4 Practical Ways to Have More Joy

There's a lot going on in our lives and in the world that can steal our peace and our joy, like family, work, health issues, the economy, you name it. There is, however, one thing we can do to stay positive and that is what we will talk about in this week's post. But first let's take a look at the brain. 

The Brain's Negativity Bias 

Did you know our brains have a bias for negativity? This means we naturally pay more attention to negative thoughts, emotions, and events. We bring up the negative past. We worry about "what could happen" in the future. We dredge up unhappy past events and relive them in the present moment stealing our joy and our peace yet again. This bias explains why news coverage is predominantly negative. The media uses this psychological tendency to grasp and focus our attention. It's like a sabotage of our minds and we need to be on guard against it. 

What to Do

Now I am not saying ignore the events of the world or don't watch the news, although some people choose to do just that. What I am saying is that we must realize the impact of the world and the media on our thoughts, emotions and actions. This all means we have to make a conscious effort to keep a positive mental attitude. It is another area where mindfulness can serve us. For a better understanding of how the brain works, some examples of negative bias, and some interesting TEDTalks, check out this link. 

The good news is there are some things we can do to fight against this overwhelming negativity to keep our peace and our joy.

                                    

                                    

                                

Here are 4 tips to help you develop an attitude of gratitude:

1. Appreciate the Every Day Stuff 

Often we take for granted so many things like being able to go out to dinner with friends or family, our water supply, full grocery aisles, our sight, our health, our bodies, even our jobs. My hope is that the pandemic helped us all become more grateful for the every day stuff we usually take for granted. 

I did a guided gratitude meditation this morning and it was so uplifting. The leader reminded us to be grateful for our food and the people who grow it, for our grocery stores, for all the people who work to support us in life. 

Personally

I am thankful that the sun was shining through my windows when I woke up this morning. I am thankful my body is feeling good enough to get back to Pilates classes. I am thankful I am able to write these blog posts so I can be of service to others.

I am thankful for the ability to cook and make nice meals. (Shameless plug for my Mediterranean cookbook :) Today I am making chimichurri chicken and guacamole. I am thankful I could afford to replace my 20+ year old HVAC system as they are coming tomorrow for the spring inspection. I am thankful my son moved back to Maryland after 12 years in Texas. I am thankful I can still move, walk, & dance at my age. Are there tough things in life? For sure. As someone said to me yesterday "It's always something." And it is in those times that we really have to be mindful of what we focus on. 

2. Start a Gratitude Tradition 

There are many ways to become more conscious of our blessings. One is gratitude traditions. 

A tradition I started at my house many years ago was to put out a small basket with a pad of paper and a pen next to it on the first of November. The basket is known as the "Blessing Basket". Each day in the month of November, each member of the household and whoever comes into my home that day is asked to write down one thing for which they are grateful for and put it in the basket. I like to see how people have to stop and think before they find something to write down. 

It can be anything, but the idea is to become more aware of the many blessings we each have on a daily basis. Then on Thanksgiving Day, we read all the slips of paper. They are anonymous of course, but it makes us realize how truly we are blessed despite the challenges we are all going through. 

In our house, there are always one or two blessings that make everyone laugh. One year, my youngest son wrote "I am thankful for pressure or I wouldn't get anything done." Now there's a different perspective. 

                        
                   

3. Appreciate Others
Everyone wants to be appreciated and valued. Too often we take people for granted - our parents, our spouse, our friends, the people who serve us. Take time to tell someone how much you appreciate them today. Make someone feel valued. Thank people for the little things. When we are thankful, we show God we appreciate the blessings and people we have been given and we open the door for more abundance to flow to us. 

A simple complement may turn someone's day around. We never know what people are going through. I make a habit of complementing men on their ties or shirt. I notice when someone has been working out or got a new haircut. I complement women on their hair, their outfit, their nails. I thank the customer service rep no matter if they have been helpful or not. I try to give a bigger tip than is required. When I see a smile on someone's face, I know I have been successful in lifting them up and that increases not only their joy level, but mine as well.  

My latest thing is to not leave someone upset or down. This is not an easy thing to do especially when they or a situation has caused me a lot of aggravation but what good is it to leave someone on a bad note? If the conversation goes south or if I have to bring up a sensitive subject, I try to add an up note by thanking them, making a joke, or somehow turning to a more positive topic. I get off the phone feeling good about myself as a human being who has not caused another human being to suffer. 

