Sunshine Rodgers's Blog - Posts Tagged "christianity"
Prayer that Moves Heaven
I updated my blog to talk about the vows we make and the decisions we take that influence not only us, but the audience around us.
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CD Cover
I was at FYE looking through CD's. And I picked up one of a girl who was naked on the cover. It made me sad because I remember watching this same girl on a Disney show. I then pick up another CD and it had a warning on the label for explicit lyrics. Again, this same person I also watched on the disney Channel. What happened here? I look at them now, far from the girls who made me laugh and who were so cute and adorable on these G-rated shows, now almost unrecognizable..completely different in who they are and what they stand for.
I then made a vow to myself, and yes, to you. I never want there to ever be a time in my life when you look at me and wonder 'where has the old-Sunshine gone?' I never want to be on the shelf, unrecognizable and completely straying away from my original message and positive impact. I don't want you to ever look at me and ask, "What happened to her?" I never want you to be ashamed of me. I am as transparent with myself as I am with you. I take my actions and my words seriously. I have to represent my faith well and I have to showcase who I am in Christ.
My vow: I will never change to gain attention, to gain exposure, to gain more sales. With God's help, I want to continue to be the best Sunshine I can be, and that includes staying positive admits all outcomes and giving you the most glorious moment I can as we stay close to God in everything. The cover of any of my 'CD's' should say nothing different than that.
Quote to remember: "Integrity is truthfulness. Integrity is simply doing what you say you will do. Integrity is being what you tell others you are." - Mike Murdock
If you need prayer for anything, please let me know. I would love to pray for you!
I then made a vow to myself, and yes, to you. I never want there to ever be a time in my life when you look at me and wonder 'where has the old-Sunshine gone?' I never want to be on the shelf, unrecognizable and completely straying away from my original message and positive impact. I don't want you to ever look at me and ask, "What happened to her?" I never want you to be ashamed of me. I am as transparent with myself as I am with you. I take my actions and my words seriously. I have to represent my faith well and I have to showcase who I am in Christ.
My vow: I will never change to gain attention, to gain exposure, to gain more sales. With God's help, I want to continue to be the best Sunshine I can be, and that includes staying positive admits all outcomes and giving you the most glorious moment I can as we stay close to God in everything. The cover of any of my 'CD's' should say nothing different than that.
Quote to remember: "Integrity is truthfulness. Integrity is simply doing what you say you will do. Integrity is being what you tell others you are." - Mike Murdock
If you need prayer for anything, please let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Stop. And Remember. May 13, 2018
So I’m the one that cleans the entire house! That’s right! Room to room, counter to sink, bathtub to carpet! I am on my hands and knees scrubbing, soaking and washing. Though my husband is very orderly and is clean in his own right, I still take the designated time to pre-soak and bleach to make the house look perfect.
And I can be tempted to think, as Travis sits and plays his video games, “How come I’m the one cleaning?”
And I can hear God say, “Be thankful. You didn’t have this before. There was a time when you didn’t have this house. There was a time when you didn’t have a husband.”
And I became so thankful in the moment! I was instantly brought back to that time when it was just me in my one bedroom apartment where I would have to go to a tiny laundramat to wash my clothes and where my living room and kitchen connected into one small room. And I would be wondering all the while, in my years and years of singleness, where is the man for me?
I can use this revelation for anything: My job is stressing me out. I don’t have much of a social life now that I am a professional writer. My car is having issues.
But it is perfectly okay! Because I remember a time when I didn’t have any of this and I am so grateful I do now. And I am anxious to show my appreciation by accepting the good with the bad, the wonderful with the complacent, the highs and the lows. I am just grateful I’m not where I used to be because I know there was a time when I didn’t have this before....and I very much want it now...and I very much want to keep it...
In fact, I’ll stop and praise God so that He can bless me with more!
“I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saint.” - Psalm 52:9
I need to note: my husband is not lazy or apathetic. He cooks the meals so I don’t have to. I would much rather clean than cook!
