Missing the Old, But Moving On

A few years ago, I became attached to a certain location because it was where a new season and chapter began in my life. The surrounding conveniences seemed to make living there the ideal setting. Despite hopes of remaining in the area, that was not to be. So we moved further away.

For a long time, my mind and heart dwelled upon sentimental memories of the old place. But I knew that progress sometimes means inconvenience. Moving forward requires adjustment to where one is now and wants to be or do in the future. So I tried concentrating on my purpose and my blessings where I'm currently living. I learned to find new activities to embrace, even if it meant doing them alone.

Sometimes an unpleasant move can open doors to similar hobbies, career/business, social/spiritual affiliations in the new area, even if they're not exactly local. These may be sources of meeting compatible, helpful people. Even though I anticipate returning to my old county in the near future, others in my position may find it more realistic to discover more potential in the new location. If you're in that situation, dwell on what you might have missed if you hadn't moved.

Life doesn't have to be unsatisfactory

As you're reading this, chances are that at one point in life, you hit a bump in the road where you were just dissatisfied with your progress. Maybe it was about disappointment with your career, hating your job, a soured relationship or marriage, or anything else. Failure and feelings of vanity can make anyone think he or she is worthless and without a future.

But I think everyone was born with some potential. If you're feeling distressed about where you are now, take a look at your abilities, talents, and skills.

• Ask friends and relatives about the strengths they've observed in you.


• Check out opportunities to display your gifts: a job, hobby, at church, recreation, school, club/organizations, etc.


• Make friends at these locations who can encourage, mentor, and open other doors for you.


• Look for ways to help others who are less fortunate than you. This can help you become less self-absorbed.


• Don't compare yourself with others who seem to have it all. You're one-of-a-kind, and not like anyone else. Some who are up today may be down tomorrow.

Speaking of uniqueness, consider that sometimes God allows dissatisfaction that money, success, entertainment, friends, and things won't fulfill. I've been there and I know the feeling. God wants your attention in a relationship. It's just that life isn't about us; it's about fulfilling our purpose: to do every non-sinful thing for and become like God in character. It's about a relationship that's meant to last forever, after friends, money, health, good times, achievements and everything else are gone. A relationship starts by asking Jesus Christ to come into your heart, that He would forgive you of all your sins. Thank Him for dying for you, and that you believe that He rose from the dead. Tell Him that you'll live for Him. Then stay in contact by talking to the Lord everyday, and follow His Life Manual (the Bible) daily. Make friends at a local Bible-teaching, Holy Spirit-led church, and tell others about Jesus.

The Problem with Running From Problems

Not surprisingly, we face situations sooner or later that seem so overwhelming that we just either want to escape, or find someone strong enough to help us.

Then there are some who don't do either, but try to pretend the problems don't exist. It's kind of like the person I heard about who had problems with his car. To drown out the car's noise as he drove, he just turned up the radio volume louder and louder.

But I think the more you ignore problems, the greater they can grow. The results could be more life-threatening or devastating to a relationship. If you deal with the issues while they are small or manageable now, they may be solved faster.

Running from them could mean they catch up with you later, especially if you're part of the problem. Certain difficulties may also be growing opportunities. They can help one to mature, to face more difficult problems in the future. They should help one to be more patient, to be a better parent, student, employee, businessperson, or help others less fortunate.

No motivation to work?

Years ago, I hated the family business and felt imposed upon to do what I never wanted to do. I was resentful and at times, uncooperative. Failure in my own career goals didn't make things any easier. Still as time passed, I tried to look for some advantages for being where I was and to be thankful for what I didn't have to put up with as some do on their regular jobs.

So, if you're lacking motivation to go to work or just plain hate your job, consider the following:

1. Remind yourself that your current employment is temporary. Think about the reason(s) for being there.


2. Your purpose at that job is to work. Forget about your co-workers' habits and issues. Skip majoring in minors. You never know who may be watching your performance. Other than God, that is, because He sees, hears, and knows everything we do, say, and think. What we sow, we reap.


3. Your faithfulness at where you are now may take you places you never dreamed of. But you could miss out if you were to quit now.


4. If you have a relationship with God, you should perform on the job as though you're doing it for Him, and not your boss. Then He'll reward you in ways you might not expect. That's what He's done with me, and told me about His future plans for my life. So I know the best for me is yet to come.

