Transitional Friday: Dealing with Multiple Life Changes at one time

life changes 3

 

 

 

 

I’ve been sharing some of my life changes lately. I had several life changes in finding a new job and relocating to a new area.

Some lessons I’ve learned are:

  1. Embrace the situationchange life
  2. It is natural to be nervous, but keep moving forward.  Anything and place that is new is scary, until you have experienced that situation or area.
  3. Learning anything new takes time—be patient with yourself.
  4. An elephant must be eaten one bite at a time—take things one at a time.  Deal with one issue or decision {if and when possible} before moving to the next.
  5. When multiple decisions have to be made, deal with the most important first.
  6. God has put you here for a reason.   You have a purpose in this situation, a lesson to learn and a lesson to teach.
  7. Everything works together for the good of those who love the Lord.

Transitional Friday: 5 Lessons When Life Changes

life changes

 

 

 

Life is full of changes, both good and bad.  The one thing that is inevitable is things will not stay the way they are.

So how do we deal with these changes?only constant in life

  1. Allow yourself to feel the emotion—whether good or bad go through the process.
  2. Find a way towards contentment—I’ve had times when I struggled with contentment and it made me and everyone around me miserable.
  3. Find the positive in the change—if the change is a result of something bad or tragic this may take longer.  But even the lessons and pain from this experience can one day help others going through this experience.
  4. Seek God’s will and peace in any and every situation.
  5. Take life one day {and one minute or hour if necessary} at a time.   Take your time when making decisions and pray about it.  Remember, this too shall pass.

What lessons have you learned when life changes?

Transitional Friday: 9 Considerations When Finding a New Home

A friend of mine recently purchased a new home.  This led to a stressful time, longing to make the right decision and find a house that would become a home.home for sale

  1. Assess your needs in advance
  2. Be realistic about what you can afford
  3. Is this a starter home or a family home you hope to stay in the rest of your life
  4. Do you need room for growth?  Are you planning on expanding your family?
  5. Search for the amenities you need or can’t live without
  6. Decide what you can live without if necessary
  7. Search for a home that meets the needs for you and your family
  8. Consider the neighborhood, surrounding schools, etc.  Is the home on or near a busy shopping center or road?  Is this something you can live with or will this cause too many delays?
  9. Is this home?  Do you love the house?  Does it feel like home?

What aspects did you take into consideration when searching for a new home?

Transitional Friday: 7 Lessons from Starting Over

starting over 2

 

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve had to start over.   The reasons for this are varied, but include moving, divorce, starting a new job, returning to college, etc.

With the new year here, we are all making new resolutions.   Often this includes losing weight.  Yet, two weeks later we’ve given up.   New resolutions are all part of starting over and learning new ways and techniques to improve ourselves.

Starting over can be exciting when thinking about the new possibilities.  Each change brings new hopes and dreams. starting over

  1. Adjustment takes time
  2. Embrace the experience
  3. Be thankful for the opportunity
  4. Look forward—what hopes and dreams does this experience open up
  5. Remember God has you here for a reason
  6. What lessons can you learn from this experience
  7. This is a new beginning

What have you learned from starting over?

Transitional Friday: 7 Lessons When Moving to a New Area

moving

 

 

 

 

I recently had a friend that moved across country.   Making such a move is a huge undertaking.

While, she and her family were excited about the move, there were also adjustments that had to be taken into account.

  1. Learning the cultural differences—even in the United States various areas have different cultures, depending on if you are in the southeast, Northeast, southwest, North west or California coasts.moving boxes
  2. Learning the new area—this includes the roads, restaurants, stores, etc.
  3. Developing a new routine takes time
  4. Appreciating the difference in scenery—whether you go from the mountains to the beach or the plains to the big city, the scenery is different.  Take the time to appreciate the new scenery that is around.
  5. Finding a house of worship—sometimes we may have to visit several churches before finding the right fit and where we feel at home.
  6. Searching for a new house—searching for a house is stressful enough, but when taking in the difference in living expenses and finances in different parts of the country, this increases the stress.  Don’t rush the decision, take time to make sure this is the best decision for you and your family.
  7. Making new friends—this takes time, but whether you meet them at church, on the playground, at work, or join various organizations or societies, you can make new friends.

