Revive, Rejuvenate, Refocus

This is a picture of myself and several friends who recently attended a women’s conference together. You can tell that the theme of this particular conference was Covered. Covered by what you say? Covered by the protection of the Holy Spirit. We had a wonderful time of corporate praise and worship. We had a great message with all of us and then we attended breakout sessions of our own choosing. I have been so overwhelmed lately I just had one of my beautiful friends place me in the sessions she thought would be a good fit. Except for one because I already knew the teacher and I knew she would be excellent and of course she was.

Please stay with me even if you are not a Christian, I believe there will be something useful for someone in doing so.

You all know that I have a busy schedule. Actually, maybe this is the first time that you are reading my blog. I work full time, take care of my mother, help with grandkids, serve at church and the least goes on. I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately and needed to just take a break and enjoy being with other women who share some of my interest. I did not realize how much it would help to revive me. I learned so many things at this conference. The number one thing I have taken with me is that I must be careful not to isolate myself from others, during this super busy time. I am a bit of a loner and thought I did not need to spend time with others who think as I do. I was wrong we do need each other. I have another beautiful friend who is like me in that we do not truly trust others. We keep most at bay because of this. I think she and I are both a work in progress. I know that we can have friendships and keep safe boundaries without building our walls. My walls are comfortable, God moves us when we are comfortable.

The following week there was another conference. This one was called INSPIRE. This one was different in that it was geared more toward people who have a ministry. I waited until the very last day to sign up. I felt guilty for taking a Friday off to attend. I felt in my spirit I needed to attend. I am so thankful that I did. There is nothing like a corporate time of Praise and Worship. One where hearts are open, hands are raised, and we are truly worshiping the Lord. It is different than just doing church. My statement is not meant to offend I know you can worship without raising your hands, but there is just something in surrendering to God with abandon that quickens the soul. The message I walked away with most is right now I am more like Hagar. I am in a situation I did not choose; however, God still sees me. He will still bless me even though I do not always handle my stress in the best way. He understands and sees me.

My spirit was revived by these two conferences. I have been blessed that I am able to hear more clearly from the Lord. I will share some of these experiences in my next blog.

I have also taken the time to do more of what I enjoy. I may have to leave the house not quite up to my standards…. Dishes in the sink, dust on the floor, etc. I am a bit of a clean freak. I am learning to just let it be for a moment they will be there when I return, and the world will not come to an end.

This is one of my passions. I love to ride and feel the wind in my face. It is a family kind of thing. This one was just in the yard not on the big rode lol. My little grandson’s words not mine. It has been several years since I have been able to ride. Luckily for me my brother from another mother sent me a bike to ride. He knows I miss it. Sounds so simple doesn’t it. Sometimes it is that simple. I have been able to ride for about 40 minutes twice this week. Let me tell you is has rejuvenated me quite a bit. It has helped me just relax and have nothing on my mind except God and the wind in my face. Very relaxing for me. I am grateful for it.

Looking a little rough huh? This is me about 6:00 am every morning. Guess what by this time in the morning I have already strength trained and am in the middle of my cardio session. This helps me to refocus on my goals and be a better person. I feel I can conquer the day if I begin it this way. It helps me with my mood, and it just helps me feel more accomplished. Making my bed in the am helps me do that too. I had a goal to do a practice prep for a physic competition. I did not quite get there by my 53rd birthday so I am moving my deadline out one more month I am almost there.

I am refocusing my intent and goals for the rest of the year. We can easily get distracted by the cares of this world. I encourage you surround yourself with likeminded people. Have a goal make steps to accomplish it. Use what works for you and discard what does not.

I cannot control everything that happens to me. I can control how I react to it. Instead of saying why me I can say what is it that I can learn from this situation? Instead of saying to myself why in the world would you think you can do this or that I will say why not me. When I am overwhelmed, I will take action to rejuvenate, revive and refocus. I will let people in, I will ride in the wind, I will spend time with God, I will stop and just enjoy the laughter of my grand angels. There is a special kind of joy in the laughter of a child.

I leave you with this. If you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed think about what revives you. Then do it. Do the same for rejuvenation and refocus. I encourage you to make a list of all the things that bring you joy and then do them. Sometimes life is hard, and we forget what those things are. Let’s all remember them and then go DO THEM!!