4. Recognize Your Blessings 
It's easy to take people and things for granted. We get used to having them around, having food in the grocery store aisles, being free to travel, but when a crisis such as the pandemic or some other crisis hits, it gets our attention. As in the case of the Covid pandemic, we no longer had the ability or the freedom to get together with family, travel, or find full grocery aisles.  Let's not forget the lessons that crisis taught us. 

These days we are fighting inflation and speaking of groceries, everything has gone up, including gas, eggs, rent, and the price of a haircut. Life has its challenges, that is for sure and it is up to us to decide what we will focus on - the positives or the negatives. If we want to remain joyful, we will choose the former. 

It is a choice we have every moment of every day. Abraham Lincoln once said "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." 

Most of all, I am thankful for the love, grace, and constant mercy of God. He has brought me through so much and so I am devoting the rest of my life to sharing that love, grace, and mercy with you through this blog and writing books. 

For Reflection

What everyday things are you thankful for? By taking note of them on a daily basis, we train our brains and our neural pathways slowly but surely to dwell more on our blessings instead of our woes. A positive focus also helps alleviate anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Remember - what you focus on gets magnified. 

If you want to feel more joy on a daily basis, here are some tips to help you get started. Every night before going to bed, name 3 things you are grateful for. I say them out loud or write them in my journal. Gratitude increases our energy and our joy so start and end each day by giving thanks for something or someone in your life. 

When we learn to develop an "attitude of gratitude", our outlook on life changes and we are better able to handle the difficult circumstances of life when they arise. This is why the Apostle Paul encourages us "In all things, give thanks" (1 Thess 5:18). There is always a silver lining to life's challenges. 

If you enjoyed this post and would like to join our community, enter your email address in the box provided to the right. You will also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path".  

Also, check out my newest ebook, the 3rd in the series "Ignite the Power Within: 10 Steps to Supercharge Your Spiritual Growth". In it I share ten steps that will help you grow spiritually, become more mindful, and have more peace and joy. Do leave a review when you're done and pass it on to a friend. Here is a link to the collection. Do leave an honest review wherever you buy my books. 

Until next time, remember: you are blessed to be a blessing.

As always,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

This material is copyrighted. 

How to Craft a Life You Love

Spring is officially here and it's a great time to declutter. Let's face it. Most of us have too much - too much stuff, too many projects, too much activity. If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit it. We pack too much into every minute, every day. As a result, we end up stressed and overwhelmed. We don't get enough sleep and our immune system falters. Then we get sick. We neglect our relationships, our bodies, and our spiritual growth. Spring reminds us there is always another opportunity to start anew, to grow, and to blossom. 

It's Not Totally Our Fault

We live in a non-stop world. The pace is frenetic and the world constantly barrages us with news, noise, and negativity. It's too easy to get sucked up in the whirlpool of it all; a downward spiral of never ending things to do, places to go, and stuff to take care of resulting in constant frenetic activity, exhaustion, and very little rest, reflection or true peace.

There is an Answer

I know you've heard this phrase, and it is applicable to so many areas of our lives but it seems to have disappeared from mainstream society, especially here in the United States. One principle that we all know but often forget to implement and it is this: keep it simple. 

                                      

Start With the Basics 

Like your wardrobe. Is your closet packed so full you really don't know what you have in there? Time to get rid of some stuff. What haven't you worn in the past year? What don't you feel good in? What makes you look fat, old, or dated? Chuck it - give it to a friend, Goodwill, or a shelter.

Next move on to your house. Same idea. Start with one room at a time.  How about the kitchen, the fridge, and the pots and pans? Every year around early spring, I get this urge to clean and declutter. I am very selective before I buy anything that is going to sit on my kitchen counter or that has only one use. 

Recent Personal Experience

I have been looking for a new toaster oven. Mine is over 10 years old. Does it still work? Yes, but it looks a bit ratty. So on a recent shopping excursion to Costco (one of my fav places), I spied a spiffy shiny multi-purpose toaster/air fry oven. 

Well, I got it home (and bruised my arm because it was so heavy). Unpacked all the various pieces for the different functions, and set it on my kitchen counter. It was too big to fit in a cabinet. I read the cookbook that came with it to see what all it could make. Not impressed. I already have an air fryer setting in my new GE oven. 

Well, long story short. I woke up the next day and saw this big black appliance taking up space on my kitchen counter and thought "Nope, it's too big. It's going back to Costco" and that was that. 

Do You Really Need It?

If we want to declutter our space and our life, we have to get really clear on our priorities. What is truly important? Do you really need all those items to clean, dust, and insure? When was the last time you used whatever? My criteria is if I don't love it and use it, I chuck it. Ok, I get it. Some things have sentimental value. Keep one or two and donate the rest. Live in today instead of the past. Today is a gift, that is why they call it the present. Enjoy it.

