear, panic, insecurity and anxiety.  Very subtlety they invade your thoughts and make a playground of your mind. 

An alarm system may be a deterrent to break-in and safe guard possible loss but unfortunately doesn't guarantee good sleep.
Be mindful of who you take to bed with you .....think correctly.

RESURRECTION & LIFE

He was faithful to her; she remained fiercely loyal to him for as long as they were together.

She kept him in line; he kept her in love.
Theirs was the ideal - strong and enduring - relationship.
An alliance-an agreement.
One that had weathered many storms.

Bound by duty and responsibility; fueled by affection, admiration and affirmation.
They held their ground and withstood the test of time. 
Inseparable - nothing and no one came between them.

Or so they thought...
The immortality of Man is but a subtle lie.
For death came unexpectedly and took him away.

She grieved for the loss of her trusted ally; her long time companion and confidante.
Missing his laughter, his teasing and sometimes serious demeanor, she mourns.

Despairing but only for a season; she awaits the promised resurrection where death is overcome and life is celebrated in full measure...
Hope springs eternal.

IT'S ALL IN THE MIND ...

Filter your thoughts; scrutinize them.  Don't hesitate to shut the door of your mind to negativism, self hate and condemnation.
Contemplate beauty, be beautiful.  Embrace all that is good, pure and lovely.
See the world through the eyes of a child.  Vibrate with enthusiasm and zest.  
Celebrate life.
Don't become old before your time.

What goes on in your mind can be the loveliest garden of your wildest dream OR the stinkiest sewer of your worst nightmare.
You can retrace, rewrite and reedit the story of your life.

You're the master of your destiny ...

SMILE ...

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

SURVIVOR

I am a survivor of depression.

I don't say this loosely.  Depression is real and it kills.

Statistics remind us that one out of three persons suffer from some form of depression whether it's psychological, physiological, biological or sociological.   Whatever the cause may be, the price we pay is high - self hate and self annihilation.  No joke!

Anyone who has been there can relate.

Experts go on to say that at some point in every person's life, he/she would carry or display symptoms of either severe, mild, acute and chronic depression.  The degree of a person's suffering would depend largely on circumstances and the patient's ability to 'handle' his problems.  There are many who live in denial; sort of putting up a front, a charade.

So no one is exempted.

However there is hope.  Depression can be treated with expert counselling, therapy and medicine. Thankfully with early detection and appropriate attention, the percentage of patients full recovery is encouraging.

A small circle of supportive and genuine friends helps.  

Gravitate towards people who can deposit positively into your life. 

In our biological make-up we each have an 'emotional tank' - an indicator of our mental state - and when that is empty, for sure, we can't get very far.  A breakdown is imminent!

Make sure you don't run on empty.  That would be very stupid indeed.  You are inviting trouble, big trouble.  

Imagine travelling on the highway in pitch darkness all alone, not a single car or soul in sight for miles, with your fuel gauge indicator blinking frantically RED!  Ever had a panic attack? 

Well, this is it. 

You don't have to fight depression alone.  You're not meant to.  

Move with people who makes you feel good about yourself.  Steer clear of people who only befriend you for their own personal agenda and selfish reason.

Don't apologize for letting go of people who do you more harm than good.  The toxic they inject into your system is devastating.

It's sickening to think that some people are rammed with a constant supply of nonsense - words and actions that tear at a person -  as if it's mother's milk!  No wonder over a period of time, their depression level plunges from mild to hopeless!

Seeking help to overcome your mental anguish and disorder is not a sign of weakness.  In fact, to acknowledge your condition, couple with the desire to do something positive about it is an act of great courage and deserves commendation.

Depression kills which is bad but it also drives one insane which is even worse ...

DYSFUNCTIONAL...

Today's dysfunctional individual may be the product of yesterday's failed relationship.

Yours was the love withheld; the kind word withdrew; the tongue lashing; the shoulder never offered; the phone call that never came; the broken promise.
He/She never knew affection, appreciation, affirmation, adoration and admiration. 

And you wonder why the poor soul is dysfunctional.
OUCH!

DIFFICULT PERSON

The better way to treat a difficult person is to show him trust, respect and love. Easier said than done as it is the natural inclination to avoid such a person if not totally dismiss him from your life. Often an angry bitter person is in essence mad and dissatisfied with himself but rather than admits it or blames and chides himself, he finds a scapegoat to lash out his pent up emotions.

In retaliation we fight back which only worsen the situation. 
However, showing affection and empathy can help defuse the angry man's frustration. Gentle love has that calming effect.
Has it not been said that "the person most undeserving of love probably needs it the most."

Every time you want to strike back to get even with someone who has harmed you, remember that he/she has probably been hurt or slighted in some ways. And the only way he/she knows how to stay invulnerable is to hit out.  
ATTACK being his method of defence.

Guess we can't fault anyone for his claim to survival.

A BLAST

Some people are a blast from the past.  You're not obliged to bring them to the present.

AT HOME

It's exceptionally nice to be with friends with whom you can truly feel completely at home.

RESTORATION

Dear God,

You were there.

You knew...

About 30 months ago, I was a broken person - crushed in body and spirit. At that time the book of Job in the Old Testament was of special interest to me. Job had suffered tremendous loss in every area of his life and I was able to relate.
He was just about done in.  I felt his isolation.

How it must pain you, Father, to see your children in such distraught and torment. Yet you permit trials and tests in our lives because they are part of our growing process. 

Only a loving father would teach, guide, discipline, protect and SUFFER together with his child. How easy for you to remove all hardships and trouble but then of what benefit will this bring to a child?  Would he grow to be the man he was destined to be?  For You have plans for him.  Plans to prosper him and to give him hope and a bright future.  

This is Your purpose.

By your very nature it is unnatural that you withhold any good from your children. Your restraining hand longs to give and give of the best.
But for our own good, you keep your distance ... but never too far where you cannot be reached.

Your eye is always on your child.
You sent relief and comfort through your ministering 'angels' throughout the ordeal.
Morning has broken and your glory shines bright.

Today, restoration has come to me and my house and it's all because you have kept your word, Father.

Thank you. 

Amen