The True Gifts of Advent: What is True Love?

Think back for a moment on the greatest gift you have ever received. How did it feel when you saw it? Did it make you want to jump for joy? Did you feel like someone loved you a whole lot?

Yes, that's how a great gift makes you feel - like you want to share it with the world. That's how the shepherds and the wise men must have felt when they saw the angels light up the sky announcing the birth of the baby Jesus that silent night so long ago. 

Just imagine

the manger scene and the announcement of the birth of the Messiah.

See the awe of the shepherds as they watched the angels singing in the skies proclaiming the good news. Feel the anticipation of the wise men who traveled such a great distance to bring their gifts to honor a newborn child they weren’t sure they would even find. Sense the joy and wonder Mary and Joseph felt as they watched in amazement as the angelic and kingly visitors encamped around them.

Something truly miraculous was happening.  The people of Israel had not heard from God for over 400 years and then the news of Jesus burst upon the scene and the destiny of mankind was forever changed. Hope was born anew. Love made it's grandest appearance ever.

As we celebrate the fourth week of Advent, we focus on the gift of Love because God showed us how much he truly loves us by sending his one and only Son to earth so many years ago. There is no greater gift than that but often we confuse what love really means and what it looks like. 

What True Love Looks Like

If we want to know what true love looks like, all we have to do is look at Jesus. True love shows itself by actions, not merely words and certainly not on just feelings. It is in giving of ourselves to one another that we show love. Jesus showed love to the poor, the ill, the lonely, the outcast. He made them feel loved by his actions and his words. We can do the same. A smile, a phone call, a thoughtful gift, a word of encouragement, a hot meal. There are a million ways to show love right in our own backyard.

The greatest expression of love we could ever be given is God's gift to us - His one and only Son, Jesus, the Christ. True love requires stepping out of our comfort zone and our self-centered focus and sacrificing for someone else's good and growth. It means overlooking mistakes and forgiving. It means seeing past each other's flaws, and accepting ourselves and each other as children of God. 

This is what Jesus did when he came down from Heaven to become a mortal here on this earth. He left the comfort and grandeur of Heaven to be born in a manger with no roof over his head. Then, he sacrificed his life on a cross so that we might gain access to God and have eternal life. As the shepherds and the wise men stopped what they were doing to behold the miracle before them, so too, let us pause and reflect on the miracle of Christ's birth and what it means to us today.

The True Gifts of Christmas 
The gifts Jesus brought us don't get old and tossed away like used toys.  They are life-giving and eternal. We all know words are powerful, but there is power like none other in Jesus's words. When we are feeling lonely, Jesus promises he will never leave us nor forsake us. If we are hurting, he heals our wounds and our hearts. When we are afraid of what the future holds, we can rest in the knowledge that He has a future so much brighter than anything we could imagine, if only we believe. 

For Reflection:

Who can you show love to today? Who is hurting, lonely, or perhaps joyless this season? Who needs to be forgiven? Loved? Cared for? Will you be Jesus to someone this Christmas? When we do unto the least of these we do unto God (Matt 25:40). Will you believe in Jesus this magical time of year?

This Christmas season may the wonder of the love of God fill you to overflow.  May you understand how high, how wide, how long and how deep is the love of God for you (Eph 3:18) and may you share that love with those around you who need it most.

Until next time, 

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

How to Keep Hope Alive During the Holidays

Do you look forward to the holidays? Or do you wish you could pull the covers over your head and wake up when they are all over? Not to fret! I have learned the trick to enjoying the holidays, no matter what is going on in my life, who is with me or not with me, whether I have money or am on a tight leash, and I am sharing it with you this month in our new holiday series. 

 

The First Week of Advent

This is the first week of Advent and I want to help us focus on something that will keep us going all through the year whatever it may bring and that is the first gift of Christmas, which is the gift of HOPE.

In case you might not know, Advent means "coming" or "arrival". It is a time of expectation, anticipation, and preparation leading up to the celebration of the birth of Christ. The Advent wreath is made up of evergreens to remind us that even though we may be in a season of winter where things seem dead and we don't see any growth happening, new life will come again.  It is a time to focus on the true gifts of Christmas which do not come in a nicely decorated box. Instead they came in a manger with straw, hay, and farm animals. Can you picture the scene?

How do we keep hope alive during the tough times? 

When people mistreat us or leave us? When the world feels unjust, unfair and scary? When life hasn't panned out the way we would have liked? When events of the world have taken a turn? When inflation threatens our very existence and our families?

Biblical Story 
Let's look at the example of the young girl named Mary, who was probably no more than 13 or 14 years old. The angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her she was going to be with child without having known a man. Now, these days unwed mothers are a regular occurrence, but not in those days. In those days, being pregnant outside of marriage was a huge sin and a crime punishable by being stoned to death. But what was Mary's response? 

"Let it be done unto me according to your word."