Clutter Hinders our focus. 

I can't stand clutter. It smothers me. I need space and light. Stuff seems to multiply like rabbits: gifts from friends we don't need, use, or want, old items we are saving for some sentimental reason, books, records, and photo albums we rarely even look at or listen to. Live in the present and have done with old stuff from the past. Chances are pretty darn good your kids or your relatives aren't going to want anything old you may be saving anyway.

Look at Jesus. 
How much stuff did he have? Did he have to schedule everything in a calendar? He made time for people, healing, and speaking words of faith, forgiveness, and encouragement. When we are ruled by the stuff of this world, what time do we have for the things that really matter? Things that will last into eternity? "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt 6:33). 

When we declutter our lives and get rid of stuff that no longer bears fruit or serves us, we make room for God to bring in something new. Like preparing for the birth of a new baby, we must make space for the new if we want to grow and move forward in life. 

For Reflection

What are you holding on to that no longer serves its purpose? It may be material possessions but it could also be old patterns of thinking that clutter our mind and prevent us from seeing life in new ways. Simplify your life and see what new thing shows up. I can't wait to hear from you!

If you enjoyed this post and would like a little help prioritizing your life while having fun at the same time, check out my ebook entitled "Take Back Your Life: 5 Keys to Reclaiming Your Personal Power."  Life can be simplified so you can have more peace, more power, and more joy. And when those extra challenges come up, you won't get so stressed out because you have your priorities straight. Order your copy today at your favorite online bookseller. 

I do hope you will join our growth-oriented community. Just enter your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly newsletter plus a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". 

And, pop on over to Pinterest and check out all the tips, ideas, and recipes I have curated for you. And if you are looking for a new read, check out my books available at most of your online booksellers. 

Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you ignite the power within and discover YOUR DESTINY!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

All rights reserved. If you'd like to use this material, please contact me at arielpaz08@gmail.com

6 Easy Ways to Get Your Joy Back - Part 2

How are you feeling this morning, friend? Are you feeling joyful? Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and it is different from feeling happy. Happiness is based on external circumstances and is fleeting. Joy is an inside job that comes from God. Many people confuse the two. This week I'm sharing 3 more steps to getting our joy back. 

Check Your Joy Meter
How high is your joy meter today? High, low, or medium? Things can happen in a minute that can steal our joy, which is where prayer, mindfulness, and faith come in. It's a question of being aware of when something irritates us and then making a mindful decision whether we are going to let it get to us. 

Joy flows in and through us on a daily basis but we must make a conscious decision to keep our joy and not get aggravated at every little thing: the elderly mom, the rebellious kids, the traffic, the boss, the list that stresses us is endless. 

Today I am sharing the next 3 tips as promised. If you missed the first 3 tips for getting your joy back, here is the post again. 

                                               

Tip #4: Pay attention to your thoughts. 
Here's a quick mindfulness practice I do every morning to get in the right frame of mind. As soon as my eyes open, I declare this verse - out loud:  "This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it." (Ps. 118:24). Notice the emphasis on the words "I will". This indicates I am making a conscious DECISION to be joyful. We must be deliberate about our frame of mind, if we want to stay joyful on a daily basis and into our later years. 

Do you find yourself dwelling on the same issue or person for days or nights on end? Picture a car stuck in a ditch with the wheels whirling and whirling. This is what our minds are doing when we ruminate or over-think and it is a joy-stealer. When we spin our mental wheels trying to figure something out or solve a problem that has no solution, this burns us out mentally and energetically. It can also cause headaches and migraines. I know this from first-hand experience. 

How to Avoid Overthinking
There are two ways to get out of the overthinking cycle. 

1) decide on an action to take in the moment. Taking some type of action takes the pressure off and makes us feel less out of control of the situation. 

2) realize we are overthinking something and decide to put the issue on the back burner till we get clarity. This takes the pressure off and I'm all about taking the pressure off. In fact, I have a sticky note on my kitchen cabinet that reads "Take the pressure off." 

I know this is tough, but we are not in control of the when the answers will come.  We need to learn to trust in God to reveal them in HIS timing, not ours. It's another opportunity to practice letting go.

Exercise Your Faith

Another example I had to deal with last year was what to do about my 94 yr old mother who fractured her back. Without going into all the details, there were a lot of factors to consider, as anyone who has elderly parents knows. I assured my sister and my mother, who were both freaking out, that we would figure it out slowly. I kept saying "Let's stay in today" to calm them down.

