Broken Furniture

Periodically, I go through a massive clean-up. I look around and see what I can get rid of. I really hate trying to fix pieces of furniture and other items around my home that might need repair. I am always like, "Just get rid of it." But then the frugal guru in me puts that plan on hold and decide to get more life out of the bookcase by just repairing it with a little wood glue. But, there have been moments  (I admit) when my repair job just didn't work and I needed a professional. For example, when my car breaks down and needs repair, I attempt to do my remedies but eventually, I call in to the repair shop for help. But what happens when even the professionals can't repair the broken item?

Sometimes broken things can't be fixed. They must be replaced. After attempting to repair and fix it over and over again, there comes a point when you must discared it, throw it away, get rid of it. Detach all emotional sentiment and throw it away. Get a new one. Easy to say about a chair but what about life?

What do you do about the broken areas of your soul? Do you just throw away those areas if they can't be repaired? What do you do about a broken friendship or relationship? Do you do all to repair it and save it or do you just chuck it and say, "I tried" ? What do you do about a job that just isn't working anymore? Do you think about the economy and try to fix whatever is not going well or do you quit, say good riddens, and collect unemployment until you find another job? See, broken areas of life are not so easy to either repair or discard.

I have no solution. I have no Golden Ticket answer. But what I do know to be true is that the Spirit of God will guide you into all Truth concerning every area of your life. Seek the face of God and you will find direction for what to do with your "Broken Furniture."

Blessings to you,
Aurellia

Perfectly Flawed

As I washed my face this morning, I saw (once again) a horrible joke on an adult lady: adult acne with scarring. I'm like, Ugh! Really? This had to happen in my 20s? So as I'm washing my face, I'm thinking of all the things I could do to rid myself of this horrible problem. Laser surgery, skin bleaching cream, Tetracycline...and on and on. But then as I stared at the mirror into my eyes, I couldn't really see the scars. They were a blurred vision. And that's telling.

Ladies, believe it or not, we are perfectly flawed so we can remain true to the parts of us that are truly Golden and a Gem. What really matters is what is behind your eyes. What is the truth behind your eyes that will keep you grounded when you feel that you are about to float away? Hold onto that. Live in that. Remember, you aren't just flawed but perfectly flawed.


Blessings,

Aurellia

Let's Get Lifted

The best stories of triumph are the ones that are told. Your neighbor will never know how to overcome unless they hear or read stories of overcoming. This can be the stories of those from ancient times or blogs from a stranger or the 5 minute text chat with a friend. Today, your encouragement is coming from this blog: Let's Get Lifted.

You will never reach your highest height if you stay at your lowest low. There is a place God has called you to be: peace, joy, abundance (that's the promise). But you will never reach it (let me stress, NEVER) reach it, experience it, if you choose to stay in the pit of depression and despair. You will never reach purity in love if you stay at the low of hatred-for others and for self. Love and hate are at war with each other, both wanting to win, both strong and unwilling to bend. You are the factor that can make either side win.

I am in the process myself to not stay in the low place; I am encouraging myself and allowing others to encourage me to reach for the higher heights of life and not stay in the low places. For some it is as easy as snapping one's fingers; for others, it's not so easy. Sisters, join me...and let's get lifted.

Blessings,
Aurellia

Healing

As a hospital chaplain, I have seen some of the most devastating of situations. I have witnessed terrible effects of car accidents on little children. I have seen a diagnosis run its course. All of it begs the question, “Is there such thing as healing?” When I talk to a sister who is in anguish over the situation in her family or even think of my own emotional pain and sadness, I wonder, “Is there such thing as healing?” But when in doubt, I am reminded of those who are smiling even in agony. They must be healed somehow. So how do you know you are healed from a bruised? Here is what I found:


Signs that you’re healed:


• You’re able to enjoy time alone
• You find enjoyment in a new joke
• Your eating, sleeping and exercise patterns begin to return to normal
• You find a renewed sense of energy and purpose
• You can review both “good” and “bad” memories
• You can sit through a religious service without crying in sorrow or despair
• You begin to establish new and healthy relationships
• You find yourself organizing and planning for the future
• You look forward to getting up in the morning
• You begin reinvesting the energy once spent on your grieving in other projects
• You find yourself enjoying life’s pleasant experiences
• You can define your own personal growth from the grief process


So does this mean that healing is more of a state of mind than state of being? Maybe so. But we do know that healing is possible, in whatever form you’d like to think it takes place. Proverbs tells us that healing comes from words of the wise and trustworthy friends. The Prophet Isaiah tells us that when one truly devotes their souls to God, healing comes quickly. The pathway of healing can come in various forms, but the constant is that it is all Divine.






Blessings,


Aurellia