An Exercise in Serenity

I like to be in control and foolishly try to handle problems all by myself, and end up carrying them around like a stone necklace.  It's only when the necklace get too heavy that I humbly, albeit, reluctantly, take it to the Foot of the Cross. Although the weight is lifted and replaced with serenity, my ego gets in the way and I take it back ... Guess what?  The necklace is heavier the second time around. 

"Letting Go, and Letting God" is difficult for a control freak ...but using the following "Exercise in Serenity" has proven to be quite helpful:

MATERIALS

*A box with a slot, lock and key.

*A pen.

*A piece of paper

DIRECTIONS

*On the piece of paper, write down your problems.

*Fold the paper and drop it in the box.

*Throw away the key and

*Say this prayer:

Heavenly Father, with faith and trust I turn these problems over to you.  I believe You and only You hold the key to serenity.  Amen.

MASKS

Advertisements for Halloween costumes are all over the place right now, and ... uh, oh ... it got me thinking.

We all wear masks from time to time; we have to.  There are situations where our true feelings or reactions would not be socially acceptable or, in the worse case scenario ... even illegal.  What we need to realize is there is one mask we wear that can interfere with our lives.  A false persona is created ... usually due to the unfortunate notion of not being good enough.  That notion subsequently prevents us from forming a genuine relationship with God and others.

God doesn't make mistakes.  We need to trust Him ~ remember, He created each one of us in His image.  We need to embrace who we are; establish an honest relationship with ourselves.  Then, and only then, can we form a true and lasting relationship with Him and others.

Psalms 139:13-14

You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!

My very self you know.