Actually, I am pretty proud of myself that I did stay so composed and in the moment and did not freak out. I trusted that God would show us the way and he did. She went to rehab which she hated and then I found her an assisted living facility that served her chocolate cake the first day she got there. Her comment was "I should have done this years ago." It is in these types of critical, stressful situations that Faith and a spiritual practice pays off, friends. A spiritual practice helps us to not freak out when uncertainty hits and answers are complicated because we have a God who cares. 

Practice Mindfulness Daily
The natural state of our mind is to be peaceful but there are so many things to worry/stress/think about in every day life. Scripture exhorts us to "take every thought captive" (2 Cor 10:5). This means to pay attention to what we're thinking about. Our thoughts can take us down the proverbial rabbit hole if we don't learn how to be mindful and take control of them.   

The good news is practicing mindfulness helps us to be more aware of our thoughts and our emotions. We need to catch ourselves ruminating or dwelling on negative topics and bring ourselves back to the present moment, the here and now, because that is where JOY is found. Joy is not found in yesterday or tomorrow, folks. 

By practicing spiritual techniques (Check out my new ebook, "Ignite the Power Within: 10 Steps to Supercharge Your Spiritual Growth), slowly, the grooves in our brains will be rewired and we will have better thinking patterns over time.

No matter what thoughts pop into my head, I remind myself of the truths I believe in. "Lord, I know you see this situation. It might not look good to me right now, but your word says you work all things out for my good. I will take responsibility for my thoughts, decisions, and actions. I will stay in peace and trust you to guide me. I will rejoice and be glad today. I will take care of myself and set firm boundaries. Thank you, Lord." This helps strengthen my spiritual muscle and keeps my peace and joy. 

Tip #5: Have some fun. 
As a single parent of two growing boys for many years combined with a full-time career plus grad school, it was hard to find time to have fun. Even now as an older single lady with few friends, it is hard to find time to have fun. Now I will admit having fun has changed over the years. I used to love to go ballroom dancing, or any kind of dancing for that matter. Now fun is enjoying the pool, working on my blog or my lettering, making a good dinner. Fun is something you choose to do that is pleasurable that keeps you in the present moment and joy is found in the present moment. Having fun makes room for joy to percolate up. 

Keep Play in the Picture 
No matter how busy we might be, however, play is vital to our well-being. (See #5 in my recent book "Take Back Your Life". )  Some of us, including me, are so responsible, we have to schedule downtime and play into our to-do lists. As I write this I am thinking when was the last time I played...does watching a soccer game fall into the play category? I think so. 

Others play too much and neglect their responsibilities as well as their health. We need to find balance in our daily lives if we want to keep our joy. Having fun makes room for joy to pop back up because it lets the pressure out of the pot. 

What do you like to do? What takes your mind off your problems and brings you into the present moment? Choose a healthy activity that will restore and energize you, instead of depleting you or taking you out of the present moment like watching the boob tube or playing video games. Something out of doors is always good this time of year.  Walking is a great way to let go of stress and get a bit of exercise and fresh air. Team up with a friend or loved one if you can. Or maybe go for a bike ride, or do some gardening. Even a half hour will do you a world of good and help you clear your mind and reconnect with your joy.  

Tip #6: Let go of control. 
We all like to be in control. My issue stems from being raised in a chaotic home, where everything was out of control, but most of us want to be "in control" to some degree. The truth is there are only a handful of things that are truly under our control. Much of life - aka other people - are not and the sooner we come to understand this, the more peace and less stress we will have.  

Do what you can to attend to any given situation (if you need to) and then give it to God. Notice we have a part in fixing our problems. We can't just throw up our hands and say "Well, God will take care of it." When we do what we can, God will do what we can't. This is where faith, patience and obedience come in. 

If you want more peace in your daily life, learn how and when to let go. I talk about all the ins and outs of letting go of control in my new book, "Ignite the Power Within." Letting go is a spiritual practice and if you don't know what it is, how it applies to your life, or how to do it, I encourage you to order my new book and learn more today.

So there you have my 6 tips to getting your joy back.  
Stuff will ALWAYS keep coming at us. As author, Sonia Choquette says in her book "Soul Lessons and Soul Purpose", "We are souls on a journey to heal, grow and evolve and these trials are our tests to pass".  It is up to us to decide how each situation will affect us and how we will respond to it. The quicker we can let go of unhappy, negative thoughts, and focus on gratitude, peace, and joy, the more we can relish each day.