If there is anything you need prayer for, let me know. I would love to pray with you
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
And I can be tempted to think, as Travis sits and plays his video games, “How come I’m the one cleaning?”
And I can hear God say, “Be thankful. You didn’t have this before. There was a time when you didn’t have this house. There was a time when you didn’t have a husband.”
And I became so thankful in the moment! I was instantly brought back to that time when it was just me in my one bedroom apartment where I would have to go to a tiny laundramat to wash my clothes and where my living room and kitchen connected into one small room. And I would be wondering all the while, in my years and years of singleness, where is the man for me?
I can use this revelation for anything: My job is stressing me out. I don’t have much of a social life now that I am a professional writer. My car is having issues.
But it is perfectly okay! Because I remember a time when I didn’t have any of this and I am so grateful I do now. And I am anxious to show my appreciation by accepting the good with the bad, the wonderful with the complacent, the highs and the lows. I am just grateful I’m not where I used to be because I know there was a time when I didn’t have this before....and I very much want it now...and I very much want to keep it...
In fact, I’ll stop and praise God so that He can bless me with more!
“I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saint.” - Psalm 52:9
I need to note: my husband is not lazy or apathetic. He cooks the meals so I don’t have to. I would much rather clean than cook!
If there is anything you need prayer for, let me know. I would love to pray with you
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
Inner Critic. May 20, 2018
So I had a revelation one day leaving church.
I already know not to listen to critics. I already know not to let them stop me. I already know not to let them define me or my work.
But in my writing journey, no one has really given me a bad review. No one has plainly stated "You suck." There has been no negative feedback.
What bothers me the most is silence. One of my new books come out and no one talks about it. I tell people about the newest updates and they stare back with blank faces. I want people to be passionate about how hard I work to create words and stories into this world ...only to be faced with an unapologetic shrug.
That stings.
But then there's the worst critic of all: ME!
"That was a terrible book!"
"Why do you even bother?"
"You should really stop. No one would care if you did."
"You are writing for no one."
"What a waste of energy, time and money!"
Yes, those are real things I've said to myself.
So its not necessarily the voice of the critics that are holding me back, its the deafening sounds of silence and the lies that circulate my mind on any given moment.
Because I do want to give up. Every single day. I just make the decision not to.
I do want to thank those who HAVE posted reviews, who have read my books, who have offered up positive feedback, who do get excited about my writing updates…it truly makes an unbelievable difference!!! And it does keep me going!
In a book I am reading by Joanna Penn, she states "You need a wider perspective on the 'why' behind what you are doing because only that will carry you through the inevitable difficult times."
Why do I write? because I love God and I want to share His awesomeness to my readers. It's a timeless love that's bigger than anything else in my life.
I hope you define your sense of success so you can keep going even against the critics!
If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
I already know not to listen to critics. I already know not to let them stop me. I already know not to let them define me or my work.
But in my writing journey, no one has really given me a bad review. No one has plainly stated "You suck." There has been no negative feedback.
What bothers me the most is silence. One of my new books come out and no one talks about it. I tell people about the newest updates and they stare back with blank faces. I want people to be passionate about how hard I work to create words and stories into this world ...only to be faced with an unapologetic shrug.
That stings.
But then there's the worst critic of all: ME!
"That was a terrible book!"
"Why do you even bother?"
"You should really stop. No one would care if you did."
"You are writing for no one."
"What a waste of energy, time and money!"
Yes, those are real things I've said to myself.
So its not necessarily the voice of the critics that are holding me back, its the deafening sounds of silence and the lies that circulate my mind on any given moment.
Because I do want to give up. Every single day. I just make the decision not to.
I do want to thank those who HAVE posted reviews, who have read my books, who have offered up positive feedback, who do get excited about my writing updates…it truly makes an unbelievable difference!!! And it does keep me going!
In a book I am reading by Joanna Penn, she states "You need a wider perspective on the 'why' behind what you are doing because only that will carry you through the inevitable difficult times."
Why do I write? because I love God and I want to share His awesomeness to my readers. It's a timeless love that's bigger than anything else in my life.