Mary's response was not one of fear or anxiety. It was one of willingness, trust, and surrender. She submitted her life and her will for God's purposes no matter what the cost. She was willing to endure the shame of being an unwed mother and possible death by stoning to be obedient to God. Mary had no idea of the pain and suffering she would endure to bring the Christ child into this world. Mary had received the first gift of Christmas - HOPE. 

The Source of Hope 
Mary's hope was in God and in His great love for her. For this same reason, we, too, can have hope this holiday season. When we are secure in the knowledge of God's immeasurable and unfailing love or us, no matter what comes our way, good or bad, we can rest in God's promise to always be with us and to never forsake us, no matter who else does.  And what better partner to have in life than the Lord God Almighty?

God is Always With You and Me
Jesus is also called Emmanuel, which means "God with us". God promises to be with us, particularly during the tough times. One of my favorite verses is Ps. 34:18 which says: "God is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." We all get down at times, but it is in these tough times, that the Lord is closest to us. He is always drawing us to him, if only we listen to that still small voice. 

The Future is Brighter after the Darkness 

Like Mary, sometimes we don't know what the future holds, but we can hold fast to the One who does because God is faithful. One of my favorite verses from the Bible is John 1:5 "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness will never put it out." Keep your eyes on the light. 

When we look at our lives through our spiritual glasses and through the lens of faith, it is possible to maintain hope even when things look dark and desperate. When plan A has failed, God always has Plan B. Sometimes God doesn't give us what we think we want. He gives us something BETTER! 

As we enter this Advent season, let's choose to focus on the gifts of the season, rather than what may be missing or not so perfect in our lives. Above all, let's trust God. His timing is perfect and he is working ALL things out for our good, even if we don't see it at the moment. God's ways are higher than our ways, and God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts. 

For Reflection 

What are your hopes this holiday season? What is the longing of your heart? Whatever it is, give it to the Lord, and trust that He will surround you with His amazing love this season. His gifts are for every child of His and that means each and every one of us. When all else fades, Jesus is still there to light our way. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12). Choose to walk in the light this holiday season. 

If this post has encouraged you, join our community to receive my weekly posts. You'll also receive my free ebook entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". All you have to do is enter your email address in the box provided. While you're at it, pass it on. Someone you know may need a little hope this season. 

Need a gift? Consider giving a copy of my inspirational true story, "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony" available on Amazon and your favorite online booksellers. Audio version is now available on Google play. Or my latest book on spiritual growth entitled "Ignite the Power Within: 10 Steps to Supercharge Your Spiritual Growth" also available at your favorite online bookseller. 

For all kinds of interesting tips and info from exercise and diet, to mindfulness and meditation to the benefits of tea, pop on over to my Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/arielpaz/boards/ 

Stay tuned for more encouraging and uplifting posts this month to help you enjoy this season.

Until next time,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

6 Ways to Stay Positive in a Negative World - Part 2

Joy. It's a commodity we all want more of, yes? Joy gives us energy. It lifts our spirits and it helps us enjoy life more. Last week I shared three tips on how to have more joy and stay positive on a regular basis. This week I'm sharing the next three tips, since I am trying to make these posts shorter because I know you are a busy person, but want to make your spiritual growth a priority. 

                                       

4. Refuse to Dwell on Negative Situations
As I mentioned last week, when we rehash negative situations especially from the past, we steal the joy from the present moment. Often, we rehash these events in our minds as well as to others. Don't let this be you. The Bible exhorts us to "set our minds on things above" (Col 3:1). For more on how to do this, click here.  This is why mindfulness is so important. We have to "take every thought captive" (2 Cor 10:5). Mindfulness helps us to be more conscious of our thoughts and by making a conscious choice to think on things above, we can stay positive and joyful rather than allowing daily events and other people's problems and circumstances to drag us down and steal our energy. 

5. Put Things in Perspective
A phrase from Al-Anon that I find helpful is to ask myself the question, "How important is it?" Most of the stuff that annoys us on a daily basis is pretty trivial in the big scheme of things, isn't it? It helps to put difficult situations into perspective. As I say in my book, "The Power of Faith", there is always another way to view the negative circumstances of life. I choose to look at them as stepping stones to my growth and to my destiny. When things go awry, I ask myself this question "What can I learn from this?" Things like family conflict and big things like the pandemic and the stock market, which are out of our control, all have lessons to teach us. The question is will we make time to figure out what that lesson is?

Life will always have positives and negatives. It's up to us which we will focus on. We can choose to focus on the good things that happen to us during the course of the day or the bad things. It is a choice we all have to make, whether we realize it or not. What we focus on determines the level of joy in our lives because negative thoughts suck our energy.

6. Do Something Fun
Now remember fun is different from joy. Fun refers to something external. Joy is internal. As a single parent and the oldest child of an alcoholic, I have always been very responsible. Okay, I admit it - too responsible. I have felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders most of my life. I'm realizing that the weight of the world can only rest on God's shoulders; mine are far too weak to bear so much. It is important to have a healthy balance between responsibility and fun. When we feel like we have lost our joy, it's time to go out and do something fun to clear the path for joy to flow. 