What have you learned when moving to a new area?

Transitional Friday: 7 Ways Starting a New Job Affects Life

Recently I started a new job.  Starting a new job is a huge transition.new job

Some aspects that need to be taken into consideration:

  1. Learning the duties and responsibilities of a new position
  2. Learning the daily routine and duties
  3. Discovering the new environment of the workplace
  4. Meeting co-workers and making friends
  5. Discovering the co-workers that are toxic {ie. Gossip, etc.} and keeping a cordial space
  6. Discovering how the new routine fits into family and private life
  7. Budgeting finances

How has starting a new job affected your life?

Transitional Friday: Home is where Heart is

home where heart isFor years I was unhappy with where I was living.  I did not want to be there.  I was fighting a spiritual battle, between what I wanted and what God wanted for my life.

There were times when the situation weighted so heavily on my heart that it gnawed away at me and I became angry.

Then a few months ago, God opened amazing doors for a new job in a new city an hour away.

I realized during this time that the place I’d been fighting living, had become more of a home than I ever expected or anticipated.give thanks

Only once I had left, did I realize how much this town and place had become home.

Often we don’t realize how important a place or person is until they are gone.

We are told to be “thankful in all things.”

This isn’t always easy, especially in trying circumstance.  I’ve really struggled with this lesson at times.

However, that is exactly what God wants for us.

What have you been thankful in?

Transitional Friday: 9 Lessons I learned from Life Transitions

transition

 

 

For over three years I searched for a new job.  I also prayed about a place to live.

God finally answered both of these prayers at the same time.

When circumstances changed and life began to turn around, I was surprised by the mixture of feelings I experienced.

I was excited for the changes and opportunities ahead of me, but scared to death to be taking such a huge step into the unknown.

I was moving from what I knew and was comfortable with to a life that was completely new and unknown to me.

I had the common fears and uncertainties that our emotions can drive us to.  However, I was also excited about the changes and improvement to life these changes would provide.

I discovered that to handle this wide range of emotions:beginnings out of endings

  1. I had to take a deep breath
  2. I shared my hopes and fears with God
  3. I went through the motions, even when I was scared to death
  4. I had to take a leap of faith and trust God knew what was best
  5. I reminded myself this was an answer to prayer
  6. I reminded myself transition is part of life
  7. I had to take on minute, one hour, and one day at a time
  8. I was thankful for these blessings
  9. I wasn’t along, God was with me

What lessons have you learned in your life transition?

Transitional Friday: When God Answers Prayers

answers

 

 

 

 

I’ve discussed discouragement and waiting for God, but eventually He will answer?

However, what happens once you finally have prayers answered?

I’ve had prayers answered that showed me this was not God’s will for my life and took me down a dark path.  I’ve also had prayers answered that only God could orchestrate and proved this was God’s will for my life.

God answeres prayers

  1. Thank God for answered prayers
  2. Ask God if this is His will for my life
  3. Understand the lessons God has been teaching along the path
  4. Praise God for His blessings and provision
  5. Remember that God likes to show off to show what He can do
  6. The lesson in the wait is Faith, but we can’t abandon it once our prayers are answered
  7. Sometimes we have to get out of the boat and take the first step in faith

Transitional Friday: 9 Lessons from Living with Parents

back

 

 

 

After leaving an abusive marriage, I moved home with my mom.  I’m not alone, more and more children are moving back in with their parents.  The reasons for this is as vast as the ocean.

This gave us the opportunity to heal both old and new wounds.

However, living with a parent is not easy, when you move back in as an adult.

Some lessons to remember:

  1. This is an opportunity to get to know one anotherparents
  2. Once a mother, always a mother—even when you don’t want to be mothered
  3. Set boundaries for all involved
  4. Define each person’s responsibilities
  5. Use this opportunity to heal old wounds
  6. Get back to your roots to discover who you really are at heart
  7. Family knows you better than anyone
  8. This is as big a transition for our parents, as it is for us
  9. No one loves you the way a parent{s} can

What lessons have you learned from living with parents?

Transitional Friday: 10 Lessons I learned from Job Searching

not hiring

 

 

 

 

 

Even before unemployment kicked in, I spent two years searching for a position.

