Tips on how to get through COVID or other trials in your life by Toni Star

 Let's be brutally honest; life, at times, can be extremely difficult and demanding. Such is the case for all of us going through the COVID disaster. I call it a disaster because in my mind, it has been a disaster for so many of us on this earth. I just read a wonderful article that lists ways in which you and I can handle this disaster or any other disaster in a more positive and less emotional way. I don't know about you, but I need this kind of information.

First, the article suggests to limit our news and media exposure. The article states, "there are two predictors  to how well a person will respond in a crisis and they are (1) how vulnerable they were in their own lives before the crisis and (2) how much news they consumed during the crisis. Then, to get through any crisis, one must accept his or her feelings as normal. "Mentally strong individuals accept their feelings as normal because this is a time for both personal trauma and collective trauma." A person who is resilient, knows that feelings such as fear and anxiety and sadness are normal because "the information is too overwhelming to process at once."

Third, "they--those going through the crisis--" carefully choose the leaders they follow." Those who are mentally strong follow people who display healthy leadership skills and mental health. Fourth, "limit social media and exposure." Social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter are unofficial news channels--that give news based on your behaviors. Fourth, mentally healthy people display self-compassion for lack of productivity. During the pandemic, there are pressures from certain sources that say we should be productive because of the increased time we have at home. But, ask yourself, "Is it reasonable to be productive when we are combating COVID or anything else that is "warlike?" And, COVID is an entity that is warlike!

Five, mentally healthy people meditate. Meditation has many benefits such as anxiety reduction, reduced stress, decreased depression and improved well-being. In addition, mentally healthy people limit toxic people. It is important to limit time with mentally toxic people. Mentally toxic people are very negative and can take a huge toll on your well-being. Whenever possible, stay away from them. Six, healthy people focus on self-care. By focusing on self-care and attempting to be flexible with new routines, they will get through the pandemic and other stressors better than those who remain inflexible. Laughter, connecting with family and friends by phone or text, getting the proper rest and good sleep; all of this will see you through much better during times of high stress. Lastly, mentally strong people know themselves and what they need to feel supported. If you are an introvert, focus on small gatherings; if you are an extrovert, enjoy some social activities; activities where you can gain energy from others and social activities.

To conclude, COVID is a war--it is a war that is still raging but it is a war we can WIN! Follow the above tips and be happy, productive and be successful as the COVID challenge continues. Keep in mind; as Chrisitians, God is in charge--not COVID--

and He will show you the way!

Copyright Toni Star 2022

Why is Easter Important? by Toni Star

 

Why is Easter so important?

 

Many celebrate Easter by coloring eggs, filling baskets with chocolate, hunting for Easter eggs and going to church on Easter Sunday. All of this is enjoyable and fun; however, Easter is important for one main and true event and that is Christ rising from the dead.

Easter is important for several reasons; mainly that Jesus, the son of God, is who He claimed to be. Jesus is God in the flesh. And as Rick Warren, famous Christian author, once stated, “He came to earth to save us.” Jesus saved us from eternal death and gave our human bodies life, a promise to be with Him in Heaven and to have His help, protection and guidance while we remain on this earth.

Three huge and important events occurred with our Lord; the trial of Jesus, the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was put on the cross because Herod, the governor of Galilee, Annas Caiphas, the high priest of the Sanhedrin (the religious Supreme Court) and the local people who brought phony charges against Him—they all convicted him on one count: claiming to be the Son of God. They just didn’t like, want or accept that claim.

The death of Jesus is the second reason for Easter. He was beaten and crucified—with crucifixion the most brutal and tortuous death ever conceived by men. Jesus died on the cross for you and me; He didn’t have to die that horrible death but he did it willingly because He loved you and me. He died that unspeakable death because dying on the cross was the only way He could pay for our sins. We all deserve punishment for our sins but Jesus paid that penalty for our sins because of His great love for us.

After Jesus died, they took his body down and put him in the tomb, and a giant millstone was set in front of the cave. The religious leaders -- worried that Jesus’ body might be stolen -- asked for Roman guards to be posted in front of the tomb. They didn’t want him coming out but of course, he did.

It is important, as a Christian, to remember that Easter is not just a memorial to a religious leader who lived thousands of years ago. Easter is a celebration that reminds us that Jesus is alive and lives as spirit form in those who believe in Him. Keep in mind, Jesus was, after the resurrection, seen by hundreds of people not just a handful of people; as some would like you to think. Later, after approximately 40 days after rising from the dead, he went back home and talked with many people.

Easter is essential to everyone!  Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice—His life-- so that you and I might live, be pardoned for our sins and live with Him forever in Heaven. So, Happy Easter to you and enjoy the promise of eternal life with Jesus!

Copyright Toni Star 2022

Words to Live by

 Words to live by can be found in the Bible. Whenever you feel anxiety, fear or depression coming your 

  way, go to His Word, the Bible and you will find the answer. Words from devotions online, quoted from 

  the Bible are so beautiful and comforting. Take a look at this one and I can guarantee that you will feel 

  His presence and peace. May the good Lord bless and keep you and watch over you day and night. God      Bless, 

  Toni 

  

Wonderful passage from Ephesians 6:10-12

 "Be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.

  Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against

  the tactics of the devil. For our battle is not against

  flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,

  against the world powers of this darkness,

  against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens."

  The above words are wonderful to read because they are not only true but also

  inspiring. No matter if you are dealing with negative, evil or stupid people or 

  going through something that stresses you out, your battle is not against 

  flesh and blood but against the powers of darkness.

  But you need not fear anything here because when you put on the full armor of 

  God which is faith, love, trust and belief and most importantly, the word of God,

  you can stand against anything negative or evil that comes along.

  So, each day and night; no matter how you feel or what is going on in your life,

  turn to God and put on the "full armor" of God. To ensure that your armor stays

  fresh and renewed, pray without ceasing. For, the Lord our God knows exactly what

  you need to lead a godly, beautiful and peaceful Chrisitan life!

  Never fear, for the good Lord said eons ago, "I am with you always; even to the end."  Jesus is the 

  door. Open His door and find peace.

  Copyright Toni Star February 2022

When things don't go right, don't give up--go directly to God!

 Everyone struggles now and then when things go wrong.

 That is the time when most of us say, I give up!

 But don't give up, God will keep you strong!

 Instead of looking down and sad, look up!

 The evil one will try and trip you up.

 That is what he does to everyone.

  Take a sip of inspiration from Christ's cup

  And, your struggles, you will overcome.

  Instead of giving up, look up and you will find the best "buddy" on earth--

  Our Lord and Savior--Jesus Christ!

Wonderful article on how to get closer to God

The following is a wonderful article from the Web that I want to share with you. This is this link:

https://www.wayfm.com/content/faith-life/3-ways-to-grow-closer-to-god-when-you-feel-far-away/ 

I'm posting this because lately I have felt a strong need to get closer to God. This article has helped me so much. For me, what has helped me to get closer to God is finding a quiet place and spilling my heart and soul to Him. Find a quiet place, tell Him how to feel and ask for His help. Then, listen to what He wants you  to know. He will speak to you. Be patient for He may not always respond to you quickly; it may take a day or more but He will speak to your heart.

Blessings I send to you all in getting close to the Father.

Toni Star

A few years ago I felt really close to God. I was growing in my faith, talking and walking with God, and even though things weren’t perfect, life was going well. Then, for the next year or so, I felt stuck in a rut. I felt like I wasn’t maturing in my faith and was becoming distant from God. It wasn’t until I tried the steps below that I noticed a positive change in my spiritual walk. Here are three simple steps to deepen your relationship with God no matter how far away you may feel.

1. Reach Out

It can be easy to become overwhelmed by life, but instead of holding everything in, reach out for help. If you don’t feel God in your life as you used to, don’t be afraid to come to Him. God knows our deepest thoughts and the desires of our hearts. No matter how long it’s been since you’ve truly felt God’s presence; please know that calling out to Him is the solution. God doesn’t push us away. He loves us, He pursues us, and He wants us to grow in our relationship with Him. Admitting that we need God’s help isn’t a sign of weakness; instead, it’s expressing a desire to know God better.

2. Limit Distractions

Life is full of so many distractions and unfortunately there are many things that can hinder our walk with God. The heroes of the Bible weren’t strong on their own power, but the Bible says that they walked with God. They had temptations and weaknesses of their own, but their desire to do God’s will had a greater hold on them. Sometimes in order to walk with God, we need to walk away from the things that are driving us away from Him.

If anything in your life has taken precedence to spending time with God, consider putting it on the back-burner for a while. When social media or entertainment or future plans take precedence, it can be nearly impossible to find room for God. Consider limiting the amount of time you spend on these activities and use that time to grow closer to God.

3. Be Intentional

Set aside a time where you can be alone with God in a place with few distractions. Waking up a half hour earlier to read the Bible and pray might be just the thing to help you strengthen your relationship with Christ. Or maybe you could listen to an audio Bible or the radio while preparing dinner. God will meet you where you are and since the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we can spend time with God in a variety of places.

When we seek God with all of our hearts and draw near to Him, we will feel His presence once again.

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James 4:8 (NLT) says, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” When we seek God with all of our hearts and draw near to Him, we will feel His presence once again. There’s no better feeling that being close to God and I encourage you to give your all to Him.

Inspirations Quotes for 2022

 

• “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'” —Muhammad Ali
• “The difference between a successful person and others is not lack of strength not a lack of knowledge but rather a lack of will.” —Vince Lombardi
• “I am thankful for all of those who said NO to me. It’s because of them I’m doing it myself.” —Albert Einstein
• “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” —Michael Jordan
• “I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.” —Serena Williams
• “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” —Thomas Alva Edison
• “Belief in oneself is one of the most important bricks in building any successful venture.” —Lydia M. Child
• “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” —Earl Nightingale
• “Success is achieved and maintained by those who try and keep trying.” —W. Clement Stone
• “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” —Will Rogers
• “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal. Nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong attitude.” —Thomas Jefferson
• My inspirational quote: "Always stay close to Jesus; rest assured, He will be there close to you." Toni Star 2022