Personal Story 
I like to dance. Years ago, someone once told me it is a joy to watch me dance. I thought that was such a nice complement. Dancing not only brings me joy but it brings other people joy as well. It's a win-win scenario.  When the beat of the music is so exhilarating I can't help but move and I guess my joy emanates out to others. 

For Reflection 

What do you like to do for fun? What steals your joy? What situation do you need to let go of to have more peace? Do leave a comment and let us know. 

If you enjoyed this post, consider joining our community by entering your email in the box above. You'll receive my weekly newsletter plus a copy of my NEW and FREE e-guide entitled "How to Develop a Spiritual Practice".  To further your spiritual growth, check out my collection of books here. 

Stay tuned for for more tips on staying positive and faith-filled so you can discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, 

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

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7 Tips to Keep You Jolly This Season

How is your Advent going this year? Are you feeling less than joyful? Too many demands and not enough of you to go round? I think most of us feel this way at year end with so many tasks to attend to, deadlines, ya da ya da. In this week's post I'm sharing some tips on how to keep our joy despite the frenzy of activity going on. 

At this time of year, it is easy to get overly committed, overly tired, and overly stressed but we don't have to allow these things to get to us. So today, I am offering some tips on how to maintain our joy during this hectic December season.  

Choose Your Focus 

So many things to distract us - from healthcare decisions, to financial decisions, to gift-giving decisions. Like Santa's, our list seems endless. The key is FOCUS.

To reset my focus, I use the Advent wreath. As we get closer to Christmas, I light the pink candle. Besides being one of my favorite colors, pink signifies joy and unconditional love. I have a rose quartz pendant I often wear to remind me I am loved unconditionally, even when I sometimes don't feel it so this week I am sharing my tips on how to maintain joy when it seems circumstances are conspiring to steal it from us. 

Despite our circumstances, it is possible to maintain our joy, because joy is both a gift and a choice.

Be Conscious
Whatever comes up in a day, we have to ask ourselves "Is this worth losing my joy over?" The answer is always NO. Joy is what makes us feel alive, energetic, and productive. Without joy, we are like robots, going about our daily business on auto-pilot. We are not motivated to pursue our destinies or our dreams. Think of Ebenezer Scrooge. Now there was a man with no joy. Until he found Christmas.  You can tell if someone has joy just by looking at their face and who wants to live like that?

So here are some tips and reminders to help us all keep our joy this season.

1. Take care of your health. 
Nothing stinks like getting sick, especially around the holidays, so take extra precautions this time of year. Get enough sleep. Drink enough water. Wash your hands. Put on a humidifier to moisten the dry air and keep headaches and coughs at bay. Watch the sugar intake as sugar weakens our immune system making us more susceptible to winter colds and other viruses. 

2. Cut back on activities. 
There are enough extra things to do this time of year: decorating, cooking, baking, shopping, home maintenance and cleaning that are enough to overload anyone. I say NO to anything not Christmas-related. It can all wait till the new year. I say NO to extra commitments as I know what I need to do and I also know stuff always takes more time - and ENERGY - than I anticipate - waiting in lines, going back to the grocery store, finding that special gift, mailing gifts, writing Christmas cards. The list is endless so trim, trim, trim and I don't mean the tree. 

3. Take the pressure off. 
This is a new one for me. I have a habit of pushing myself to get it all done. Well, guess what goes out the window when we pressure ourselves? That's right - JOY! So these days, whenever I start feeling pressured, I stop and ask myself "What can I eliminate right now?" Just taking one thing off our to-do list can make an immediate difference and release the pressure valve. 

4. Lighten up.
Put on something funny to make you and others laugh. I was in the parking lot at Kohl's the other day and this Hindu woman was smiling at me. I wondered why she was beaming at me and then I remembered the Christmas gift box earrings I was wearing. A simple thing like playful earrings can make someone smile. I have also been known to wear antlers and a Rudolph nose in public this time of the year, much to the chagrin of my two sons. Do something light-hearted to feel more child-like and bring joy to others.  

5. Ask yourself what is really important.
It's easy to get stressed about over-cooked cookies, or putting on a few pounds, or the Christmas lights not working. When we snap at little things, there is usually something else going on below the surface. Make time to figure out what is really bothering you. In the big scheme of things though, how important are they? Are they worth losing your peace and joy over? We have to make a deliberate conscious choice to stay joyful and not sweat the little things. If we're not careful, we'll be snapping at loved ones and then feeling guilty later. Keep a pulse on your stress level at all times.  

6. Remember God is still with you. 
As I gaze upon the soft glow of the pink candle, I am reminded that no matter what is going on around me or in me physically, God is still with me. Emmanuel means "God with us".  No matter what has happened, God still loves you and me. He promises never to leave us or forsake us. No matter what is in upheaval or crisis, Jesus brings us peace. I'm learning to hand more things over to Him and give myself the gift of more peace. 

One of my favorite Scriptures verses says this: "Be still and know that I am God". (Ps. 46:10). He will take care of everything that concerns me in His perfect timing and I can trust that things will all work out for my good. Now that is something to be joyful about!

