March 23, 2021 | Weekly Round Up

Sweet Kiss of Merlot – A Short Story of First Love and Romance

“It’s so lovely to meet you!” Virginia Thomas voice sung with sweet softness. He immediately swooned over her as his caramel eyes drank her in. Soft raven curls bounced and cascaded over slender shoulders. Her dark blue eyes pierced the depths of his soul. She kept herself in good. She clutched a dainty handbag in her slender fingers. She appeared quite innocent. There ought to be a law against how her curves suffocated against the fabric of her cocktail dress. She was more than what Tristan Raymond expected of a woman.

Kiss Me Goodbye | Chapter One – A Mysterious Femme Fatale

As comfortable as that kiss was. As comfortable as she felt next to him. Something was wrong about this. The call from Detective Stolsky. Steele’s reluctance to cross the Puget Sound. A beautiful and mysterious dame having greeted him before they had disembarked.

Weekly Mindful Journaling Challenge #3 – Taking Pride in One’s Accomplishments

Taking pride in who we are, our meaning and purpose, and how we reach out and serve others is healthy and contributes to our overall happiness. It also keeps us focused on what matters to us – what we value as most significant and important – while learning from our failings. Without appreciation for our accomplishments, we may find ourselves wallowing in self-pity, remorse, and struggling to overcome the shame and guilt of our failures.

8 Key Strategies for Effective Mindful Writing: Establishing Initial Disciplines

Here are some strategies I may suggest that might work for you. These strategies are more specific for content one may want to publish to a website, blog, or other online medium. These strategies may also be helpful with short story, novella, and novel writing.

When I do not feel much support

One of the hardest struggles for many of us is to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and transparent enough to open up to others. The problem is, if I feel unsupported and have reached out numerous times, how am I able to be transparent and vulnerable? Share with another (outside of God) what I am struggling with.

March 22, 2021 – Guided by God’s Wisdom

Seeking after my own interests begins when I mistrust God’s wisdom and guidance. This is what I have come to understand about my own personal sinful nature. When I give over to choose my own will over God’s I am essentially mistrusting him and trusting in my own self motivations. Such idea has become quite absurd since I have come to understand the basic teachings of scripture: God’s will and care for my life is in his best interest.

March 21, 2021 – What Instinct Drives You?

Knowing that I am driven by my own internal impulses and reasoning, I am merely settling for second best. Even if such were shaped by years of discipleship, they are still subject to sin and deception. I can use them to God’s glory, yet can’t bring myself to trust them. I must always submit myself to the guiding mind of God and trust in His will and care for my welfare and spiritual well-being. I must trust in God fully and wholeheartedly.

March 21, 2021 – When Despair Turns Heavenward

I had to not only reach out to my Heavenly Father. I had to reach out through sincere brokenness of spirit. Mourning my own demise. Experiencing what scripture refers to as Godly grief over my own sins and transgressions. Detach myself from my own will and desire. I had to learn to listen and recognize his voice. I had to learn to live differently. Put aside my ego. Put away my own selfish will and desires.

March 20, 2021 – Come Follow Me

What exactly am I following then? Simple and most profound spiritual truth is the Savior’s example. It is a higher spiritual calling for those who are brought to the depths of humility. Touched by the power and authority of the Holy Spirit. Convicted of their present condition, and then the volition and willingness to surrender all that one is and to give their very lives and will over to God’s care. This is exactly what the savior had done numerous times. He submitted his will, his life, over to the care of the Father. And yet he was the Son of the Most High and the Only Begotten of the Father. If it was as important for the Savior of humanity to give his life, will, and authority over to the Father’s care – how much more important is it for me to do the same?

March 19, 2021 – A Higher Mind Through Christ

I had often resorted to lesser means of wisdom because I stood unaware and ignorant of the mind of Christ and how accessible it truly was. I did not have the courage and willingness to accept the reality of such extravagant promises. Because I did not believe, nor accept its reality, I did not possess it. The mind of Christ is available to each of us through the Holy Spirit, who comes to us only through faith. The spirit searches the deep things of God and reveals them to His people. Such things are foolish to the world, yet they are truth nonetheless – truth that I am able to know and base my life upon.

March 19, 2021 – No Longer Engaged in Worry

I will keep always in mind that today is my sole concern and that I will make it as good a day as I am able to. This one small span of time is mine, and I will use it to do the things that need doing, and have a little time over for enjoyment and reflection.

March 18, 2021 – Worship is Our Act of Service

Since my own personal and most intimate spiritual journey through a more mindful and meaningful Christian experience I have imagined myself in the throne room of God. Imagined the altar at his feet (see Revelation 4:8-11, ESV) where I lay myself out before Him and prayerful say, I am yours. Do with me as you will. I give up my right to govern myself because you are far more worthy to do it, and you will never do me harm. I exist for your purpose, and for yours alone. I have done this every morning and went about living each day mindfully and with purpose and intent. Keeping to mind who He is. This is true worship and sacrifice. And it is this true worship and sacrifice one is wise to engage in every day for renewal and transformation.

March 18, 2021 – Taking Responsibility

I learned the hard way to face consequences of my own actions and words, and to correct myself when I am wrong. Accepting responsibility and holding myself accountable is essential to becoming spiritually mature. Whether the others may agree or not. I will no longer look for a scapegoat to excuse my own faults.

March 17, 2021 – Where Wisdom in Recovery Begins

Wisdom in recovery begins when we come to realize the love God has for us and are able to confidently find rest and peace. I know the truth of this reality. Such true understanding had to come by my own overwhelming awareness of His greatness, holiness, and power as they contrasted with my own sinful and carnal nature. There was nothing more fear-inducing than this. It is where I needed to begin. It is where healing and restoration of my mind, heart, and soul had to begin.

March 17, 2021 – A Vibrant Fellowship Is Needed

For me, the lack of discipleship within these certain Christian fellowships lacked a program to foster spiritual growth on a person’s spiritual journey in faith. Christians boast that such a lifestyle is a faith based on a relationship with Jesus Christ. A fellowship of believers. Yet many fail to nourish those new to the faith and therefore many no longer attend services or ministry programs. Yet one walks into the fellowship rooms of recovery and there they are nourished by many stories of victory and endurance of faith, power of restoration, and healing. Not just in the rooms themselves, but in connection and fellowship through individual relationship and fellowship of mentoring, discipleship, and sponsoring those still suffering and struggling.

On the Nature and Doctrine of Salvation and Exaltation

True spiritual disciplines of a mindful Christian life focuses on the purpose of Godliness within our hearts, minds, soul, and body. It is the true foundation of an authentic Christian faith. One that is exemplified within the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is these spiritual disciplines that one seeks to attain salvation and exaltation. They are the rock upon which we build our faith on.

When Trolls Respond – You Don’t Have Too

I have personally dealt with my share of internet slander over the years. Whether it is discussing politics, religion, or even merely commenting on particular issues being buzzed about on various social media platforms. Someone, or multitude of individuals, will always mock and ridicule. Sometimes by not even responding to your comments and simply use emoticons inappropriately.