Tag: faith

The Power of Visualization

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I’m going to begin a series called ‘Power’. The Power series of entries will help illuminate the wonderful and intangible skills that can take you and your dreams to the next level.

*mic drop*

This specific topic has been on my mind for quite a while and I have also wanted to write about it, but it wasn’t until today that I realized a series was needed. Far too often, we miss the mark when it comes to the important and intangible things that matter because we are too focused on the material things that we have right in front of us (you might be looking at your device, up in arms at this point, but stay with me here).

Visualization is the practice of thinking deeply not only about what you want, but also already believing that you have it, that you have claimed it, and that it is yours. Visualization is POWERFUL because your thoughts and your ideas are powerful. Have you ever given much thought to that?

It has been said many times, and I’ll say it again… your thoughts determine your actions, which determine your habits, which will in turn affect your character. It is very important to pay special attention to all of the thoughts that cross your mind, and understand that with self-discipline, you can have healthier and more fruitful thoughts. But that’s another entry for another day.

The great thing about visualization is that you can practice this anytime, and anywhere. The only thing you need to visualize is your beautiful mind, and a great sense of what you’d like to have happen. Close your eyes, and focus on what it is that you dream of, and BELIEVE (key word) that it is already yours, and it will be. Perhaps not right this second, but soon.

Visualization, with prayer and work, can give some amazing results when paired with gratitude and patience. Another key thing to remember is that what we want is not always what we need. Visualizing is even greater when you have faith that God will work everything out for the very best.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” -Mark 11:24 (ESV)

How To Keep Your Peace

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Have you ever been around someone so peaceful, that no matter what was happening around them, they still maintained a calm aura about them? There could be so much chaos, so much strife… and yet they are somehow (seemingly) unaffected and unbothered. Someone could be super harsh to this person, and yet they maintain a peaceful barrier of sorts. If you have ever wondered how they can be like this, especially in a chaotic and tumultuous world that we currently reside, then this is for you.

Peacekeeping is not as simple or as easy as it sounds, even if you are just trying to keep your own peace. There are many benefits to keeping your own peace, including greater happiness, serenity, and calm. You will be far less prone to anger, quarreling, breaking down, and instead, you will become more cool-headed and even-tempered. Many people will want you to shell out money for classes, seminars, and sessions, but most of the time, it is only a temporary and superficial fix.

True peacekeeping (even if it is only to help keep your own peace and sanity) begins by letting go. An important verse from Psalms comes to mind… “Be still and know that I am God.” We are such a small speck in this vast world, and there is SO MUCH that we don’t know and may never know. When someone is harsh, ugly, nasty, or worse, we tend to lean on our own understanding and make some not-so-great assumptions.

A verse in Proverbs is also important here… “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths.” It is important to be kind, forgiving, and merciful. It is also important to let go and let God handle the situations that are seemingly out of control and beyond crazy. So please, don’t stress or continue to feel drained tending to matters that are overwhelming. It is okay to ask for help, and it is always okay to pray.

When someone is being unfair or even hurtful, and is threatening your peace, remember that you can call on God for strength and wisdom. Remember what the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians,

11 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (ESV)

May the grace of God be with you all. Amen.