7. Be a blessing. 
Instead of focusing on our problems, what is missing in our lives, and all the ills of society, my suggestion is to do something good. Yup! Be a blessing. I make bags of cookies or biscotti and give them to neighbors and friends. I buy Christmas presents for children whose parents can't. A christmas card is another easy thing to do to bring a smile to someone's face. One year I did an email card with a photo I took of the Cathedral of Chartres I took when I visited France reminding me of the grace and mercy of God. 

When we put our attention on being a blessing, we don't have time for self-pity.  Many people have it so much worse than we do. Remember it is better to give than to receive. Give more and watch your joy meter rise! 

For Reflection
If you are struggling with the busyness and stress of this season, and feel less than joyful, take a few moments to light a candle of your own. Breathe, relax, and let the tension drain from your mind and body. Perhaps read your favorite sacred text or a passage or two of scripture to refocus your thoughts and connect with the Holy Spirit. The book of Psalms or the Christmas story in the Book of John are two good places to start.

Notice how different you feel. How much lighter. Go ahead and relax. Smile, and let your joy be contagious! They say a smile is the greatest gift we can give to someone and it's free!

If you enjoyed this post and would like to join our community and receive my weekly posts, enter your email in the box provided. I'll also send you out a copy of my fee e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path" to read or give to a friend. 

And I am excited to share my newest bbook "Take Back Your Life: 5 Keys to Reclaiming Your Personal Power" is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. Order your copy today get one for a friend and start the New Year off EMPOWERED!

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

Until next time, choose joy and keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

This material is copyrighted. No portion of this material may be copied, reproduced or reprinted without acknowledgment of the author. 

Where to Find Hope at the Holidays

The holidays are upon us and with them come a mixed bag of emotions, fun, stress, drama and anticipation. Perhaps like me, you have lost someone or something you value this year. It may have been a parent, a home, a job, a son or daughter or a relationship. The holidays will not be the same this year, you may be thinking to yourself.

But are they ever the same? A lot changes in the course of a year, doesn't it? Friends get married. Others get divorced. Babies are born. Loved ones die. Old friends move away. New friends come into our lives. Things rarely stay exactly the same as the year before.  Life changes and that is a good thing. The certainty of change means there is always hope.

As the season of Advent begins, the focus for this week is Hope. It is the first gift of Christmas.
It is a time to reflect back on the year and ask ourselves what can we do differently next year to improve our lives, to live closer to God, and to walk more in love. Each of us is on our own path and we each have different lessons to to learn, but learn them we must, if we want to move forward into a more peaceful and abundant life.

We may need to let go of unforgiveness or bitterness; be more grateful, generous, less self-centered. We may need to laugh more and stress less; surrender more and control less, trust more, and fear less. We are on the potter's wheel. In other words, God is molding us into His likeness and He uses the circumstances of life to change us. In every trial, there is a hidden treasure in the form of a lesson to be gleaned and applied to our lives.

Whatever changes have happened in your life this year, fret not. God can and will work it all out for your good. It is all a matter of trust and timing.
 
Where is your hope this season?  Is it in your job? Your relationships? Your family? Your bank account? People and things are subject to change in the blink of an eye. Rather, I choose to put my hope in the dependable and unchanging person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever changes are going on in my life, I know I can stay steady because I hold on to Him. When others abandon us, Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us. When finances are tight, Jesus promises to provide for all our needs. When we are stressed and anxious, Jesus promises us his peace. Who else can make and keep these promises?

This Advent season, I encourage you to put your hope in the Lord. No matter what changes you may have experienced this year, God's grace will be sufficient for you. Allow Him to change you. Be a prisoner of hope and see God give you double for your trouble. (Zech. 9:12)

If this post has encouraged and you'd like to receive my bi-weekly posts plus my free guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path", enter your email in the box provided and do pass it on to your friends. Someone you know may need a little hope this season.

Until next week, stay tuned for more on healing, wholeness, and harmony and as always, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

Ignite the Power Within Step 4: How to Win in the Game of Life

Baseball season is upon us and Baltimore is  once again full of hopeful excitement. Loyal Orioles fans pack the stadium sporting their orange and white jerseys, ready to watch the game and socialize with friends and loved ones. Kids hug their blue cotton candy and the smell of hotdogs activates our taste buds.

Imagine a runner rounding the bases at full speed. Excitement mounts as he heads toward home base. Sensing the urgency of the moment, he makes a courageous dive towards the plate, the fans hold their breath and then the umpire signals "You're out!"

As I watched the game this past weekend, I was reminded that life is like baseball in more ways than one. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball. Other times we strike out a time or two.  It could be a broken relationship, the death of a loved one, an unresolved health issue, or a financial setback. It could even be a grand slam of all of the above. What to do then?

At such times, it is imperative that we pull out the secret weapon we all have deep within.  I call it the power of Faith: an amazing gift we each have been given to help us cope with the curve balls of life. Some of us, for whatever reason, get thrown more curves than others, but we must trust that a power greater than ourselves has a plan and a purpose for each time we strike out.

