|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The early months of this year brought major challenges, as well as blessings, for many folks. They certainly brought many unique challenges and blessings for me.
We live through series of highs and lows. We need the good times, but with them come challenges that teach and build faith.
People talk about escaping from reality when times get tough, but how about turning that around? Why not "escape into reality" instead? By escaping into reality, we can begin to see those highs and lows for what they are.
So where do we find that elusive venue called reality, and how can we be sure we're escaping into it rather than from it? Here are some clues.
Reality is found in many very ordinary things. We hear it in a grandparent's gentle voice and feel it in a child's big warm hug. We also experience it in compassion during adversity and see it in thrilling visions for the future. However, it is easy to confuse self-limiting beliefs with reality.
Several years ago, I had a huge goal for a fund-raiser to help a local cancer victim and his family. Someone said to me, "Get real! You can't possibly do that." I smiled and said, "You're right. It seems like a lot, and it would be tough doing it alone. But I am certainly real, so if you'll help lead this, we could do even more." We did outdistance our goal because we invited enough people to "get real" about a worthy cause.
Escaping into reality can also uncover more of the happiness hiding in life's shadows. In other words, we can view situations from perspectives of love rather than fear.
We can create visions of hope based on new behaviors rather than regret based on past mistakes. We can look beyond appearances to find more love and abundance in every aspect of our lives. The vision of a goal must become as tangible a reality in the mind and heart as if you had reached out and touched it with your hand.
Begin by giving thanks for all you have now. Just for a moment, imagine you are a child discovering newness in everything. Then fast-forward with a child's faith, honoring what you intend to accomplish in your lifetime.
An anonymous author wrote, "Happiness lies for those who cry, who hurt, who have searched, and who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of the people who have touched their lives."
God has blessed us with a treasure trove of reality: His unending love for us. Love is the one true reality, and when your feelings and motives are based on love rather than fear, you'll know your escape was successful. Share the reality of God's love with someone who needs encouragement today.
Looking and listening for the many small miracles in your life will reveal what is actually possible. Do you need some time away? Escape into reality today. The Creator's love will guide every step you take.
? Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. All rights reserved. Reprinted from Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve your top potential. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com
The fever had been high late into the night, but... Read More
You don't have to excavate diamond mines or oil fields... Read More
I've been to 64-countries, and yes money comes in handy,... Read More
Big Fat Lie 1: Your personality is formed and unchangeable... Read More
All this week I have been singing.This week I have... Read More
Here's the great challenge of life - You can have... Read More
It goes without question that any business intending to thrive... Read More
This is the true story of what Deepak Chopra would... Read More
Yesterday I was but a child, looking. Looking ahead at... Read More
Whenever we are working on our dreams we are going... Read More
As we progress into the year, it is necessary for... Read More
When people talk about enrichment, they are usually thinking of... Read More
Change, no matter how you cut it, can certainly be... Read More
I always had an active imagination when I was young.... Read More
About fifteen years ago I was rummaging through some old... Read More
A Word Fitly SpokenA word fitly spoken is like apples... Read More
We have all grown up in an age where exploration... Read More
At SPIRIT Connections, we believe that the most powerful tool... Read More
This is a message from an Angel. Can you relate?... Read More
"And thou shalt say unto Pharoah, Thus saith the Lord,... Read More
Talking with friends, people I meet on a regular basis,... Read More
We let ourselves love but are afraid to say I... Read More
"If unresolved anger is a toxin to the spirit, forgiveness... Read More
Did you ever receive a gift in an unexpected place?I... Read More
"More than any other time in history, mankind face a... Read More
The secret power of positive thinkers is their faith. And... Read More
Another preposterous idea from yours truly, even the thought makes... Read More
There are many ways we can increase our own personal... Read More
I want to share some things with you that I... Read More
Nowadays the majority of people live in very large cities.... Read More
Changing our physiology is one of the best ways to... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 16,... Read More
Oh, this is a great topic! I remember when I... Read More
1. Sit back and enjoy (or at least tolerate) the... Read More
There is an old proverb with a lot of wisdom.... Read More
Let us renew our hope in humanity. It's so easy... Read More
Are you prepared to make your heart matter? Are you... Read More
Have you ever dreamed of a new house? Have you... Read More
We have all experienced the blowing winds of disappointment, despair... Read More
"We come equipped with everything we need to experience a... Read More
Are you a procrastinating perfectionist? I once read an article... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 24,... Read More
Some people live in and talk about the past so... Read More
BORN OF BODY AND SPIRITWe are born of the body... Read More
Steps to Financial Freedom, roadmap to financial freedom, achieve financial... Read More
All this week I have been singing.This week I have... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 17,... Read More
Spend some time thinking about how good you have it.... Read More
No, this isn't going to be a sermon or anything... Read More
The ocean liner Achille Lauro sailed perpetually under a dark... Read More
Inspirational Inspirational |