Living by the strength of God

I commented on this article in November of 2014 and thought I'd share what I reflected on then..."Some people do experience more than they can handle and i known this. This world ain't perfect and sometimes we just have to admit that life will never be easy here. "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5 stop telling people they have the strength to do it if they don't! Some day everyone will have to realize they can't do it alone. We are not meant to do things on our own"

http://natepyle.com/confronting-the-lie-god-wont-give-you-more-than-you-can-handle/

Honesty is freedom

There is freedom in being honest. It's ok to be wrong. It's ok to fail. It's ok to have brokenness. Wait! what? you mean we aren't perfect? Dang it... But did you really think there is anyone out there who is perfect, other than our Savior Jesus Christ? I tend to put on a face and make it look like I'm faultless. I'm learning the vulnerability of just being honest. There are people out there that need to know they aren't the only ones broken, or who feel they made unforgivable mistakes, or who don't want to be condemned by others. If we show that we aren't perfect, it gives people the space to be honest. You may offend someone or they might point something out to you and you're pride is hurt. Great! Take it with an open mind and understand how to benefit and bring new growth into your life.

Let's get real

Friendships, relationships,personal encounters. These have all lost meaning and depth. I walk down the street and see people on their phones, sitting on park benches together, but starring at their mobile devices. Pokémon go, tender, and Snapchat have replaced conversation, meeting people and doing physical activities together. People are starving for recognition, companionship and belonging. We need someone to confide with. Why are we allowing our world to become so shallow? Relationships require time, intentionality, and goals. We are so afraid to be honest, real and open with people because of the fear of judgment and rejection. It's a real fear that causes anxiety and depression. I am one to blame for pointing out the "problems" of a person, when I should allow them to be real. I can't fix or change anything, neither can you, but we can listen as people share. I have some close friends that I can be real with even in the bad times. By having that trust to be raw I have learned more about myself, what I can improve on to become a stronger follower of Christ, and learn how to accept love.
      I encourage you to find a person you can trust to be real with. Confess, maybe open up the past that has not been healed, and learn to recognize your own bruises and scars. Accept them, learn how they affect you and your relationships, and then let go. And then practice becoming that trusting friend by allowing depth in your conversations with people, recognizing their need to be loved and connected with another, and realize you are not the judge or healer. Let them open up, let things go and let God do the work as you are the mediator. Our relationship with Christ will deepen through our conversations, interactions and harmony with others as we learn love, acceptance and healing.