When we realize we have this great gift, despite the odds and our circumstances, Faith gives us the ability to stay in the game. Yes, it takes courage and yes, it takes strength but when we activate our faith during the tough times of life, God gives us both of these. He equips and empowers us to do what we need to do even when the game seems all but lost.

Just as we need to strengthen our physical muscles to handle the demands of life we also need to strengthen our spiritual muscle. As I share in my book, "The Power of Faith", there are specific steps you can take to develop your personal power so you will be equipped when life throws you a curve ball.

So, next time you feel like you've struck out once again, remember every play can teach us something about ourselves, others, life, and God. If you enjoyed this post, join our community and  enter your email in the box provided. You'll also recieve my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path".

Until next time, stay in the game and keep your eye on the ball. You're bound to hit a home run sooner or later!

Ariel Paz 

5 Ways to Get through a Rough Winter

Are you feeling the winter blues? Lack energy or motivation? Relax because you're not alone. Winter is a tough time for many. The days are darker. The weather is bitter cold and the extra stress and demands of dealing with snow and ice can put the grouch into anybody. But there are some things we can do to make the best of a rough season.

1. Make time to nurture yourself and turn inward. Winter is a great time for reflection. Slow down enough to think about what you want to change this year, rethink your diet, and get the rest the body needs during harsh winters.

2. Declutter your home. There is something about getting rid of junk and seeing a clean place that lifts one's spirit and helps us focus on what we really want in our homes and in our lives. Check out my Pinterest board on Living a Simpler Life. 

3. Organize your finances. Tax season is upon us and it is a perfect time to rethink how we spend our time and our money. Get a good filing system set up. Track your expenses.

4. Don't use the weather as an excuse to not exercise. Exercise is a must. It keeps the heart pumping, the muscles strong, and the body flexible. Winter is a great time to take a yoga or Pilates class. If the weather is bad, pop in an exercise dvd or dial into youtube.com and get moving. Need some ideas? Visit my Pinterest board on health, diet and exercise tips. 

5. Try out a new hobby. There is something motivating about learning something new. A few ideas you can do in the winter months are: learn a new language online, discover the joy of cooking, or practice meditation. I like to try new recipes and I can't wait to use my new Panini grill pan.

How we view winter and the rough seasons of life, has a lot to do with our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being during tough times. Like I say in my book, "The Power of Faith", there will always be positives and negatives in life. It is up to us which we will choose to focus on.

I hope these tips and suggestions will help you see the bright side of a dark winter. What will you do this winter to make it more enjoyable? Love to hear from you. If you'd like to receive your free copy of my e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path" enter your email address in the box provided.

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

In the meantime, stay warm and keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

All rights reserved. If you wish to use this material, email me at arielpaz08@gmail.com.

How to Conquer Negativity and Have More Joy

Negative thoughts and feelings come to us all. This is normal. Negativity steals our joy and our energy. If we allow them, they will lead us down the proverbial rabbit hole into despair, depression, and lethargy. This is because negative thoughts take up more space in our brains, but there is something we can do to stop them. Today, I am going to encourage you to become more aware of your negative thoughts and feelings and give you practical tips on how to counter-act them so you can have more joy and energy and spend less time down in the dumps.

1. Be aware of how we are feeling.
I can testify, this takes practice. I'm still working on it as I was raised to ignore my feelings and it's only in the past few years that I have learned this is an unhealthy way to live.

We need to slow down and get quiet so we can identify what we are feeling. When we are on the run all the time or absorbed in tv, the internet, or our phones, we can't connect to our inner selves. We need to disconnect from all the electronics and the activities and just be still. I actually have some of those yellow sticky notes on my computer monitor to remind me to check in with my feelings. It has to become a regular practice.

2. Be aware of what we are thinking.
Our feelings come from our thoughts. If we allow negative thoughts to run wild, we will constantly feel down, depressed, and lacking energy. We won't be able to fulfill the destiny and purpose we each have. Joy promotes energy and when we are low on joy, we are low on energy.

This is where mindfulness and meditation practices can help. Check out my posts on these two practices that train us to be more aware of the thousands of thoughts that flit through our minds on any given day.

3. Counter-act negative thoughts with the truth.
Once we recognize the negative tapes playing in our minds, we need to take the next step. What we may not realize is that we don't have to dwell on these negative thoughts and feelings nor accept them as truth. Some things we have believed for years. Today is the day to put them in the dumpster.

Negative thoughts come from a place of low self-worth. Thoughts such as:
"I'm too fat." "I'm too old." "I too dumb". "I'm too unattractive" "I'm too clumsy" "I'm too lazy". "Nobody cares about me" bombard us regularly. If we want to live happy, healthy, and fruitful lives we have to reprogram our thinking.

