Saturday, August 24th
Another beautiful morning!
I started my new medication on Thursday, Cymbalta. The pharmacist said it may take time before I feel any relief. :-) Cymbalta was one of the medication we would see advertised on tv...Paul and I would comment on the number of side effects that this medication has...we would wonder if it would be worth it. ???? This medication costs me around $218.00 a month so hopefully it's worth it :-)
I am so thankful that my needs have always been met. I am thankful for my family and friends, who fill my life with laughter, inspiration and companionship.
My life is filled with promise, peace, and love. . I am so very BLESSED :-)
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Today's Meditation
"To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it."
—Confucius
Miraculous Forgiveness Meditation
Today our meditation and discussion focus on the gifts of forgiveness. If we want to experience loving, life-long relationships, we need to be able to let go of grievances, hostility, and anger. These feelings keep us mired in the past and weighed down with emotional pain. Ultimately, forgiveness is a gift we give to ourselves. It is an act of grace that restores the memory of wholeness.
It’s important to remember that forgiving is different from condoning an action that created pain for us or for others. Healthy relationships require healthy boundaries and are an important part of loving and honoring ourselves and each other. We can practice forgiveness even when we have chosen to discontinue a relationship due to unacceptable behavior. Sometimes we have to forgive someone many times before we finally let go of all the emotional residue of the past. Once we take steps to restore peace in our heart, we will feel a shift. We will feel lighter as we expand our capacity for love, compassion, and healing.
Our centering thought for today is:
Forgiveness is for me. Forgiveness sets me free.
MINDFUL MOMENT
Is there someone in your life you that you have not forgiven? In many cases, the person we most need to forgive is ourselves. Today have the intention to practice forgiveness. Encourage even the slightest hints of forgiveness, release, and compassion. If feelings of hurt and anger arise, tell yourself, I am willing to see this situation with love. I am willing to let go. Be gentle and patient with yourself as you hold the intention to heal and forgive.
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Today's Bible Study
An Example of Service
Read | Philippians 2:1-7
Jesus defied the world’s expectations regarding a divine being. Many Jewish people of that day were looking for a powerful king to liberate them from the Romans—they were prepared to serve and worship that kind of messiah. Instead, the Savior was a humble man who didn’t think twice about washing dirty feet. While Jesus Christ could have banished the Roman presence from the region and then been glorified as an earthly ruler, He was very clear about His reason for being here: He came to serve, not to be served (Matt. 20:28).
In fact, Paul refers to Jesus as the lowest form of worker—a bondservant. This type of laborer was responsible for the menial household tasks, including foot washings. Christ came into the world prepared to do whatever work was necessary to move men toward a saving knowledge of Himself. He values every soul. Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, received His attention and love just as the Pharisee Nicodemus and the rich young ruler did (Luke 19:1-10; 18:18-25; John 3:1-8). Jesus also spent time with people on the lowest rung of the social ladder, healing the sick and afflicted, and speaking with children.
A servant’s life is not self-centered but rather is focused on God and His work. The Bible calls us to serve the Father by following in the Son’s footsteps. Believers would never refer to Jesus as weak, but those who chase after the world’s version of success probably would. Are you prepared to challenge our culture’s idea of power by accepting the humble position of servant?
Another great day!
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