I know, I know, it's not Thanksgiving. But shouldn't it be?

Why do we take one day out of the year to give thanks, when gratitude should be a lifestyle?

But that's not what this article is about.

Or is it?

You may wonder at the title as much as the photo attached to this message, but I'm here to share my thoughts on GIVING with you. 

Luke 6:38 exhorts us to, "give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down and shaken together."

Most people look at this scripture in terms of money, but what if we look at other aspects of our life and see how much more we can give. Or, better yet, what we can give besides money.
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We're also taught through scripture that we reap what we sow.  

So let's think about this...

Sow (give) love, you'll reap love. Give grace, you'll receive grace in abundance. Sow peace and you'll live a more peaceful life. Offer forgiveness... We all know what Jesus said about that. 

Am I saying you'll never have a bad day or unhappy circumstance?

Not at all.

What I AM saying is that by consciously giving of yourself--Your time, your energy, your blessings, your attention and yes, your money-- You are setting yourself up for a beautiful harvest and a blessed and abundant life. JMHO!

Something to think about!
PamT
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™
"Coaching in Pj's" ™

I am shocked it's been two months since I posted to this blog! So much has happened beginning with the launch of a new collection of short stories along with the promotion and all that entails. A Hint of Holiday Romance hit the shelves March 15th and is available at Amazon for Kindle and in Paperback as well as other online retailers.

Add to that, I've been working with a coach to launch A Novel Lunch™ writing course God put on my heart years ago. Alas, like many, I had numerous "reasons" why I couldn't do this. But no more! A Novel Lunch™ Beginning Writer course will commence on May 27th. So, if you or someone you know has been talking about writing a book but are clueless as to how/when/where to start. Check out the course HERE.

Amidst all of this, I started offering paid ad space on my book blog which has kept me busy and started doing bookkeeping for Edgemont Healing Center in Lake Charles where I host life coaching classes.

Oh, and don't forget tax season... I prepare tax returns for family members and friends. 

Anyhow, my goal is to get back to regular, or at least semi-regular, posting to Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold. Prayers Appreciated!

​So, until next time, please ponder this article I wrote back in 2016 and I feel is still relevant today. In fact, it just might be one of the most timeless articles I've ever written.

​Enjoy!
PamT

Easter is behind us, Lent a quickly fading memory. After six weeks of sacrifice and penance, most of us are glad it’s over. We’re happy to be Lent free.

For many, Lent is a time of reflection and grace. We fast, spend extra time with God in prayer, and do more for our fellow man and/or the causes and charities we believe in and trust. For others, Lent is an obligatory penance we’ve been taught from childhood. A time during which we give up something (sweets, sodas, etc.) and attend church services more, but we’ve forgotten the real reason behind the six week period, and we’re just glad when it’s over!

But should we be?

Experts say an old habit can be broken and a new one cemented in thirty days. We’ve spent more than that during this time of year replacing our old routines with something new and meaningful. We’ve traded our poor eating practices with regular fasting and abstinence.

We look and feel better. We’re calmer, more centered and focused.

Why then are we anxious to throw away the benefits of Lent and go back to our previous ways of thinking, eating and doing/being?

Wouldn’t it be better to use Lent as a time of renewal and then continue to reap the rewards all year?

Think about this for a second!

Let’s say your Lenten observation consisted of spending an extra 15 minutes in prayer and meditation each morning and you’ve noticed a difference in your day. If recognized, you’ll connect the two and understand exactly why your entire life seems to go smoother. Wouldn’t it be wise to continue those moments of pure devotion throughout the year?

Or, you’ve given up sodas or sweets and/or fasted 1 day each week and notice you feel better… Less bloated, more energy, etc. Why then go back to those unhealthy pursuits?

Alas, we’re so conditioned to the observance of Lent without truly considering the full beauty and opportunity afforded us to start anew and pursue the kind of life we dream of.

So, if you’re one of those who is glad this particular season is over, if you’re happy to be Lent free, I urge you to examine that mindset and reconsider what Lent means (or can mean) for you in terms of living the life you desire and deserve.
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Something to think about!
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™

You may think the title of this particular post is a bit strange but bear with me...

Years ago, a decade actually, I watched the movie Frozen with my grandchildren and I was blown away that a Disney film could contain spiritual thruths!

I'm sure there are many other Disney films that contain spiritual truths, but with Winter and Christmas approaching, I thought I'd republish the review I wrote back in 2014 here, so you can see where I'm coming from and why this children's film inspired me so much.... 

“Only an act of true love can melt a frozen heart.”

How true this statement is!

Elsa has a gift, one that when activated, shoots ice from her hands and causes things to freeze over. After an accident in which her young sister gets injured, Elsa is confined to her bedroom with gloves. 

​"Don’t feel, don’t let your emotions show, don’t let them know” is the edict that keeps her bound, much to the dismay of young Anna. Until Coronation Day when Elsa is crowned Queen of Arendelle and fun-loving Anna unintentionally creates havoc which results in Elsa freezing the country in perpetual winter.
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I haven’t been to a movie theater in years much less to see a Disney production but the spiritual implications of this movie were so wonderful!

The fact that Elsa is persuaded, forced in fact, to stuff her emotions is a prime example of the way many people live. Don’t feel, conceal. Don’t let your emotions show. Always be good. Control them otherwise they’ll control you….

Unfortunately we all reach a breaking point and who knows what the trigger might be? The only thing we know for sure is that anger and fear produce destruction.

But love…true love…love that forgives and sacrifices…has the ability to create miracles and magic.

Even if you don’t have children or grandchildren, borrow a couple of kids if you must, but watch this/these movie(s). You won’t be disappointed. 

And if you DO have children on your Christmas list, check out the many, many FROZEN items available including toys, books, dolls, and even a Collectors Item DVD.

I hope this post inspired you as much as it has me (I think I'll rewatch Frozen LOL!).

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™​

*Originally published as Pamela's Ponderings ©Feb 2014