Old thought patterns need to be replaced with newer, healthier thought patterns. This is where I use the word of God because God is truth. Whatever God says about me is true. God says this about you and me:
"I am loved" (John 3:16).
"I am a child of God" (John 1:12)
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps. 139:14)
"God has a plan and a purpose for my life" (Jer 29:11)
"I am never alone" (Deut. 31:6)
"God cares for me" (Math. 6:26)
"God sees every tear I have shed" (Ps. 56:8)

So there you have a practical step-by-step process to help you conquer your joy stealers. Implement this process and see how you begin to feel. Write and let me know how it goes for you.

If you enjoyed this post and would like to become a member of our community, enter your email in the box provided. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". Feel free to pass it on to a friend.

Until next time, stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you ignite the power within and discover YOUR destiny!

Ariel Paz 

How to Find Joy in the Tough Times

As I watch the recap of the events of this year, I realize how desperate the times have become. It can be depressing to watch too much of the news these days. Yet Christmas is upon us and once again we have the opportunity to receive the true gifts Christ came to bring: hope, peace, joy, and love. Despite the difficult circumstances of our lives, it is still possible to have joy when we know what it is and where to find it.

So many years ago, the angels proclaimed tidings of great joy at the birth of the baby Jesus. What is joy exactly? Have you ever thought about it? Is it the same as happiness? Many mistake joy and happiness for the same thing, but they are not.

At a Christmas party here at my complex a few years ago, I had quite a lively discussion with some neighbors about the differences between joy, happiness, and contentment. Seems folks have very different takes on what each of these are.

"I'm content", I commented.
"You mean you're settling," he said.
"No, I am content. At peace with my life."
"Well, I'd rather be happy," he said.
"Happiness depends on our circumstances and is temporary," I countered.
"Contentment is boring," he replied.
"What about joy?" I asked.
No answer.

I decided to take a poll at a nearby table and asked what everyone thought. The question precipitated quite a variety of answers.

Philosophers define happiness in terms of the good life. The Declaration of Independence says that "the pursuit of happiness" is an inalienable right. Happiness speaks to the external qualities of life such as health, wealth, & beauty. Happiness has to do with our feelings and like our feelings, happiness can change in an instant. It's easy to feel good when all is well, but what happens when our external circumstances change? Our finances take a nose dive? The doctor gives us bad news or a relationship blows up in our face? What then?

When circumstances are hard and happiness eludes you, consider the deeper gift of Joy.

Joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart that comes from knowing who God is and how much He loves you. Here is a good explanation of Joy.

It does not come from new clothes or jewelry, a new car,  relationships, or anything external. These things may make us happy for a while, but they do not bring us true joy. True Joy comes from connecting with the Spirit of God. When I am connected to God and my circumstances fail to provide me with the temporal happiness my flesh craves, Joy still pervades my soul and my spirit. Consider this verse from Ecclesiastes 2:26 :

"For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God."


Joy is a gift of God that Jesus came to bring us at this time of year. Jesus came to earth so that we may know God and that we may receive his gifts. Jesus is a choice we make.

Kay Warren, wife of Pastor Rick Warren, suffered the lost of their son through suicide. Talk about devastating circumstances. Here is what she has to say about joy.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/kay-warren-saddleback-church-co-founder-helps-christians-to-choose-joy-71725/

If your circumstances are less than perfect or the events of this world are getting you down this holiday season, do not despair. You can still find  joy.

If you are broken-hearted, sad, or grieving, you can still find joy.

If you are stressed out with all the demands of the season, relax. You can still find joy.

Christmas reminds us once again that God promises to always be with us, no matter where we are or what we are going through. Jesus' name "Emmanuel" means exactly that "God with us".

So today, if you have lost the joy in your life, I encourage you to find time to meet with the Giver of Joy and get to know the Christ-child, Jesus, this season. He will fill you will an unexplicable joy that never changes.

If you enjoyed this post and you'd like to receive my bi-weekly posts, please enter your name in the email box provided. I'll also send you out a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path" to help you along your way. 

Until next time, Merry Christmas and as always, keep looking up!

Ariel

The Power of Our Words

Words have great impact. Think of Martin Luther King's speech "I have a dream" or Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Words can motivate us to action, uplift our spirits, and fill us with hope. The right words at the right time can move mountains and stir us to become better than we are.

Words can also wound and to destroy.  A thoughtless comment can do much damage. Many times, often in a moment of frustration, the wrong words come out before we realize and we inflict an emotional scar on a loved one. Words can wound in an instant, but it may take years for the wounds to heal.

What We Say to Our Kids
A parent's words are critical to the healthy self-esteem of a child. A child's perception of themselves is formed by what they are told about themselves, regardless of whether they are true or not.  Parents, teachers, siblings - all can impact a young child. I remember being told "You're too sensitive" hence I grew up ignoring and suppressing my feelings. I learned to overlook hurtful and abusive behaviors, because I believed the lie that I was "too sensitive". Today, I listen to my feelings and emotions. They are God-given and I need to respect them. We also need to pay attention to what we are saying to ourselves and others.

