"Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest "
Matthew 11:28 NIV
Dare to Believe
Stepping Stones
This stepping stone journey started for me when I really decided to follow Jesus. Not the way I had been. I would go to church from time to time when I could make it or when I felt that I wanted to go. These days it's a "I get to". When I miss church, which really is the body of Christ. I feel it. I miss that connection, which is crazy to say because before I really started this journey, I wanted nothing to do with no one. You can ask anyone I know, they would share that I'm sure.
Have you ever heard of the Chosen. It is a show that portrays the story of Jesus and His followers. Of course, because it's a show they do add things that could of happened or perhaps add to what it could've been like back in those times. Anyway, that show has been really awesome seeing those stories come to life! It made me have a deeper appreciated for what life was like back then.
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On another note. Life now in this century. We still sin, we fall short of the glory of God. We hurt others, whether we mean to or not... What if your on the receiving end. Meaning, something someone did hurt you. How does one process that or forgive or move on from that. Friend, I am here to tell you with time, amazing people in your corner, and a therapist or two, it will get better. Now I am not saying that I have it mastered, far from it. I do know it's a journey and sometimes it's easier said than done.
I want to take you back with me into my teen-ish adult years. Please note I don't tell these stories to say whoa is me or look how awesome I am. However, I do want to share these because I have learned that people need to hear, *from experience that we are not alone. That satan wants us to think we are alone and isolate us from people who can help us, encourage and keep us accountable. I want to share because I want to encourage you my friend, or family member in Christ, you're not alone. God loves you, and I dare to believe that together life can and will be better. In the bible, in 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 NLT
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Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with Him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
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This is why I have started this endeavor. People must hear the good news that changed my life and to know that it's okay to not be okay. Even as a believer in Christ. There will be trials and tribulations. In fact, Paul shares in Romans 5:3-5 NLT
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We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.
Also, John 16:33 NIV
" I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Amen! Thank you, Lord Jesus! He knew that we will, not possibly or maybe. When we do, look to me and I will give you rest. Now it's easy to read the Words on a page and go sure, " I can do that." It's a completely different story when you're trying to walk it out. Hence the stepping stones, and how life throws us different challenges and it is how we rise up and look at them face on. I mean, we could hide and not do anything. However, I know that can eat a person up, (figuratively speaking). It is not easy to say to that person that hurt you, or wronged you that you forgive them. It could take months, maybe even years. Depends on the severity of the transgression and perhaps for how long said thing was going on for too. Needless to say, time and lots of prayer and a good dose of Jesus really helps! Again, I don't have all the answers and everyone's journey is going to be different. Paved with good intentions and then some bumps in the rocky road as well. Enjoy the journey when you can and remember to ask for help. It's okay, even God did ask for help. Feeding of the fish. He had people help Him. From gathering the baskets to dishing them out. He understood what was needed and He even had his quiet time with His Father, because that is important too. Staying focused on Jesus no matter what. When I was at my lowest of lows, or so I thought and then I sunk even more into myself and yeah It's hard to ask for help. I encourage you, if possible. Reach out to some trusted friends and ask them to keep you accountable. If they know you, then they would be great to say. "Hey, are you doing all right. I noticed xyz recently and generally that is not something I have seen you do or say before. Is there anything I can do, or perhaps do you need someone to just listen or." And then wait, you'd be surprised with just asking can do, You see them, just like Jesus saw the people. After all we are the supposed to be the hands and feet for Christ.
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Stepping Stones Challenges
Grab a pen and paper.
I highly suggest writing down 5 things you're grateful for. Do this for one full week and see what you think from there. I currently don't write them down anymore. I still do them. Here are my 5 from today.
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I am thankful for
Body of Christ at church
My fur-babies
Heat
The rain recently.
For my feet to be able to walk
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Okay, now you try. In fact, feel free to post them on the group chat. We would love to hear from you! And if any negative ones come up that is okay. They are there and just see for what they are and then go back to your thankful list.
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How are you doing? Check in with yourself before moving on to the next challenge. IF you feel like you're still working on the first one that is okay. No pressure, no judgement. This next challenge will be here when you're ready.
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For those who are ready. First thing you will need to do is get your phone or mobile device and download the Pause app. I know it sounds strange, but believe I was not sure at first. FOr me now though, it is awesome. I love this tool and it is so wonderful. As many people as I can tell, I do. :) There is a 30 day challenge to do for a month. I highly suggest giving it a try. I have done it twice thus far, and I am always learning and growing from it. When I have tough day(s), sometimes I will hear his voice speak those words of encouragement and then I can breathe. I hope it helps you on your journey.
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https://wildatheart.org/apps/one-minute-pause/
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"that's good, that's enough for now." :)
You're doing great! I am proud of you!! Now keep in mind, you could do these out of order. No right or wrong here. The key thing is you're trying and doing something new. Next one is fun! I challenge you or highly encourage to think of others. This could be sending a text to a friend, letting them know you're thinking of them. Checking in with someone you know if having a tough time. Perhaps there is a co-worker that comes to mind. Should you take them out for coffee or just give them an encouraging word a work. It really could be anything, I think you get the idea. It is being more outwardly focused and no so much on yourself. Of course, don't forget to take care of yourself. You can't help others if your in no condition yourself. What I mean by that is and it can be a case by case basis. However, remember to have boundaries. They are not just a good thing, but a God thing. If you've read Genesis then you know that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. They are separate, boundaries for each one to say where they are supposed to be. Can you imagine if suddenly the sky fell ( like in the movie.. the sky is falling, the sky is falling!) That would be utter chaos and we wouldn't be able to live. Better yet, what if they Ocean decided that it wanted to go past the sandy part of the beach. Granted sometimes it does because of the crazy weather. For the most part though, it stays in a specific area and because it does that we are healthy and not swimming to and from places.