Reflection:
How about you? Is there something or someone stealing your joy right now? Are you feeling overwhelmed with all your responsibilities? What changes do you need to make to have more peace and joy? Don't let the challenges of life steal either one. Make a decision to let go of control and enjoy each day for the gift it is. That's why they call it "the present".

If this article was helpful and you'd like to join our community and receive my weekly posts, enter your email address in the box provided. As a thank you, I'll send you my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". 

For more tips and info on a wide-variety of topics, pop on over to Pinterest to check out my collection on health and wellness, fashion, recipes, exercise and diet, and so much more. https://www.pinterest.com/arielpaz/pins/

Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you ignite the power within and discover YOUR destiny! 

Until next time, keep smiling and keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

6 Easy Ways to Get Your Joy Back - Part 1

We all have tough days, weeks, sometimes months. Job stress, no time to exercise, family responsibilities or perhaps a run in with a loved one can all cause us to lose our peace and our joy. I can relate. So many things can happen in the course of any given day that can steal our joy, if we allow them to. It is important to be mindful of how and what we are feeling in the present moment and then take constructive steps to deal with the issue so we can get our joy back. 

We are meant to live vibrant, joyful, energetic lives, no matter what age we are. Now that is not fantasy nor is it unrealistic. Sure, we all have down days, but the key is to have less of them. So this week, I'm sharing the first 3 out of 6 strategies I use to maintain my joy but first, a recent personal anecdote you may relate to and how I handled it. 

Personal Story:  

So I did not hear from my son over the Easter holiday. Not a card, not a phone call. Not even a text message. I was disappointed and hurt and I felt it. It was a choice to say nothing or to say something. So rather than stew for days, I decided to email him (a non-invasive method) and express my feelings. He has a lot going on right now and apologized. He also thanked me for sharing my feelings. Wow.

This courageous act of sending an honest email opened up the lines of communication. And my joy returned! I don't like feeling upset or angry at someone so I try my best to clear the air as soon as possible. The Bible says "Do not let the sun go down on your anger." (Eph 4:26 - 32)

Awareness is Key 

Most people are not aware of how their actions - or non-action - may hurt you. They are too wrapped up in their own lives and problems to think about you. It is up to us to let people know how we are feeling. People are not mind-readers so don't expect them to be. It is up to us to teach people how we want to be treated. If the other person cares about you, honest communication will get the issue out in the open and help clear the air. 

The key is to be more aware of what things are stressing us out and do something about them before we go Kaboom or take it out on other people! Anger management - or the lack thereof - is a huge problem in our world today. Just watch the evening news.  

So here are the first 3 tips on how to try to keep our joy on an everyday basis:

1. Realize you have lost your joy. 
If we're not careful we can become glum and not even realize it. Look in the mirror. Are you smiling? Humming? Or am I ruminating on some situation or person? Am I staying in too much? Sleeping too much? Lack energy? We can get so bogged down by the trials of life, we lose our joy, often without realizing it. The question is - are any of these things worth losing my joy over and the answer is NO! 

"But, you don't know what I'm dealing with," some retort. No, I don't but we are all fighting our own battles, no matter what they may be and we are each responsible for managing our own stress levels. 

If you find yourself constantly dumping your woes on others, blaming loved ones, or always finding fault and complaining, you might want to consider getting counseling.  Better Help is an online counseling service you might want to look into to help you through a rough patch. 

2. Step away from the stress.
When we realize we are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it's time to break the stress cycle and get away mentally. If possible, put some distance between you and the situation or the other person. Agree to take a time-out temporarily. Focus on yourself rather than the frustrating situation. Get a workout in, listen to music, make a nice dinner, get together with friends. Do something that puts you in the "zone". These all help to let the steam out of the pot and give you a break from dealing with the situation or person until emotions have cooled and you are in a better place.

I've learned that when other people are stressed they often take it out on an innocent bystander (usually the person closest to them) and it is best to set a boundary - sooner rather than later - with them to protect our peace and our mental and physical health. I'm still getting practice at this one with my youngest son who pushes my boundaries constantly. 

3. Make time for self-care. 
Self-care is not selfish, I don't care what anyone says. If we don't take good care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually, we are less able mentally and emotionally to deal with others. We have to start with a full bucket. Take a hot Epsom salts bath or go to a steam room or sauna.  Give yourself some quiet time. Polish your nails, gals. Get some exercise and get moving - go for a run, a walk, a hike, bike ride or a swim. Guys, get thee to the gym, go for a bike ride, or hit the golf course.