What We Say to Ourselves
Are we honoring and respecting ourselves? Or are we saying things like "I'm too fat, too dumb, too old, too lazy, too whatever." What we say about ourselves comes true. It's like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Turn it around. Start saying positive things about yourself. We get enough negativity from the media, the magazines and other people. We need to be our own cheer-leaders.

What We Say to Others 
Are we honoring and respecting others or are we making "jokes" at their expense? Sarcasm is very common today as a form of humor, but Oswald Chambers, the great theologian, said this: "Sarcasm is the weak man's weapon." 

Are our words "seasoned with salt", pleasing to the ear, and uplifting to the hearer? Or are they critical, judgmental and harsh? If so, it may be time to make a change. Anthony Robbins talks about this in his book "Awaken the Giant Within". He talks about how we can change the impact of negative words by changing the words we use and increase the positive power of words in the same way.

Be Kind
My mom has a phrase I'm sure you've heard. "You can get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." Kind words are easy to digest. They go down like a spoon full of sugar, as Mary Poppins would say. There is a difference between kind words and flattery. Flattery is fake. Kind words are genuine. Kindness is a fruit of the spirit. Here are 3 criteria we can use to measure our words:

1) Is it kind?
2) Is it necessary?
3) Is it truthful?

If the answer to these is NO, it may be best to remain silent.

I hope this post has encouraged you. We all can be more cognizant of the words that come out of our mouths. Every day is a gift and an opportunity to practice so forgive yourself for yesterday and resolve to do better today.

If you'd like a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path" enter your email address in the box provided.

Until next time, be kind to yourself and others, and keep looking up!

Ariel 

This is Only a Test

Has the weather got you down? Things taking longer than you'd like to change? Traffic getting on your nerves? Or maybe you've picked up a few pounds, lost your job, or are just plain stressed out by life in general? It seems winter can be a particularly grueling season to get thru. If so, you are not alone, trust me. Everywhere I go people are asking the same question "Is this ever going to end?" And the answer is always yes. Or as I like to say "This too, shall pass."

Trials and difficulties are not unusual. Things don't happen as quickly as we'd like. Our plans get side-tracked by accidents, illnesses, or other unforeseen circumstances. I call them tests. What irritates you? What makes you lose your peace? What makes you ditch the diet and hit the sweets or the peanut butter? If you stop to take a look at your life, I bet you'll
see a few patterns of your own.                          

This week, I've had a lot of tests and I'm sure you have as well. Like when the smoke detector on my cathedral ceiling went off at 4 am. Or when the heavily coughing neighbor stepped into the elevator with me. Or when I couldn't get the casters on the newly delivered office chair to fit into the base.

Every day is usually a series of tests. Will I be kind? Will I guard my tongue? Will I not react? Will I ask for help? Will I trust? Will I be positive? Will I reach out to help someone else? Will I be generous? Will I be patient?

A good day is when I only have one or two tests and I pass them both. When I reflect back on my day, I think about how well I handled a certain situation. Then there are those days when I remember  how I reacted or what I said or thought and have to ask the good Lord for forgiveness. Self-reflection can be quite a humbling experience, that's for sure.

The good news is every day we start with a clean slate.  God's mercies are fresh every morning. I try not to hold a grudge against anyone, including God or myself. Forgiveness is the key to moving on and staying in peace and living in joy. Faith is knowing that whatever happens, God will see us thru it.

So, what kind of tests have you had this week? Pick one scenario that really gets your goat and then resolve to be at peace with it the next time it happens. Resolve to have faith and trust God to provide whatever is needed for the situation and He will. All we have to do is ask.

Until next time, repeat after me "This is a test. This is only a test." Before you know it, you'll be speeding along the highway of life and getting an "A" on the quiz!

Ariel Paz 

You've Got What It Takes!

Totally equipped and fully loaded. My new car came just like this. Everything I could possibly need in a vehicle and more. The windshield wipers turn on when they detect rain. The lights go on when it gets dark. The side mirrors light up and beep when a car is in my blind side. Navigation system to get me to my destination.

I ask you, what more could one ask for? My car is equipped with absolutely everything I needed and more and guess what?  He's given US everything WE need to operate on this journey to faith as well.

We, too, are totally equipped and fully loaded. Yup. We have the full armor of God which includes the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the spirit, the helmet of salvation, and the shoes of peace (Ephesians 6).

God promises to wipe away every tear that falls. He gives us light for our blind spots and a
Navigation system to direct our path, otherwise known as the Word of God.

We've got the oil of the Holy Spirit to fill our tanks up and smooth the ride when we feel like we're running on empty and the road ahead is bumpy. So when life zaps the oomph out of you, spend a few moments in quiet prayer and meditation. Be still and listen. Know that He is Lord. No matter what others say to or about you, remember that Jesus loves YOU and you've got what it takes!

http://www.zimbio.com/watch/GOMWFh55f-O/Michael+Buble+Baby+ve+Got+Takes/Michael+Buble


And the Mazda goes ZOOM ZOOM!

Visit my Mazda dealership in Lutherville and tell Eddie I said hello. And remember, always keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

6 Ways to Keep Life in Balance

Anyone watch the first game of the NBA finals last night? His team losing after a close game, Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs had possession of the ball. And then he lost his balance and stumbled. LeBron James, of the Miami Heat, thought he had him covered, but no, Parker continued to dribble and, with seconds left in the game, lifted the ball into the air and made the shot. Referees had to review the play to make sure it beat the clock. Isn't that the way life goes sometimes?

We play along in the game of life, trying to make the shot, call the shots, beat our opponents. We think we have it all covered and then - we lose our balance. Out of the blue, something happens. It could be a job loss. A loved one dies. A bad health report or any of the host of trials and tragedies that befall the human race.

We all lose our balance at times, don't we? We all stumble along the road of life once in a while. Sometimes the stumble keeps us down and takes us out of the game. But other times, by the grace of God, we are able to keep going, keep moving, and stay in the game. Sometimes, the most painful stumbles lead to our sweetest victories.

When you're going through a tough time, don't be afraid to reach out. If you're worried what others think, don't. We are all human and we all go through stuff. God allows trials to grow us up and draw us closer to one another and to Him. In this age of rapid-fire technology and fast-paced living, we forget to make time to connect - with one another, with ourselves, and with God.

In the end, that's what it really is all about. In the end, that's what the trials and tragedies are meant to teach us in the school of life. Some tricks I have found to keeping my balance in life are:

1) Slow down. And I mean slow WAY down. Try to adjust my life to the flow of God.
2) Focus on the 5 Fs in life: fitness, finances, family, future and fun. Notice that fun is last.
3) Live in the present. No worrying about yesterday or tomorrow. Enjoy the moment.
4) Be generous. Give to others of your time, money, and love. Remember Luke 6:38,"Give and it shall be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
5) Be thankful. "In everything, give thanks for this is the will of  God for you in Christ Jesus." (1  Thess 5:18)
and finally,
6) Be joyful.  Don't let life's stumbles steal my joy. "The joy of the Lord is my strength." (Neh. 8:10)

Enjoy your day, stay in the game and above all, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

Dreams Do Come True!

Do you have a dream? A burning desire within your heart? If you look deep enough, I'm sure you do. Allow me to share one of my dreams with you.

I love to travel. For many years now, I have had a strong desire to visit Argentina. Why? I don't exactly know. The desire was kindled years ago when the first Argentine tall ship came into port in Baltimore. The crew was enamored because I was trying to speak their language and showed me a map of their country explaining how diverse it was and how I just had to come visit. The seed was planted.

Fast forward over a decade. I tried to make big vacation plans for the past two years and each time, the plans fell through for one reason or another. This year, I decided to plan to go to Argentina and Brazil, while I was there, of course. As the weeks and months of searching for that perfect tour went by, I was so bummed and ready to give up. "Not again, Lord. Can't I go on a nice vacation?" I asked. Silence.

"Follow your dream," my massage therapist encouraged.

And so I did. I kept pursuing, seeking, asking questions and of course, fervently praying. I always keep in mind if something is the Lord's will for my life or not. And then, the exact itinerary I had wanted showed up and things fell into place! My travel agent was just as excited, if not more so. "Oh, Senora, I am so happy for you!" she bubbled everytime we spoke.

So tomorrow I fly to South America. Who knows what adventures await? What wondrous sights will I behold? As I pack my bags, I stopped to write this post to encourage all of you, my friends, to follow your dreams, whatever they may be and however impossible they may seem. If things aren't working out in one direction, perhaps it is because the Lord has something so much better in mind for you in another direction.

Until next time, follow your dreams and keep looking up!

Ariel 

The Purpose of Pain

My knee starts hurting and I have to take a break from jogging. My foot aches and I need to buy arch supports and lower heels. My blood pressure is high and I need to relax more. Seems like it's always something these days. Can you relate?

Pain gets my attention for sure. When birthing my two sons, there was no way I was going to "tough it out". "Give me some pain medicine," I said clutching my doctor's arm when those contractions hit their crescendo. I do not like pain.

Pain comes in different forms: physical, emotional, mental. Perhaps it is a broken bone, a wounded relationship or a fractured thought pattern.

But most pain has a purpose - to get my attention and to teach me something. Pain slows me down and gets me to focus on the problem area. It interupts my daily activities and changes my priorities. If seen from this perspective, pain can be a blessing. It is a warning sign that something is wrong and needs attention.

Of course, I can always ignore the warning signs and carry on along my merry way, but that is usuallly not wise. Proverbs 27:12 (NLT)says "The prudent forsees danger and takes precautions, but the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."

So it all depends on how we view our pain. We can moan and complain or we can do something about it. I like to say "Don'waste the pain - learn from it." And finally, pain gives us compassion for others. Everyone is hurting in some way and when we hurt, we are able to empathize more with what others are going through.

If you're going through a painful situation right now, I hope this encourages you to persevere and look for the good. Do leave me a comment or pass this on to a friend in need.

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel