#livingafaithfilledlife

[agr8fulsoul]

Have you ever woken up to an early morning bird song, while the skies are still dark? It's a wonderful reminder of faith! *** Put me where you need me, Lord. Use me for your great glory. Help my faith be strong enough to conquer any doubts or fears. Amen. #birdsong #livingafaithfilledlife #livingaGr8fullife #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ643xVOM7c/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

Taken from my devotional this morning. We all have a past. Shameful things we want to keep hidden. Whatever they are, they are painful to even recollect, let alone bring forward into the light of today. God already knows them. And He has forgiven you for them. AND He loves you regardless. If that isn't a joyous message, I don't know what is! Give someone else grace today for THEIR faults. Instead of responding with anger or mean words, take a step back, quietly, and regroup. Think about it before you say or do anything. Say a quick prayer. And then .... Perhaps a hug.... A shoulder squeeze and kind word... Or, simply say that you need some time to think about things before you go on. #forgiveusourtresspasses #livingafaithfilledlife #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CZekqrurUNQ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

The book of Psalms holds so much hope. It's full of raw emotions. It has it all, because life has it all. This scripture lifts me up whenever I read it. I hope it does the same for you. #psalms #livingafaithfilledlife #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CZZie12lB0v/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

When chaos is raining down all around you and threatening to swamp your lifeboat, there's no time to stop bailing and think about blessings. No time at all. Scoop and bail. Scoop and bail. Exhausting. Do the best you can and remember that you are not alone. Not for one second. And He will keep you safe in every storm. #livingafaithfilledlife #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CYtkH_vltNr/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

Whether you want to believe it or not, the biggest roadblock for personal growth is (pause for dramatic effect): you. Yes, you. Look within yourself and identify your core values - the ones that resonate deep inside and are firmly rooted. They are linked to your personal passions - what you desire, what you need to be fully satisfied, what you want in order to change and grow. You won't compromise or minimize them. They are fundamental. As basic as your need for water and nourishment, to be perfectly frank. And still, you may be shoving them back into a corner of your life's closet and covering them with old tennis rackets and bowling shoes! (You have to admit, you pictured a dark closet stuffed with old stuff just now, didn't you?!?) Those discarded possessions are your 'roads not taken'. We all have them. We all wonder, what if I had done this or that instead? We all think about it. Second guessing is pretty normal. But we can't change the past. We CAN, however, make our choices for our futures. Have you ever imagined where you might go and the person you might grow into with the chances and choices that are ahead of you?? Everything in life is a choice. You make choices every day, throughout your day, through your entire life. Make your choices based on your passions and core values. Refuse to compromise on them and stay true to yourself. Watch your life change. (It will be exciting!) #choose wisely #livingaGr8fullife #livingafaithfilledlife #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CYrLHZalhZZ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

Sometimes, it seems like life is a series of missteps, mistakes and misfortunes. And not much else! When you're mired in 'misses', it's damn tough to see beyond the rim of the rut you are in! And if and when you manage to climb up and out, many times life will slap you down again. Ugh. Life definitely tests faith. Resolve. Strength. ** One of my favorite quotes is, "Growing old isn't for sissies!" Truthfully, LIFE isn't for sissies, no matter your age. It can be beautiful. But it can be difficult. Damn difficult. ** I sometimes have to remind myself of Jesus's suffering during his short time on earth. From the moment he was born, someone wanted him dead! And the way he was tortured before being crucified--- no one should have to endure such pain. He traded His cross for a crown. And our crown awaits us! So, live life as best you can, honoring your faith and yourself....and know thst, no matter what you are going thru here, it's short lived in comparison to eternal life with God. #livingafaithfilledlife #yourcrownawaits #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CYgxWLOL10_/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

💜✝️💜 #liveyourfaith #livingafaithfilledlife #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CYRLCYgr_df/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

St. Ambrose said it so well. If the cost of bettering yourself includes hurting someone, the price is too high. #bethelight #livingafaithfilledlife #bulliesneedtostop #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CYEcMaglz95/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate His birth! #livingafaithfilledlife #livingaGr8fullife #jesusisborn #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CX6IP9sFXKS/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. But today, December 23rd, has always been extremely special for me. The full impact of Advent seems to hit me hardest on this day - covering me like one of those weighted blankets - wrapping me in its expectant splendor. I find myself wriggling into the exquisite comfort of Advent and letting all the emotions seep deeply into my soul. I can literally almost physically pull that wrap closer around me when I study His word. The full impact of joy and hope brings me peace. And I look forward to rereading the gospels that detail his birth - it never gets stale or old for me! Open your Bible today and read the story that sets us apart, gives us hope, shows us His love. #livingafaithfilledlife #drinkthedamncoffee #advent2021 https://www.instagram.com/agratefulsouldotcom/p/CX1C-jyFiF7/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

Walk with God every day. #amen #livingafaithfilledlife #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CXoCo_olW_T/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

Live your life truthfully, honestly, sincerely. 💜 #livingaGr8fullife #livingafaithfilledlife #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CXlhEj4liTq/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

And know how very much I care about you. *** #livingaGr8fullife #drinkthedamncoffee #livingafaithfilledlife https://www.instagram.com/p/CXgRpUPpnPL/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

Saint Maximilian Kolbe. You may not know his name, but you probably have heard about him. He is the man who volunteered to take the place of another prisoner who had been selected for death in the Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz, during WWII. Why would any person do that for a stranger? Because he believed that resistance to evil should be a consequence of love. And if you are lacking in love, you have very little resistance to hatred. Here are a couple of insights surrounding this man and this historical event. •Kolbe was arrested and sent to Auschwitz after denouncing Nazis repeatedly in his native Poland. •He was given extra workloads at the camp because of the Nazi hatred toward men of God, especially Catholic priests. •He was thrown into the woods to die after being beaten and whipped when he fell under the weight of heavy wooden logs. However, he did not die. Instead, he was taken to the infirmary, where he led prayers and blessed other prisoners as he fought his way back from his injuries. •10 men were to be selected to die as punishment for a prisoner who had escaped from Auschwitz. One man begged for his life, citing his wife and children. At thst point, Kolbe asked to be taken in his stead. Nazis gleefully agreed. •He was stripped naked and put into a cellar to die. No food. No water. Nothing. Nazis expected him to cry and beg for his life. They were disappointed. He never cried. Instead, he sang hymns of praise as he awaited his death. •Nazis could not stand it! After 14 days and no real change in his condition, they removed him and injected him with a lethal dose of phenol. •Kolbe was canonized in 1982. *** Who needs to know love today in Your Life? Show them kindness. Smile. Be gracious. Friends, family, strangers. Love. Always, ALWAYS LOVE. #bethelight #livingaGr8fullife #livingafaithfilledlife #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CXWHBZcFrbR/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

Today marks the 2nd Sunday of Advent for Christians. Church services will light the Bethlehem candle, which reminds us that Jesus came from humble beginnings, was born in Bethlehem and is our King of Kings. We live in chaotic times. Our days are often spent tackling one upheaval after another. Sometimes it seems that there is nothing ahead except turmoil and hard times. And we wonder where God is and why He allows it all to happen, especially for good people. We aren't the only ones who question God. Even Jesus questioned God's plan, from the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross. He certainly did not want to go thru that torture and pain! And Jesus asked God to change His plans for him...but we all know, that did not happen. Jesus DID endure the torturous death, but was victorious in the end and ultimately joined God in heaven. And, we must remember, no matter what we endure here, our eternal life is much more important than a nanosecond of life here on earth. We may not know why we are tasked with these things here and now, but we ARE sure of our eternal salvation. And His plans for us will be revealed to us, in His good time, not ours. Today, I wish you peace. I wish you the calm, full joy that comes from knowing God. I pray that you can hold that joy in your heart and share it with someone who needs to hear that message. #livingafaithfilledlife #livingaGr8fullife #Godlovesyou #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/agratefulsouldotcom/p/CXGlX_UlGb0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[agr8fulsoul]

Where do you take your questions? #takeittotheLord #livingaGr8fullife #livingafaithfilledlife #drinkthedamncoffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CXBdlTLJBJL/?utm_medium=tumblr