I hope you define your sense of success so you can keep going even against the critics!
If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
The Key to Success? God! June 11, 2018
So you may have noticed I haven't posted a blog in a little while.
Every 3 months, my husband and I go on a 21 day hiatus and just create a retreat with God in our own home. We ask for prayer requests and just spend that time in deep intercession for other people and for ourselves. And honestly, we just watch God move like crazy!! Our prayers get answered so quickly and its amazing. Travis and I live a lifestyle of fasting and praying, so during this "retreat" is a designated "God-time."
No blogging. No encouragement emails were sent out. I was online a lot less. This wasn't a time of sharing; this was a time of impartation and intimacy with the Father.
Those who were prayed for *did* hear from us and got a text-version of our prayers to them. And all those we prayed for, we believe that God will move in your lives and are expecting tremendous praise reports!
Also, during that time, people kept giving us free stuff! And at the end of that time, I got a new car I could pay full in cash and also *right* after the retreat, I sold more books in the Barnes and Noble signing than I've ever had with any of my other signings.
I say this to remember, we chase down God. He does the rest. He opens the doors. He adds the supernatural to our natural to do the impossible. But it's time with Him, it's focus on Him, its loving on Him….and THAT's when the blessings will chase you down!
I would just encourage you in your walk. Let's get back to the basics of our faith. Let's not get too caught up in ministry -work where we forget the meaning behind what we do. Let's pause our agendas. Let's put aside distractions and just sit…just be…just come back to the feet of Jesus.
"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:38 - 42
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
Every 3 months, my husband and I go on a 21 day hiatus and just create a retreat with God in our own home. We ask for prayer requests and just spend that time in deep intercession for other people and for ourselves. And honestly, we just watch God move like crazy!! Our prayers get answered so quickly and its amazing. Travis and I live a lifestyle of fasting and praying, so during this "retreat" is a designated "God-time."
No blogging. No encouragement emails were sent out. I was online a lot less. This wasn't a time of sharing; this was a time of impartation and intimacy with the Father.
Those who were prayed for *did* hear from us and got a text-version of our prayers to them. And all those we prayed for, we believe that God will move in your lives and are expecting tremendous praise reports!
Also, during that time, people kept giving us free stuff! And at the end of that time, I got a new car I could pay full in cash and also *right* after the retreat, I sold more books in the Barnes and Noble signing than I've ever had with any of my other signings.
I say this to remember, we chase down God. He does the rest. He opens the doors. He adds the supernatural to our natural to do the impossible. But it's time with Him, it's focus on Him, its loving on Him….and THAT's when the blessings will chase you down!
I would just encourage you in your walk. Let's get back to the basics of our faith. Let's not get too caught up in ministry -work where we forget the meaning behind what we do. Let's pause our agendas. Let's put aside distractions and just sit…just be…just come back to the feet of Jesus.
"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:38 - 42
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
Like a Boss. June 21, 2018
So I hate the expression "Like a Boss." I have heard that so many times. #Boss trends as a means to become a status-ed, qualified, good-for-you, all-eyes-on-you, let's-applaud-you….as we expect you to be over us somehow or more entitled by all your achievements and accolades. You are truly the boss and we are supposed to just stand in the shadow of your talent.
I really like the movie, Brad's Status and in one scene Brad meets up with his old friend from college, Graig, whom since then has become a famous "celebrity" of sorts working in politics. Graig talks to Brad only to keep the conversation mostly on himself and his family's successes. He doesn't stay on Brad's lfie for every long before turning the tables in the conversation, almost demanding applause. And what happens towards the end of the conversation? Brad just about has it…with the fake desperate attempt for approval, the need to be liked, the constant limelight from his "friend":
BRAD: I just... I’m trying to be real
with you. I mean, it’s like...what is your deal?
CRAIG: What do you mean?
BRAD: My mother died - you never said
anything, man.
CRAIG: I’m confused. What’s going on?
BRAD: Are you my friend? You know? Are
we even... what are we? Like right now I’m feeling like... I just know what
I’m feeling and it’s not...