Searching for a job is very overwhelming and frustrating.

What I learned is:got work

  1. There are so many options it is overwhelming
  2. There are times when there seems to be no options to choose from
  3. Narrowing down a job position is essential
  4. Although I want to rush the process, the company has other concerns that can slow things
  5. Networking is essential
  6. Persistence pays off
  7. I must have confidence in myself and my abilities
  8. Seek help from anyone and everyone possible—the least they can say is no
  9. In time the right fit will come along
  10. God is in control and has a plan

What lessons have you learned?

Transitional Friday: 10 Lessons I Learned from Unemployment

unemployment line      For ten months I was unemployed, following the death of my boss.

Even before my job ended, I faced a cut in hours.

Unemployment is frustrating due to the financial instability and uncertainty.  There are moments when hopes are raised only to be dashed and other moments when life and circumstances seem hopeless.

As we’ve discussed in the past, for everything there is a season.  However, it is difficult to see over the horizon at times.

What I learned from unemployment:unemployment

  1. This is a learning and growth opportunity
  2. You will be tested and tried
  3. For every job, there are numerous others also applying for them
  4. Sometimes we have to be patient for God to orchestrate the necessary events for the job He has for us
  5. God may want me to go in a new direction
  6. This is an opportunity to pursue my creative dreams
  7. This is a great time to volunteer
  8. Networking is essential
  9. This is a great time to dig deep, discover who I am meant to be and God’s will for my life
  10. God will always provide for basic needs, but not our wants

What have you learned from unemployment?

Transitional Friday: When Divorce Strikes

divorce Most people do not enter marriage thinking, “one day we will divorce.”

However, over the last three decades the divorce rate has continued to grow to include over half of the population.

I’d like to believe that most people enter marriage thinking “this is the man or woman I plan to spend the rest of my life with.”

There are a variety of reasons why marriages do not work out, but irreconcilable differences and finances are two of the most common reasons provided.

Divorce isn’t easy.  When a couple decides to divorce, this means the end of their hopes, plans and dreams together as a couple.

If you are going through a divorce or know someone going through one, a few things to keep in mind are:

1. This is a transition that takes time and adjustment.divorce 2

2. Pray and seek God’s will for your life.  Where is He leading you and what is He saying about these changes?

3. Time heals all wounds

4. Healing takes time–we all heal at different rates.  There is no set answer for how long healing can and should take.  The important thing to remember is to allow yourself this time to heal.

5. Do not rush–you can’t rush the healing.  Give yourself the necessary time you need.

6. Focus on yourself–this means to focus on figuring out who you are, your new goals and plans, seek God’s will for the next step and review your dreams.

7. Do not rush into a new relationship–give yourself time to recover from the previous relationship before rushing into a new one.  Most counselors suggest a year, but take longer if you need it.

8. Don’t be afraid to dream–what dreams do you have that were not achievable in the past relationship?  Are they achievable now?  What steps do you need to achieve them?divorce decree

9. Healing is a process–healing takes time and is not a step that can be rushed.  Give yourself the time to work through the steps of healing that are necessary.

10. Do not be afraid to seek help–do not be afraid to seek professional help from a counselor.

11. Join a support group–groups such as Divorce Care and Celebrate Recovery are wonderful resources for working through this difficult and challenging time in life.

12. Nothing is impossible with God–whether you’re rebuilding your life from scratch, seeking reconciliation, or pursuing new dreams, nothing is impossible with God.   Share your heart with Him, seek His path for your life and be willing to follow His lead.  He’ll never lead you wrong.

13. Be careful what you share and who you share it with.  It is easy to share our hurts with everyone but this can later come back to do us more harm than good.   Remember the old saying, the less said the less to take back.

14. Not everyone will understand–to the outside world you may have been the perfect couple.  Also, if a person hasn’t been divorced they may not understand.  divorce 3

15. Don’t allow your emotions to guide you–divorce is an emotional time and it is easy to act accordingly.  Take time to stop, think and pray about a situation before reacting.

16. There is hope–things will eventually get better.   The key is giving them time and waiting out the storm that is passing by.

17. Find a way to communicate–if children are involved, you will continue to have some part in one another’s lives.  Finding a way to communicate and tolerate one another for special events is important for the family.

