Month: February 2017

5 Lessons Through Nature

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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Nature is something I enjoy spending time it. Spending time in nature helps me to continue and sharpen my observation and exploration abilities. Thoughts and reflections often come during those times that may not come at other times. The natural beauty of nature is catching to the eyes and therapy to the mind and soul.

Below are some highlighted lessons through nature.

 

1) Nature has natural art and creative tools all for free. When an artist and creative explores their outdoor surroundings, the scenery can become a toolbox. Leaves, rocks, flowers, other plants and almost anything you can find outside can be used for nature projects.

 

2) New discoveries can be found outdoors everyday. Those that have interests in nature and adventure often find and see what they have never seen before.

 

3) Nature is given to God’s creation to enjoy. Once this belief is embraced it can be experienced.

 

4) Outdoor creatures take full advantage of their environment. The creatures can often be seen gathering and hunting for what they need.

 

5) Nature isn’t always a pleasant sight or smell, but it’s real. Life is like this in the sense of not always having it all glamorous,  but you can experience the realness(if that’s a word lol) of it.

 

What lessons have you learned through nature? 

 

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5 Lessons From 1 Samuel

/ Crystal Holdipp / 2 Comments

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Samuel is the writer of the majority of 1 Samuel. Gifted as a prophet, Samuel gives a warning to the Israelites about their desire for him to choose an earthly king to lead them and the disaster it will bring. The Israelites didn’t pay attention to the warning and experienced much mourning because of their desire.

Below are some highlighted lessons to consider from 1 Samuel.

 

1) A persistent petition from a mother births a powerful legacy of seeking the Lord. Hannah who continued in prayer during barrenness eventually gives birth to a son(Samuel) who develops a lifestyle of prayer and worship unto the Lord during his leadership.

 

2) Outside of God’s presence is death and grief. When the glory of the Lord departs from a people, there is no victory during the battle – which brings much loss. After Eli’s sons(Hophni & Phinehas) were killed in battle and Eli died when he heard all that happened, Phinehas’ wife gave birth to a boy and named him Inchabod which means “The glory is departed from Israel”.

 

3) Human leadership has the ability to mislead and rely on self, but the Holy Spirit will never lead you outside of God’s covering. Saul walked in disobedience to God and thought he could do things all on his own and still reign.

 

4) Never give place to the devil in avenging yourself. God will take care of the mockery and deprivation in His timing.

 

5) Surround yourself with those who operate in wisdom. In our times of haste, their words can save us from taking foolish action. Abigail encouraged David in who he was in God and in leaving the situation(when her husband at the time mocked David and David’s request for payment of his men’s service was rejected) for God to handle.

10 Reasons to Choose Happiness

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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Happiness is temporary. Happy moments are great to have and will bring balance along with sad moments. It’s okay to choose happiness even during challenging times and when we are not getting our way.

Below are some highlighted points to consider on reasons to choose happiness.

 

  1. Brings Sunshine to Others

Cheerful moments can be contagious! When others see us feeling up we encourage them to do so as well. We spread a wildfire of delight.

 

2. Open to See the Good During the Bad

When we decide to be happy we are more open to receiving good days during difficult seasons.

 

3. Broadens Our Imaginary 

When we are in situations where we need to show our artistic works, happy moments can be the boost to expanding what we can imagine.

 

4. You’re Rewarding Yourself

Sometimes after doing a good job and working hard, you need a treat. Treat yourself to a ray of happiness.

 

5. Helping Others with their Needs

A happy person is a helping hand. When we are happy we have the energy to get up and help somebody else.

 

6. Teaching Valuable Lessons 

Observers and watchful people are looking to see what they can learn. What do they see when they look at you? Perhaps your happy moments can teach them more than you think.

 

7. More Effective in Your Work/Job

Happy people seem to be more productive in their work. When they don’t get the approval of others, they know how to see the positive in what they do without the constant need of others telling them.

 

8. You Appreciate More

Those happy moments that are not always there, teach us to appreciate the good and not to take it for granted as if it will always be a happy day in this world.

 

9. Another Day May Not Come

The present is the time to be happy. No human knows what will definitely happen next.

 

10. Everything is not meant to be Serious

Happy people know how to see the humor and take a giggle even when things mess up.

 

I give myself these reasons to choose happiness when I want to. You can too!