Well, it’s taken me about a year and a half, but today is my four hundredth post. When you have nothing else to do one day, please go through my archives here at Making All Things New. I think there’s a ton of good content on this site, and I hope you’ll find something that impacts you.
This blog is a labor of love, and it’s been a lot of fun to do. I can’t wait for what’s ahead, and I hope you’ll stick with me 🙂
It’s hard to believe that over twenty years have passed since the image of this man, facing down a row of moving tanks in Tiananmen Square in China was taken. Now, I know none of us are facing down tanks right about now, but there’s still many people who are facing what appears to be difficult situations in life. Having courage will help us move past those obstacles and get on with our lives.
Just about my whole life, I’ve been an early riser. Anyone who consistently reads my posts know that I love to watch the sun come up each day. It’s a great way to get a jump start on things to come.
Being up at this time is very peaceful, and it lends itself greatly to prayer. One of the most popular bloggers in the world is a man by the name of Leo Babauta, and he promotes the benefits of getting an early start to your day, not just sometimes, but every day. I hope you’ll get something out of his post below.
When was the last time you were really excited about something? Maybe it was last night, watching your favorite baseball team have a big win. It could have been the call from a friend/family member telling you that she’s going to have a baby.
You could have gotten excited about a phone call you received telling you that you got the job you interviewed for, or that you are being promoted. For some, the excitement they experience could come from a great time of prayer they had, walking away with a clarity they’ve been seeking.
Sadly, some of us might struggle with this exercise. Nothing immediately comes to mind.
Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about identity. How our identity is shaped. Should we box ourselves into only one?
What happens when everything changes and we lose that identity we worked so hard to create?
Trying to figure out the answers to these questions has been on my mind, mainly because of all the transitions many of the people around me are going through right now.
It seems to me that most of us, first and foremost, find our identity through the career that we are in. Of course, this would make sense.
I met with an old friend for several hours last night about a project I’m thinking about doing. Actually, I’ve been talking to several friends about it over the last few weeks, and things are starting to come together. It’s exciting.
When something starts to take shape in our lives, when we begin to see the potential of a dream becoming a reality, it’s critical to bring in wise counsel who will be honest and objective. Can I really do this? Is this where my gifts and talents lie? Is this what God wants me to do? What hurdles will I have to overcome to be successful?
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24The dog got me up extra early this morning, and as I let her out to do her business, I could see that we had the beginnings of a beautiful day.
The sun was nowhere close to being up yet, but it wasn’t dark either. The air was warm and there was a nice breeze blowing. I got my coffee and sat on my patio, thinking about the day ahead.
In my day job, I have the wonderful opportunity to work with a lot of young people. Some I lose contact with when they get older, others continue to connect over the years and friendships develop. Today’s guest post is from John Michaels, recently graduated from college and filled with great ideas on how to tackle the world.
John has also become a friend, and it’s a lot of fun to bounce ideas/concepts/dreams off one another. He just started his blog, Better Than Getting By, and I know his posts will give you plenty to think about. Please check it out.
Recently, I’ve been listening to a personal development program, and yesterday’s session dealt with fear. It’s amazing how this emotion can routinely drive our life. In fact, according to the presenter, the fear factor is one of the biggest reasons we fail to take action in our life.
Fear of failure, success, rejection, illness, pain, the unknown. What might it be for you?
Recently, I returned to a little book I’ve had on my shelf for several years. Arise From Darkness:What To Do When Life Doesn’t Make Sense, written by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, is like an old friend that you turn to when things aren’t going well. Fr. Benedict doesn’t sugar-coat tough situations, and gives clear and practical advice on how to overcome serious problems that we all face from time to time.
Today, I’d like to focus on just one point he makes in the book. I’ve used it myself and Fr. Groeschel is right. When used carefully and consistently, this remedy always works.