Exercise moves negative energy out of your body. 

When the pressures and problems of the world crowd in on us, it's time to get alone and get the energy moving out of our bodies,  clear our minds, and then we will be able to listen to that still small voice that gives us guidance when we need it.  

Reflection:

Is there some situation or some person stealing your joy? Can you implement one or more of these tips to feel more joyful today? What can you do to process your emotions and let off steam? 

If this post was helpful and you'd like to join our community and receive my weekly encouraging posts, enter your email address in the box provided. As a thank you, I'll send you my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". 

For more tips and info on a wide-variety of topics, pop on over to Pinterest to check out my collection of pins on blog posts, health and wellness, recipes, exercise and diet, and so much more. https://www.pinterest.com/arielpaz/pins/

Stay tuned for the next post in this series when I share the next 3 tips to getting your joy back. Let's help each other ignite the power within!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

This material is copyrighted.

How to Find Peace in Anxious Times

There is a lot going on in this world of ours that can steal our peace. Just turn on the nightly news. Drive in rush hour traffic. Deal with unruly kids. We can lose our peace in an instant and that is why a daily spiritual practice is so very important. Find a time to get quiet and be by yourself and then ask yourself this question:

"Am I at peace right now?"

Pause and listen for that still small voice in the depths of your soul. What did it say? 

 

                                

Lesson Learned 

I have learned that Peace is our most precious possession if we want to live a happy, joyful and healthy life. It is actually a spiritual gift yet often, we let life, relationships, and busyness steal it. We put pressure on ourselves to go go go, do do do, buy buy buy, work, work, work - none of which result in the peace our souls long for. Today I want to help you make Peace more of a priority in your life. 

Personal Story 

When I was married and in a dysfunctional, abusive relationship, I knew in my heart of hearts, I was not at peace. We had two kids, two cars, two houses, two incomes, but I was not at peace - and I knew it. 

Something had to change if I was to have peace and that meant I had to change. I realized I needed to set firmer boundaries with my spouse. Sadly, being a narcissist, he couldn't handle it and the marriage eventually ended. He was used to treating me abusively since I was codependent and thought he did not need to change. I lost a marriage but gained peace and it was so worth it. 

Places We Look 
Many are seeking peace in a multitude of places and through a variety of means. Some try to find peace by amassing wealth or attaining a certain status only to find out wealth can vanish in the blink of an eye when the stock market drops. Who and what is popular today can be unpopular tomorrow. The world is just as fickle today as it was in Jesus' time. 

Others try to find peace by medicating themselves with food, drink, drugs, fashion, material possessions and endless activity that will never give us the lasting peace our soul craves. These provide temporary satisfaction at best and, in excess, do more harm than good. 

Others try the spiritual route. Church, yoga, nature hikes, cycling, & running, all bring a temporary peace and are good for us - to a point. Now I am all for stilling the body and the mind, but these, too, are only temporary, as practitioners well know. How many times have you or I gone for a massage, to an exercise or yoga class, or to a church service and then, a few hours later the feeling of peace is ruined by an aggravating phone call or thoughtless comment? It takes constant diligence to remain at peace when we try to achieve it on our own. So what exactly is True Peace and where do we find it?

What is True peace

True peace is knowing that we are in the hands of a loving and gracious God. That truth is the solid rock that keeps us grounded. No matter what happens or how bad things may seem, as author and spiritual teacher, Gabrielle Bernstein, puts it, God has our back. He is still on the throne and he is still in control. Even though it may not look like it in the moment, he is working ALL things out for our good. Yes, all. Not some - ALL. Remember that.  

Every trial is a test meant to move us forward into our destiny and in our spiritual growth and when the test is over and we have passed it by learning the lesson, we will look back with thanks and gratitude for what it taught us. And enjoy the peace it brings. 

True peace is steady. 

Sure we may waffle for a bit, just as Peter did when Jesus told him to step out of the boat, but eventually we will waffle less and trust more. Peace is an inner calmness that comes from trusting in a Holy and loving God and in his son, Jesus Christ, the Anointed One. 

On the outside we may be buffetted by people and circumstances. We may get angry, concerned, frustrated, but deep within our souls, we are at peace. True peace is an anchor we can hold onto during the inevitable storms of life. We may doubt and become anxious when the challenges of life muddy the waters, but as soon as we connect with Jesus, the waters still. I love the verse "Be still and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). The storms will pass. Sometimes all we need to do is be still and let go of the reins of control. 

