Vanities of Vanities

 

You know it’s interesting. We get up each day and go about our daily business whether inside or outside of our homes. Those of us that are blessed to have employment often complain about our jobs, our income, and our commute back and forth to work.

We complain about taxes, the economy and global warming. We even complain or at least become wearied when we must figure out what to wear or what to eat. Vanities of vanities as Solomon said. All is vanity.

Take a look around at the people who are bustling around you. Sometimes they bump into you in the streets, stores or elevators, some apologize and some do not while others may not even notice they have touched you.

There are so many things they plague our minds day in and day out. It’s a challenge for some of us to get out of bed each day. We may be ailing emotionally, physically, financially or spiritually but we persevere. Some of us put on our smile the way many women put on lipstick. It’s painted on and stays on until we are away from the masses when our smile is wiped away and we can be ourselves.

Others may not put on a smile at all. They shuffle through the day barely making it through so bogged down they don’t know what to do. When we see people’s lives in shambles it makes some of our challenges seem so miniscule.

Our hearts and minds should be on those that don’t know left from right or day from night. They are in a whirlpool which seems to have no end. Not only should we pray for them but we must share Gods words with them to encourage them.

Jesus came for the lost. It is not God’s will for any of us to be so caught up in the things of this world that they literally affect our lives. God says if we keep our mind on Him He will keep us in perfect peace. Easier said than done? Oftentimes it may seem that way but you must as He says taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

We read in Hebrews 11:6 but without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

If you don’t have a relationship with God invite Him into your heart. Confess Him with your mouth as your Lord and Savior and ask Him to forgive you of your sins.  If you do have a relationship with Him share His love with someone who does not know Him.

 

A New Year A New You?

Well, we are already into February. My how time flies! Some of you may be wondering why I’ve waited until February to speak of the New Year. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, promises, goals or whatever you choose to call them that normally begin on January 1^st, although some wait until January 2^nd if dieting is involved because they want to enjoy their New Year’s Day meal.

Just like some of you I have made a commitment to exercising and healthy eating. My eating habit has always been pretty good but I’ve gotten addicted to hot chocolate during the cold days of winter. Exercising on the other hand is something I’ve still trying to figure out. I’m a morning person and have been for the past five years or so as I’ve mentioned previously I rose early in the morning and put in an hour of exercise prior to starting my workday. A lack of sleep at night however made me come to an abrupt stop in November and I have yet to return to a new routine. I tried exercising in the afternoon but that ended after two days. I think I will go back to my morning routine in February.

 

What about you? Have you set any goals, commitments etc. that you haven’t started or have already given up?

 

Another one of my goals was to finish a book that I started years ago. Funny thing is I have completed a book but it’s a completely different book. God began dealing with me in a few areas of my life that I know He wants me to share so here’s a new project that believe it or not for those of you who know my history of procrastination and failure to complete a project has been completed.

 I’m now in the process of editing and agent hunting, a whole new world for me. It’s amazing how God uses different situations in your life to not only help you to understand others but to also understand yourself.

I was calling my sister to vent about a situation when God showed me I was venting about one of the things that makes me angry with her. My sister is a giver and expects, no let me change that to assumes that people will do for her what she does for them. I know she gives from her heart but if she needs someone to do something for her it angers her that they do not do it.

I had an expectation of someone that was not fulfilled. I became angry but then realized everyone is not the same. Just because I did something for someone I cannot expect that person to do the same thing for me. I called my sister and shared this with her. My sister being the loving sister that she is replied well that person still could have done that for you. We both laughed.

I have a new outlook and hope she does to. Give expecting nothing in return but the joy of giving.