CRAIG: Are you okay?
BRAD: it’s like... I’m just done - with
this. Whatever this is.
I watch this scene and I am convicted. I never never want to be someone who is so successful and not present with people, not there for people, not caring about people.
I don't want to be a #Boss. I strip myself of everything that is keeping me away from pure, honest, wholesome human interaction and quality time and purposeful love.
I want to a #Servant and no matter my position, no matter my title…
I want to make sure I am a friend first. Success should NEVER precede relationship.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
I really like the movie, Brad's Status and in one scene Brad meets up with his old friend from college, Graig, whom since then has become a famous "celebrity" of sorts working in politics. Graig talks to Brad only to keep the conversation mostly on himself and his family's successes. He doesn't stay on Brad's lfie for every long before turning the tables in the conversation, almost demanding applause. And what happens towards the end of the conversation? Brad just about has it…with the fake desperate attempt for approval, the need to be liked, the constant limelight from his "friend":
BRAD: I just... I’m trying to be real
with you. I mean, it’s like...what is your deal?
CRAIG: What do you mean?
BRAD: My mother died - you never said
anything, man.
CRAIG: I’m confused. What’s going on?
BRAD: Are you my friend? You know? Are
we even... what are we? Like right now I’m feeling like... I just know what
I’m feeling and it’s not...
CRAIG: Are you okay?
BRAD: it’s like... I’m just done - with
this. Whatever this is.
I watch this scene and I am convicted. I never never want to be someone who is so successful and not present with people, not there for people, not caring about people.
I don't want to be a #Boss. I strip myself of everything that is keeping me away from pure, honest, wholesome human interaction and quality time and purposeful love.
I want to a #Servant and no matter my position, no matter my title…
I want to make sure I am a friend first. Success should NEVER precede relationship.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
Spotting on the dance floor. June 26
So I work at Walt Disney World and I deal with masses amount of people going in and out of the attraction! And it can be exhaustive to handle thousands of guests questions and crazy activity going on at once! I have trained myself to use the "spotting technique" dancers use out on the dance floor.
Spotting is a technique used by dancers during the execution of various dance turns. As a dancer turns, spotting is performed by rotating the body and head at different rates. While the body rotates smoothly at a relatively constant speed, the head periodically rotates much faster and then stops, so as to fix the dancer's gaze on a single location. Dancers will sometimes focus on an actual visual spot if one is available (e.g., a light or other object).
When I work at Disney, I will focus my attention on the wall or a piece of the attraction that is stable and un-move-able as to not get overwhelmed by the ruckus around me,
I found myself remembering that when life is getting out of control and I am losing it, and I am just in a mesh of activity and can't seem be able to function...I have to remind myself to keep my eyes on something stable, something un-move-able to not feel overhwlemed...THE ROCK of my salvation! :
" fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Hebrews 12:2
"I keep my eyes always on the Lord." - Psalm 16:8
Psalm 123:2 “We keep looking to the LORD our God for his mercy."
Colossians 3:1 “Therefore, if you have been raised with the Messiah, keep focusing on the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God.”
Hebrews 3:1 “Therefore, holy brothers, partners in a heavenly calling, keep your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.”
If you are a dancer, if you are a worker, if you are one who lives in this constantly revolving world...I want to remind you to move with the "spotting technique!" God, I am looking at you no matter what!
If you have any prayer requests, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
Spotting is a technique used by dancers during the execution of various dance turns. As a dancer turns, spotting is performed by rotating the body and head at different rates. While the body rotates smoothly at a relatively constant speed, the head periodically rotates much faster and then stops, so as to fix the dancer's gaze on a single location. Dancers will sometimes focus on an actual visual spot if one is available (e.g., a light or other object).
When I work at Disney, I will focus my attention on the wall or a piece of the attraction that is stable and un-move-able as to not get overwhelmed by the ruckus around me,
I found myself remembering that when life is getting out of control and I am losing it, and I am just in a mesh of activity and can't seem be able to function...I have to remind myself to keep my eyes on something stable, something un-move-able to not feel overhwlemed...THE ROCK of my salvation! :
" fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Hebrews 12:2
"I keep my eyes always on the Lord." - Psalm 16:8
Psalm 123:2 “We keep looking to the LORD our God for his mercy."
Colossians 3:1 “Therefore, if you have been raised with the Messiah, keep focusing on the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God.”
Hebrews 3:1 “Therefore, holy brothers, partners in a heavenly calling, keep your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.”
If you are a dancer, if you are a worker, if you are one who lives in this constantly revolving world...I want to remind you to move with the "spotting technique!" God, I am looking at you no matter what!
If you have any prayer requests, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
Big Sister July 5
My love language is Encouragement ; I love to lift people up, tell them I'm proud of them and tell them how awesome they are! What most people don't know is the WHY I am so adamant on encouraging others.
Well, I don't have a family who tells me their proud of me. I publish a book and the silence of my blood relatives is a deafening remind that I am alone in this. And silence can speak volumes. It says: I don't care. Your work doesn't mean anything. And I'm sorry, who are you again?
I have been faced with loneliness, with abandonment and the feeling where those who are supposed to love you... don't care. Throughout the years I have learned how to encourage myself. How to lift myself up. How to give myself pep talks and to rely on God to fill in the gaps! Depending on Him and recieving His love has kept me this far! Now, I definitely don't want to dismiss my older brother and Nana who have been a constant in my life. And I married someone who supports me no matter what.
But when you risk and you fail; when you fall and you wonder about life; when you feel hopeless or helpless; when you don't know where to go or what to do; when you wonder if its all worth it... you need that extra dose of encouragement and someone just to tell you you: Hey! You're doing fine! Everything's fine! Just relax! Trust in yourself. Trust in God. It's going to be okay.
I made a promise to myself to be available to everyone and anyone who needs me. I wanted to be the big sister to all those near me; the ones who need a verbal hug, the ones who need a gentle reminder, the ones who need some love and support.
From someone who knows what its like to go without that - - - I know how strong it is!
"Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."
- Proverbs 16:24
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
Well, I don't have a family who tells me their proud of me. I publish a book and the silence of my blood relatives is a deafening remind that I am alone in this. And silence can speak volumes. It says: I don't care. Your work doesn't mean anything. And I'm sorry, who are you again?
I have been faced with loneliness, with abandonment and the feeling where those who are supposed to love you... don't care. Throughout the years I have learned how to encourage myself. How to lift myself up. How to give myself pep talks and to rely on God to fill in the gaps! Depending on Him and recieving His love has kept me this far! Now, I definitely don't want to dismiss my older brother and Nana who have been a constant in my life. And I married someone who supports me no matter what.
But when you risk and you fail; when you fall and you wonder about life; when you feel hopeless or helpless; when you don't know where to go or what to do; when you wonder if its all worth it... you need that extra dose of encouragement and someone just to tell you you: Hey! You're doing fine! Everything's fine! Just relax! Trust in yourself. Trust in God. It's going to be okay.
I made a promise to myself to be available to everyone and anyone who needs me. I wanted to be the big sister to all those near me; the ones who need a verbal hug, the ones who need a gentle reminder, the ones who need some love and support.
From someone who knows what its like to go without that - - - I know how strong it is!
"Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."
- Proverbs 16:24
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
Why are you not happy? July 17
Taken from the book “The Richest Man who ever lived” by Steven Scott
“The truth is, more money, better looks, better health, a better job, a better marriage, and even a longer life are really only a means to an end. What you really want is one level deeper than that. What you really want is happiness.
What keeps us from being truly happy?
** looking for happiness in the wrong places
Acquiring anything that lacks eternal purpose or value was empty in its power to provide true happiness. No matter what material things a person acquires, they soon lose its appeal, and the temporary happiness they provided subsides.
** A Lack of gratefulness
No matter what reasons you have to be ungrateful, there are even more and better reasons to be grateful.
We should be grateful for a wealth of things on our lives and days that we take completely for granted.
Any moment, hour, day or week that you are unhappy, you have chosen to let your focus rest on something other than the gifts you have been given.
** Envy
Envy takes your eyes off what you have and focuses your attention on what you don't have. It reflects an attitude of arrogance and entitlement. When you are envious, misery and ultimately depression reign supreme.
** A Sense of entitlement
As long as our heart is focused upon what we don't have and on what we think we're entitled to, we will not be happy!
** Foolishness
The person who trusts solely in his own heart is ultimately betting his future upon his own finite knowledge and the whims of his feelings. No wonder Solomon calls this foolishness.
Overcoming the barriers to personal happiness:
1. develop a grateful heart
2. Eliminate your sense of entitlement
3. root out the weed of envy
4. Start living wisely "
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
“The truth is, more money, better looks, better health, a better job, a better marriage, and even a longer life are really only a means to an end. What you really want is one level deeper than that. What you really want is happiness.
What keeps us from being truly happy?
** looking for happiness in the wrong places
Acquiring anything that lacks eternal purpose or value was empty in its power to provide true happiness. No matter what material things a person acquires, they soon lose its appeal, and the temporary happiness they provided subsides.
** A Lack of gratefulness
No matter what reasons you have to be ungrateful, there are even more and better reasons to be grateful.
We should be grateful for a wealth of things on our lives and days that we take completely for granted.
Any moment, hour, day or week that you are unhappy, you have chosen to let your focus rest on something other than the gifts you have been given.
** Envy
Envy takes your eyes off what you have and focuses your attention on what you don't have. It reflects an attitude of arrogance and entitlement. When you are envious, misery and ultimately depression reign supreme.
** A Sense of entitlement
As long as our heart is focused upon what we don't have and on what we think we're entitled to, we will not be happy!
** Foolishness
The person who trusts solely in his own heart is ultimately betting his future upon his own finite knowledge and the whims of his feelings. No wonder Solomon calls this foolishness.
Overcoming the barriers to personal happiness:
1. develop a grateful heart
2. Eliminate your sense of entitlement
3. root out the weed of envy
4. Start living wisely "
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
The Sting of Favor August 5
I recall a comic strip I saw years ago. It was of a man riding an elephant into town and he was so proud of his magnificent creature. Everyone else was just out walking their dog or cat, but he had this beauty to show off. In one scene, the owner of the dog had a little poop-scooper while comparatively the owner of the elephant held a huge shovel!
I used to live 10 minutes from the beach and I absolutely loved it! I was able to go visit the sand and the rushing waves any time I wanted, and I did! There wasn't a weekend where I wasn't staring at the ocean! I live in a more central location now, and I visited the beach just recently, and it pained me to see the water and the ocean-view, remembering that time, wondering why I left. And then God whispered the answer to me. I remember living by the beach and it would storm, hail and rain a lot. The flooding was unlike anything I've ever seen! I would have to move my small car to a more higher altitude so that it wouldn't "drown". Driving to work, cars would be stuck off to the side as I barely made it to my destination!
There's a line from Aladdin that really sticks out to me.
Aladdin: You want to be a genie? You got it! And everything that goes with it!
It comes down to...taking the good in with the bad. Just remeber this when you are getting exactly what you want. There is a price tag to favor.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
I used to live 10 minutes from the beach and I absolutely loved it! I was able to go visit the sand and the rushing waves any time I wanted, and I did! There wasn't a weekend where I wasn't staring at the ocean! I live in a more central location now, and I visited the beach just recently, and it pained me to see the water and the ocean-view, remembering that time, wondering why I left. And then God whispered the answer to me. I remember living by the beach and it would storm, hail and rain a lot. The flooding was unlike anything I've ever seen! I would have to move my small car to a more higher altitude so that it wouldn't "drown". Driving to work, cars would be stuck off to the side as I barely made it to my destination!
There's a line from Aladdin that really sticks out to me.
Aladdin: You want to be a genie? You got it! And everything that goes with it!
It comes down to...taking the good in with the bad. Just remeber this when you are getting exactly what you want. There is a price tag to favor.
If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!
Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby
