Do you know that there are now apps for your phone to tell you how to breathe? They walk you through different exercises and actions to help you calm your breathing, go to sleep, have better digestion, etc. 

Breathing coaching is a new industry. We can read books, hire instructors and use phone apps to teach us to breathe. The funny thing is that the entire time we are researching and ordering and paying for information about breathing – we are breathing. 

Breathing is the first thing that we do when we are born and the last thing we do before we die. Job recognized God’s gift of breath when he said, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” (Job 33:4). Breathing seems so simple, but it can become complicated – just ask an patient struggling with emphazema or COPD. 

The gifts given to us by God can be damaged by the diseases or sin of this world or we, ourselves, can corrupt God’s gifts. When we hide or overthink or devalue the talents and skills God has given to us, we eliminate our opportunities to use those gifts to serve Him. 

This year, do not question His gifts to you. Just breathe and praise Him! 

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

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“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6)

I found this little picture on a Facebook posting. I love it!! Our attitudes are caused by many things. But, the biggest influencer is us!! 

I was talking with a friend the other day about a fight between their family members. It was bad and arguments and hurtful words had gotten out of hand. Everyone, including my friend, was tense. Not a good situation. But, the more I chatted with them, the more I understood some of the causes for the struggles. Resources are tight; family relationships aren’t good; one key family member is really sick. There is no planning for Christmas because other people could ruin any plans that are made. No one is happy. 

My friend asked me what they should do. My immediate reaction was “RUN!” Luckily, I kept that advice to myself – running isn’t an option. And, so we prayed and talked and got a few ideas that might help.  We talked a lot about trusting God and about their attitudes toward others, the holidays and their role as a child of God. 

God wants us to rely only on Him, no matter what the circumstance. And, when we give our challenges, our struggles, our fights and fears to Him, we really can relax. He is able to do what He promised; to never leave us or forsake us. 

After I had the knee replacement done, walking was a challenge. One day, my physical therapist gave me a good piece of advice – walk like normal. In otherwise, although nothing felt like normal, he wanted me to walk as if it were. It was really awkward at first. But, the more I worked at it, the better I was at it. Eventually my gate, my stride, my walk were back to a pre-surgery normal.

For, me trusting God, leaving my problems at His feet, has not always been “normal.” But, continuing to practice it is making it become “normal.”  

Try it; He works!  It’s your choice. 

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

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This God–His way is perfect;the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30