Where True Peace is Found

Perhaps like me, you've tried to find peace in different places. Peace was not in yoga class. Nor in church. Nor in food, sweets, or chocolate. Nor in any of the ex-boyfriends for that matter. When everything around me is in chaos and the ground is shaking beneath me,  I hold onto the one person who is faithful, steady, and ever-present. The one person whose promises and presence I can depend on. I hold on to Jesus.

True peace is a fruit of the Spirit. As you know, fruit begins with a small seed. As it is watered and nourished, it grows into luscious fruit. In the same way, peace is a fruit of the Spirit that grows over time as we experience more and more of the Lord's faithfulness and love. Those of us who have been through the fires of hell know God more intimately. We have met Jesus and we have seen the power of the Holy Spirit work in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones.

Now if you don't know Jesus, you may not understand about the Holy Spirit. Here's how it works. When we accept the love of Christ into our hearts, God sends his Holy Spirit to unite with our spirit to give us a supernatural connection and power. See Romans chapter 8 for more on this. I encourage you to let Christ into your heart today so you can receive this supernatural, empowering gift. 

Facing the Storms of Life 
When the storms of life threaten to capsize your ship, remember what Jesus said: "Peace I leave with you. My peace I bring to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). The peace of Jesus is far more powerful than the peace that is offered by anything else in this world. It is a supernatural peace that only Jesus can give.

When the disciples were in a tizzy on the sea of Galilee and the winds and the rain pounded their tiny boat, what did Jesus say to them? "Oh ye of little faith,". In other words, Jesus was right there in the ship with them and yet they were afraid when they had no need to be. Who or what are you placing your faith in today?

Going Thru Storms 

Storms serve a purpose. They are to help us grow our spiritual muscle so that when the next storm comes, we won't be as rattled by the winds and the waves. Whatever you are going through, remember Jesus is right there in the ship with you. Jesus promised "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Heb 13:5). We can count on the promises of  God. Unlike people, He never goes back on His word. 

Whatever storm we are going through, Jesus promises to navigate us through it and bring us out of it. I know, because, I have been through many storms - hurricanes really - and I'm still standing. You can read about them in my true story memoir, "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony".  It's a short but powerful and inspiring read. The goal is to stand firm during the storms, trusting that our Lord cares for us and that we will emerge victorious and stronger after it passes. 

For Reflection
What storm are you going through, friend? Relationship issues? Financial problems? Health problems? Whatever it is, do not let it steal your peace. Keep your heart and mind set on Jesus and stay in peace. Trust God to be your strength, your strong tower, your protector. I encourage you to read Psalm 34. 

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If this post resonated with you, you may enjoy my newest book, "Ignite the Power Within: 10 Steps to Supercharge Your Spiritual Growth". In it, I share the ten steps I have found to spiritual growth that will give you more power, more purpose, more connection and more JOY!

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble & Apple Books or place a discounted order with me by sending 4.99 via Zelle to arielpaz08@gmail.com. 

And if you love to cook, like I do, order your copy of my new cookbook, "Mediterranean Mom's Family Favorites". Over 150 pages of deliciousness and most recipes are made in 30 min or less. Digital copy available for $24.99. Use my email address arielpaz08@gmail.com to order thru Zelle or $26.99 thru Paypal.

Stay tuned for more practical and spiritual wisdom to help you ignite the power within!

Until next time, shalom and keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

How to Live in Victory Over Your Circumstances

Life has its challenges, for sure. Some of us are facing illness or health challenges. For others, it could be a broken relationship, financial stress, or loss of a loved one. Some of us are facing more than one of these. Storms often seem overwhelming and insurmountable while we are going thru them, but the key is to keep our focus on the Resurrection power of Jesus Christ. And that my friends, is why we celebrate Easter. 

A Little History Lesson
Jesus Christ was a real person, not just a prophet, not just a teacher, who lived about 2000 years ago. More importantly, he was the incarnate Son of God which means he is personification of Holy God. He became flesh so that we may know who God is and what we wants of us, to believe in him and to follow him. The Garden of Eden plan didn't work out. The Ten Commandments didn't work either, so God chose his one and only Son, Jesus, to come down from Heaven to this earth to show us how it's done. 

The Problem 

Jesus did many miracles. Raised people from the dead. Gave sight to the blind. People were flocking to him everywhere. But. He was becoming too popular with the Jewish people. The Jewish religious leaders of the day were afraid of losing their power over the people and of the Roman soldiers having to step in. It was all about control, power, and ego. Not much has changed has it? Look at Putin for example. 