This is not about religion, but a relationship. If you let Him guide you, He'll provide you the energy, motivation, wisdom and understanding needed to fulfill your goals according to His will.

A relationship with God starts by asking Jesus Christ to come into your heart, and that He would forgive you of all your sins.

Thank Him for dying for you, and that you believe that He rose from the dead. Tell Him that you'll live for Him.

Then talk to God everyday, follow His Life Manual daily from the Bible, beginning with St. John from an easy-reading version.

Make friends at a local Bible-teaching church.

Getting over being too Shy

I used to be in an emotional "box" to avoid ridicule, personal attack, or embarassment. But now I know who I am, and have just as much right to an opinion as the next person. I can choose to refrain from saying things that cause harm or lead to arguments, or make good conversation that can help.

It took getting to know myself better, and being more careful of how I think before speaking. Sometimes, what a person says influences how he or she feels. What you think or say of yourself, you become. So now I listen more closely before deciding on whether I should say anything. If there's something I can contribute, I'll add to the conversation. If I share similar interests or experiences, I may mention them to help break the ice. Or get the point across that I disagree.

Nowhere: A town of complacency & rejected opportunity

I've found that there are two major groups of people when it comes to progress: producers and consumers. Producers are aggressive and seek to change the status quo. They're risk-takers who prepare themselves and aren't hindered by obstacles. At the other end, there are those who have potential and the opportunity, but don't want to do anything to move forward. Some consumers are whiners who wish for more and criticize the people who just get things done.



The reason why certain people don't try to excel is that they like their comfort zone, predictable settings, and freedom from challenges. They may be fearful of potential failure at the next level, or loss of friends. They may hate to learn something new or assume more responsibility. Threat of confrontations, mistakes, different personalities, and other issues are difficult for some passive people to handle.


As I get older, I'm learning to be bold enough to take risks. I've decided that when I make a mistake, to learn from it and move on. My goal is to fulfill my God-given purpose, not make excuses.

To whom much is given, much is required. In other words, great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!

Why Suicide?

I'm amazed at the numerous online postings people make about considering suicide. It proves that we're not designed to be self-sufficient. There's only so much we can take. If you're reading this and believe you've reached the end of your rope, think about this:

We all have alot to live for. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not talking about religion, but a relationship: God created us to be like Him in character, to flourish, to live in abundance, for His pleasure. This is enough of a reason to live.

If everyone abandoned you, God would still take care of you if you put Him first. This relationship starts by trusting, confessing Jesus Christ with your mouth, and believing in your heart that He rose from the dead. Then you'll be saved from wrong living and eternal destruction. He made you, gave you talents, skills, and abilities you probably haven't discovered yet. They are all meant for you to use for God. If you keep Him first in your heart, He'll draw closer and show you how to live, and guide you in the right path.

If you didn't know, suicide is still murder. Unrepented murderers don't go to heaven when they die. Those who lived in disobedience to God spend eternity in hell, where there's no relief from suffering or torment. Don't fall for the idea that when you die, that's the end of existence. Unlike lower animals, our souls live on.

If you want a fresh start to go in a better direction, it takes only a little faith that God, the only One who really knows you, will help you. But you must believe He will. He helped me when I was miserable, and He still does. I'm not that tormented, insecure, crybaby, introverted, and frustrated person I used to be.

Let God do a new thing in you and pray the following aloud:
"Dear Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive me of my sin. Wash me and cleanse me. Set me free. Jesus, thank You that You died for me. I believe that You are risen from the dead and that You’re coming back again for me. Fill me with the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord for saving me. I’m forgiven and I’m on my way to Heaven because I have Jesus in my heart. Amen."

If you meant what you just prayed, Congratulations, and welcome to the family of God! Be sure to tell someone you've accepted Jesus Christ into your life.

Keep the relationship going by
o Talking to God everyday about everything. Spend time alone with Him, ask for His help, in the name of Jesus Christ
o Reading, meditating, and applying His Word daily from the Bible to your life. Start with St. John and I John from the Message or Amplified Bible version.
o Making friends at a local Bible-teaching, Holy Spirit-led church, where you can be encouraged in your walk of faith
o Telling others about Jesus Christ.