4 Ways Fear Influences Us and Solutions for Peaceful Thoughts

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

We have all faced fear at some time in our lives. The violence affecting our world today can instill apprehension if we allow these images to take precedence over our thoughts.

If we give in, anxiety can deter us from success in our lives and can cause physical health problems.

Here are 4 ways fear influences us:

Change Your Thinking About Goals and Resolutions to Achieve Better Success

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Do you get a little frustrated or discouraged each January when you read blogs and articles about new ways to enhance your life? We may feel as if it didn’t do any good last year, so why bother to set a new goal.

Our emotions can grow downtrodden when we view change through the lens of what other people are doing and have accomplished. Photos of toned exercise gurus, AI models, and organizational queens draw us to compare and know we can never reach the pinnacle of success we see.

But we shouldn’t depend upon another human or a robot image to be our savior. The only time we are called to emulate another person is if they are following Christ. And even then, we should use discernment, as Christian people still fail at times.

Our goal or resolution list can be one that provides encouragement and success rather than depression and failure. Whatever you wish to accomplish this year, support that goal with God’s Holy Word. Failure comes when we put pressure on ourselves for change. Most resolutions people make are based on behavior modification which is determined by our own willpower. We can grow weary of trying.

Rather than concentrating on what WE need to do to improve the way we live, we can focus on what JESUS already did for us.

Maybe It's Time to Pause

 

This week we are honored to hear from Jeanne Doyon. I met Jeanne a few years ago through several writing websites we both participate in. Her writing has been a great blessing to me. She shares about pausing to refresh yourself in the Lord. What better way to start a new year than to let go of the hectic schedules of the holiday season. Links to her website and other teaching are in her bio. Please take the time to visit these resources and you can be inspired to find refreshment for your soul. 

Maybe it's Time to Pause.

@jeannedoyon

@barbaralatta

            Were your holidays harried? Life feeling a little out of control? Too many distractions and not enough brain cells? Can you relate? With the holidays behind us and the new year before us, I'm hoping for some space to refresh my spirit. This past year was challenging for me too. The winter season is the perfect time to recharge and reflect. Maybe it's time to pause.

            Here in New England, winter is beautiful yet very stark. Daylight retreats by 4:00. The trees are gray and bare against the blue sky. We bundle up in coats, scarves, gloves, and hats just to get the mail. Travel becomes discretionary depending on the road conditions. Yet the crisp beauty is unmatched when freshly fallen snow clings to tree branches and glistens like diamonds across the yard.

            To me, winter is the perfect time to enjoy my home while watching snow fall. It's a natural slow-down my body needs while looking forward to porch time and my gardens. Because in the stillness, I can hear God's voice a bit easier. My heart can pause. My mind rest. Renewal comes.

            God's order of creation rotates through budding life, growth, fading strength, and dormancy. The good news is, even in the sleepiness of winter, new life is coming.