The Decision

Jesus was persecuted by the Jewish leaders of the time which led to a shameful and humiliating death on the cross at the hands of the Roman govenor, Pilate. He knew Jesus was an innocent man, yet he gave in to the misguided people. He, too, was weak and afraid and was already under scrutiny from Rome. It takes courage to do the right thing. 

Atonement

Until then, the only way to absolve people of their sins was by the shedding of blood, usually an animal, typically a lamb. Blood is the only way to atone for sin and Jesus willingly surrendered his life so that our sins could be atoned for once and for all eternity. This is why Jesus is called the sacrificial lamb. And this is why we take communion - to remember that only the blood of the lamb can make us holy in the eyes of God. 

 

What This Means to Us

The fantastic news is that when we meet with a situation that seems impossible to us, we can call on the name of Jesus and he can turn it around. I have seen many miraculous breakthroughs,  healings, and solutions because of prayer and calling out to Jesus. There is supernatural power in the name of Jesus Christ. Yet, so many of us fail to use this power and then wonder why we struggle. 

When we celebrate Easter, we are reminded of new life and transformation, victory over sin and death, triumph over evil. When we look at the cross, we are reminded that new life can come out of what appears to be dead. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we receive Jesus' Resurrection power thru the Holy Spirit. This is why I pass on Buddhism, Islam, and all the other belief systems out there. Only Jesus rose from the dead and only He can bring life from death.

Personal Story
I have seen this power in action in my own life many times. God has restored me from several serious illnesses that the doctors could not figure out. I remember one stroke specialist at Johns Hopkins scratching his head and muttering to himself about the vestibular migraines I was having. 

After a bankruptcy and a nasty divorce, Christ has restored my finances and moved me to a place of provision and abundance. After being raised in a chaotic and dysfunctional home, he has replaced fear, worry, and anxiety with faith, peace and joy. He has given me peace after my oldest son decided to estrange himself from me. And that is what I want to share with you, dear friend. No matter what painful things you have gone thru, Jesus can heal you. He can give you a peace that passes all understanding. That is why I put all this effort into writing this blog. Jesus has transformed my life. What he has done for me he can and will do for you when you put your trust in him. 

   

We were not made to endure all these things on our own. Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. When we feel alone, we can remember how alone Jesus felt on that cross. He understands what we are going through but nothing can compare to what he went through. 

Peace through the Pain  

Easter is a time to be transformed. God sees every pain and hurt we endure. He sees our fears, our shame, our guilt,  and he wants to renew us by transforming our minds. We were not meant to live stressed out, anxious, defeated lives fearing when the next shoe will drop. 

When we accept Jesus, we learn to trust, to have peace and hope despite our circumstances, and to forgive those who have hurt us. His plan for us is for good and not for evil. No matter what mistakes we may have made or what others may have done to us, God is able to make us new and whole again. This is the power of the Resurrection. 

A time for renewal and forgiveness.

Easter is a time to let go of the old, and embrace the new. It is a time to let God heal our hearts, by filling it with the great love he has to offer us through His son, Jesus Christ. It is up to each of us whether or not we choose to receive this free gift of grace and love. 

My life has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; so in a spirit of humility and thankfulness, I offer some reflections on what Easter means to me, and I trust that they will encourage and comfort you as well. When we pause to look at the cross, somehow it puts our "light and momentary afflictions" into perspective.

Easter reminds me that:

- I always have another opportunity for transformation and change

- miracles still happen when I believe 

- God's grace is sufficient for me

- Jesus paid the price for all my sins and mistakes, past, present and future

- God is always there no matter how far away I drift from Him

- no matter how dark it may look on Friday, Sunday is coming

- when I wonder "Does God really love me?" all I have to do is look at Jesus' outstretched arms on the cross and hear him say "I love you this much"

- when I am suffering, I know Jesus has suffered so much more than I ever will and that makes my pain more bearable

- no matter what I have lost or how much I have been hurt, misunderstood, or mistreated, God can bring healing and peace to my soul 

A Prayer to Remember
Here is one of my favorite prayers that helps guide me on how to handle the adversities of love. May it encourage you today. 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

For Reflection 

Where do you want to see new life? What seems dead? Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? Do you believe in the Resurrection? If not, will you accept him into your life as Lord and Savior today and allow him to restore and renew you? 

If you are a believer, will you rededicate your life to him and live the abundant life he promises us? We are each on our own spiritual journey and it is up to us which path to choose. 

May God fill you with his great love and peace. May he heal your broken places, and make you new. Amen and amen. 

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Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you find healing, wholeness, and harmony and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz