Today’s a new day! As we begin to wind down 2024, here is The Question of the Day for 12/3/24: What have you learned about yourself this year? ~OC
Memories
Sitting back reflecting on the chapters of my life
Wondering where all the time went
I can’t believe all the memories and blessings God has given me over the years
The chapters of my life come flooding back
I keep those memories close
It seems like some happened yesterday, but 40 years have passed But those memories with friends from the 80’s stay in my heart
still so fresh in my mind
and I will keep them close as always
Memories from my past are memories forever
Today’s memories may be a little harder to recall,
but those memories from the past stay in my heart and mind forever
Those beautiful memories will never fade
In God’s hands a lifetime of memories is not too long
To keep those memories in my mind
Living in hope, I would love to add another chapter or two to my collection of beautiful memories, for when that day comes that memories are all I have
I will hold the memories of our love close. Memories from today may be a little harder to recall, but those memories of saying “I do” back in ‘99 will stay fresh in my mind
It won’t even seem I’ve gone. You’ll still be a beautiful memory in my mind
‘Cause our love is bigger than any disease
We will hold onto the love that keeps us strong
Memories from my past are memories forever
Today’s memories may be a little harder to recall,
but those memories from yesterday’s past stay in my heart and never fade
They stay forever in my mind
In God’s hands a lifetime of memories, is not too long
To keep those memories in my mind
Memories with family and friends
Are memories forever
I will hold them close
Never forgetting the laughter and joy
The memories made so long ago
Will be what I take when the days begin to fade
Memories from my past are memories forever
Today’s memories may be a little harder to recall,
but those memories from yesterday’s past stay in my heart and never fade
They stay forever in my mind
In God’s hands a lifetime of memories is not too long
To keep those memories in my mind
Though it’s hard to recall moments from today
In the Father’s hands I know
That a lifetime’s not too long
To keep those beautiful old memories fresh in my mind. ~OC
Grateful
Today’s a new day! I’m grateful this morning for another day to breathe, to think and make more memories with my bride, friends and family.
I’m grateful for my cup of ice tea and a cool breeze on our balcony.
I am grateful for the anticipation of this new day.
I am grateful to be living in peace.
I’m grateful to still be alive, now, in this place and at this time. I’m ever-thankful for the extra time God has given me.
I am grateful for the freedom to write in my hometown and to write whatever, however, whenever I please.
I am grateful for the amazing people God has brought my way on this crazy beautiful health journey. Thankful to have met so many creative and loving people over the past twenty-two years.
I am grateful for the friends who have stuck with me through thick and thin.
I am thankful that my gratitude stretches around the world with all the people who have walked this journey with me through this blog and my other social media pages.
I am grateful to live in love, hope and peace and cherish this day that the Lord has given me. ~OC
Thankfulness While Grieving
Today’s a new day! Today is also Thanksgiving Day. I have many things to be thankful for, but I am also grieving the death of a loved one. This has been a hard week.
It can be difficult to be thankful when you’re in a season of grieving. When you experience the loss of a loved one you begin to wonder if you will ever feel happy again. It is hard to be thankful when you are hurting. The Bible is not silent on the issue of suffering. The Bible is full of scriptures and stories about suffering.
Giving thanks to God during times of grief is difficult, but not impossible. In fact, it is one of the best ways of progressing towards hope while you are grieving. How can you be thankful during times of grief? I believe Remembering , Reflecting , and Rejoicing can guide us through a season of loss and grief.
First, take time to remember. Remember all the truths about God you have been taught and believe. Do not doubt in the darkness what you have clearly seen in the light. One of the results of the grieving process is that our minds become absorbed with that one thing. It is so important that you force yourself to remember key foundational truths about God. Remember that He loves you. Remember that He is in control. Remember that He is always working good; even in the bad circumstances. While grieving, you may not want to hear someone quote Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” But, remember that it is true.
Second, take time to reflect. Reflect on your current situation, but do not dwell on it. What’s the difference between reflecting and dwelling? Think of it like a house. When you dwell in a house you live in it. Dwelling on the cause of your grief is like going back to the situation and living there as you relive it over and over. When you reflect, you think deeply and carefully about something. Going back to the house illustration, rather than dwelling in the house, you sit outside the house and look in. Reflecting is different because it gives you time to grieve and realize that your life has changed and there will be a new reality moving forward.
Remember, there is no set timeframe for you to stop grieving. Please hear that. Grief has no timeline. In one sense, you will never stop grieving until you are given your new body and dwelling with God in Heaven. The purpose in grieving well is not to stop grieving, but to begin grieving with hope.
When we are grieving we are overwhelmed by our emotions. Our emotions are powerful and have great control over us, so we are told in the Bible to take control of them. We do this by guarding our heart. Proverbs 4:23, “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” The heart is the essence of who we are. It is more than just emotions. It is the command center of your life. It directs our emotions.
Through grief and mourning we must remember to guard our hearts.
Third, take time to rejoice. In the middle of your mourning, allow your heart and mind to remember some of the beautiful moments and memories. That can be difficult in the midst of a loss or a difficult season in life. But the fact that God has brought us this new day means that we can rejoice and be glad in it.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. This verse does not teach us that every circumstance is good, but that God is good. This is not always easy, but we must continue to lean into this truth.
So today take some time to Remember, Reflect, Rejoice
*Remember all the truths about God you have been taught and believe.
*Reflect and give yourself time to grieve. Guard your heart so that you do not believe lies but trust God.
*Rejoice in the Lord who is powerfully and purposefully at work.
If you are grieving, trust God. Consider the story of Martha from John 11. Martha had just lost her brother and was grieving. When she saw Jesus she said to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Martha then said something very profound. Martha said, “But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (John 11:22). Martha serves as an example of a godly person hurting yet trusting. So today, allow God to help you give thanks in all circumstances on this Thanksgiving Day. ~OC
Choose Joy
Today’s a new day! I have learned through the storms of life that joy and happiness are things we have to become intentional about. It’s about the decisions we make moment by moment.
So many people allow everyday joy to escape them because they are focused on what they don’t like, what their lacking, and what is broken. Easy to do. We can allow our circumstances and comparing ourselves to others to rob of us of happiness and joy. What I have learned through my own life storms is when I want to have a pity party, is that the best use of my time. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I have chosen to find the things that I am grateful for as I navigate through the crashing waves.
One of the most positive things I have ever done in my life is to journal and share my story. What has been so interesting and encouraging is hearing the feedback back from those walking through their own battles. As I have heard the inspiring stories of others, I have been filled with gratitude. My circumstances may have not changed, but I did. I chose a new way of looking at life.
I have had the privilege of praying with people during the worst moments of their lives. But instead of being caught up in the negativity of the moment, they were filled with joy. How can that be? I honestly believe that joy is less circumstantial and more an inward reality that is fueled from a heart of faith and gratitude. People that choose to live with more hope and joy view life differently. Peace, Hope and Joy become a lifestyle. They embrace and savor every moment of life.
In these challenging times when there is so much negative news swirling around us, it’s so important for us to take care of ourselves and those around us. We need to laugh, have fun, take a trip and embrace some joy breaks along this journey called life. I encourage everyone to find joy by making time for it and becoming intentional about it. Choose joy and choose it every day. ~OC
Three Identities
Today’s a new day! During this crazy beautiful health journey, God has revealed so much to me. One of the major revelations is about identity. I believe our lives are wrapped up in three identities. I wrote this on December 20, 2018.
1). Our Identity in the World: This is about our careers, relationships, our standing in society. This identity is ever changing based on our current circumstances.
2). Our Goliath Identity: This is the voice in our head that tells us we are not good enough. We can never measure up based on our past mistakes, insecurities, or disabilities. This identity can keep us from becoming all God created has created us to be.
3). Our Identity in Jesus: In this identity, we learn that no matter what the world thinks about us, the mistakes we make, or our current situation, we are a child of God’s. In this identity, we find our true worth and purpose in life. This identity brings us peace. This is the identity we should be focused on and strive to live out. ~OC
To Live Together in Peace
Today’s a new day! As I study scripture, I continuously see we are given direction and guidance to live together in peace. But in order to do so, we must value and care for one another, be humble, seek to understand each other, be compassionate, and treat others respectfully. It does not mean that everyone has to be our best friend, but at the end of the day, we should treat others as we want to be treated. Like-mindedness does not mean we need to walk around with the same thoughts and beliefs on all things, but instead it means we ought to share the common purpose of love and care for each other. As a world, it feels as if we have lost sight of this. Too often, people are so caught up in the value of their own opinion, agenda and being right, that the humility and humanity necessary to love one another is lost.
Thankfully, my days are spent encouraging others through conversations, zoom meetings and writing. I try to use social media and personal interactions to find out what binds us together and less about what divides us. I try to have conversations with people who look, act, believe and speak differently than me.
Though we come from different places, life experiences and beliefs systems, our ultimate purpose should be to try and make a better world for all to live. Obviously, we live in a imperfect world filled with imperfect people, but the more we seek to understand, extend compassion, and treat others as friends, the better we work together to bring change that makes life better for all.
I will continue to seek God for guidance and direction as to how to best live together in peace and love with those around me.
Peace will be present
when we all decide to
treat people with respect and love
Love is forgiving
It’s gracious and kind
humble and listens
keeps others in mind
Seek to understand
by listening first
speaking to learn and discover
the best in people, not the worst
Dear God, teach us to walk in love and compassion each new day.
Dear God, thank You that You love us so much that You call us and guide us to live in peace and harmony together with each other. Thank You that You show us what is good, and what is required to know Your peace. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked compassion or failed to listen. Teach us to extend grace in such a way that all feel heard and appreciated. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love and to live together in peace as one human race. Amen ~OC
Shine God Shine
Today’s a new day!
Dear God, as we walk through this journey called life, let your light shine through us. Destroy all the darkness and negativity around us. Dear God, let the warmth of your light, the brightness of your love, the sweetness of your joy, the beauty of your hope shine through us. Dear God, let your light be our guide through the storms of life. Let your light brighten our path. Dear God, let your light shine through us everyday. Shine God Shine! ~OC
Not About Me
Today’s a new day! This crazy beautiful health journey is not about me. It’s not to show you how strong I am, for my strength comes from God. It’s not to show you how great my faith is, for my faith is a gift from God. And it’s not to show you how courageous I am, for my courage comes from God… exactly at the time I need it. Anything you see in me that is good is not of my doing… it’s from Heaven. ~OC
Here For You
Today’s a new day!
When the nights are long and sleep is a distant memory and your days are full of dark cloudy memories, I will be here for you
When the world feels like it’s moving a million miles an hour and you want to jump off, I will be here for you
When the world seems to have forgotten you and moved on, I will be here for you
When the doctors give you little hope your friends can’t be found, I will be here for you
When you feel alone in this broken and dark world, I will be here for you
When the rest of the world calls you crazy because you go against the grain, I will be here for you
When you decide to question everything you been taught and your friends and church question your faith, I will be here for you
When your lifestyle doesn’t align with those of your family and friends, I will be here for you
When you decide to speak up and be bold, I will be here for you
When the rest of the world misses out on your beauty and promise, I will be here for you
When you need to laugh or cry, I will be here for you
When the world thinks your ideals are but a pipe dream, I will be here for you
When your journey takes you down a winding and uncertain road, I will be here for you
When you need a second or hundredth chance, I will be here for you
You never have to walk this journey alone, I will walk with you anyway you need me to
I never want to miss a chance to show you, I will always be here for you
It’s gonna be okay, I will be here for you
I’ll be here, I’ll be here
Anyway you need
I’ll be here for you
~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 