One of the things I loved about my early family life is that we invited lonely friends from church or sometimes relative strangers into our home. It may have been for holiday meals. It may have been as foster children. It may have been just to hang out with the family. We weren't rich, so sometimes this was a sacrifice for us. I still continue doing those kinds of things today!
The coolest part of this tradition was (and is) doing it for folks that you knew could never reciprocate. Reciprocation is not an issue with children of God. We are supposed to do things for folks even when they can't reciprocate. We are supposed to share the treasure in these jars of clay with those around us in need. I am always amazed that I seem to be getting more out of this deal!
Lord, thank you for you many blessings. Please help us to share what we have with those less fortunate.
Simply Saturday
The New Normal
I found this chart in an online training class. I removed all the other stuff on the slide so we could focus on just the chart today. The session was about change. I am very accepting of change in many areas of my life. I try to focus on change that is growth instead of becoming a tired old Betty Bitter Bus Bear. ha! Say that five times really fast!
Seriously, I think this chart shows in easy to understand detail how to move from awareness to acceptance to adoption. I was aware of the steps in the awareness and acceptance stages because they are usually taught as "the grief process". The process I was taught stopped with awareness and acceptance. The goal is to continue to move from the former behavior or thought patterns to the adoption of "the new normal".
Do you know what I mean by "the new normal"? Whenever I try a new behavior or to establish a new habit, it feels odd at first. Ever had that happen? For example, I had dinner with some friends last night. I immediately asked for a to go box for leftovers when I received my meal. I put half my food in the to go box and ate the rest. This behavior is my new normal. This is how I now act at restaurants that serve large portions. I used to eat an appetizer, the full meal and dessert! I don't want to eat that much any more as part of my healthy lifestyle.
There are many other examples like quitting smoking or exercising or being nicer to folks or being more Godly. Whatever the behavior or thought pattern, we need to move from awareness to acceptance to adoption.
What do you need to be aware of today? Pray that God will make you aware of your next "new normal". Start moving through the process today! If I can do it, anyone can!
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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13
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