18.  Don’t put other’s in the middle–don’t get anyone involved in the middle of your affairs.  This only leads to more trouble later on.

19. Don’t force friends to choose sides–if people  are friends with both the husband and wife, this is difficult on them as well.  Do not put them in the middle or force them to choose. divorce 2

20. Friends will be weeded out during this time.  True friends will reveal themselves.

21. Forgiveness is essential for my health.   Forgiveness isn’t easy and takes time, but it is better for me all the way around than being angry.

22. Remember Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.”

What lessons have you learned from going through a divorce?

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:7-8–The Lord Will Protect Us

Last week, we discussed God’s protection as we watches over us.  This week we are again reminded of this promise.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—Lord Keep from Harm

The Lord will watch over and protect His children from harm.  As we discussed last week, both known harm and unknown harm.  I personally can think of several harmful situations God has protected me from.
    he will watch over your life;

God doesn’t just watch over us for an hour or a day and then tire of us.  He watches over us for our entire life.  Even in those empty, sad moments when we feel all alone and that no one cares, God is still watching over us.
the Lord will watch over your coming and goingcoming and going

            God watches over us in both life and the afterlife.  From before our birth into the world, until long after we enter eternity with Him, God is with us watching over us and caring for us with only the protection He can provide.
both now and forevermore.

His promises, love and blessings last forever.   Time is finite.  Tomorrow is gone forever and yesterday is yet to be.  However, right now is the time we are in and we will never have that time back.  God holds all the yesterdays, todays and tomorrows in the palm of His hand.  He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:5-6–The Lord Watches Over You

Last week, we discussed how God will not let us fall

The Lord watches over you—

The dictionary describes watches as “”to be alertly on the lookout, look attentively, or observe, as tosee what comes, is done, or happens”The Lord Watches
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

under God’s shade we can sit in his delight and assurance.  God is always near his people for their protection and refreshment.

The right hand is the working hand and God wants His people to do their duty.  When we do as God ask, He will give us success.
the sun will not harm you by day,

God will take care of His people when the storms come up in our lives.
nor the moon by night.

God sees what happens in both the open, as well as in secret.  He protects us from both our known enemies and obstacles, as well as those we do not know anything about.

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:3-4–God Will Watch Over Us

I have often wanted to do things my way, instead of seeking God’s will.  Last week, we looked at where God reminded us to look unto the hills for His help.   I’m a rebel that has been redeemed.  Today’s verse is a reminder of why we need to trust in God.

He will not let your foot slip—foot slip

If we put our trust in Him and allow God to guide, He will not allow us to fall.
he who watches over you will not slumber;

I need sleep.  There are times when I go on a shortage of sleep, but eventually it catches up with me.  However, we’re reminded that God never sleeps.  He’s always awake and aware of what is occurring, even when we are sleeping.
indeed, he who watches over Israel

He watches over us while we sleep. God never sleeps.
He watches over us while we sleep. God never sleeps.

Israel was God’s promised people.  Even when they were disobedient and God had to reprimand them, he continued to watch over them.  He did not want to see His people become slaves to their enemies or wander in the desert for 40 years, but He knew this was the only way to get their attention.
will neither slumber nor sleep.

Once again, we are reminded that God never slumbers or sleep.  Even when we wonder why He’s not answered our prayers, if He is listening and if He cares, God is still there listening to our cries and prayers.

Join the Conversation:  How has God protected you?

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:1-2–I Will Lift My Eyes to the Hills

My life has felt like one long transition at times.   This has been particularly true for the last few years, as I deal with changes and seek God’s will in various situations.

This month I would like to take an in-depth look at one of my favorite Psalm.  I often turn to this verse for both guidance and comfort.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—I will Lift

The Bible takes place in the modern day Middle East.  During the Bible times mountains dotted the region and landscape.

Mountains often are a reference to authority or a rule. The author is most likely referring to God’s throne.

where does my help come from?

I know I often wonder where help will come from.  When my prayers will be answered or how I will get through a situation.
My help comes from the Lord,

The speaker speaks of the greatness, power and glory of the Lord.  Lifting up of the eyes is a gesture of prayer.
the Maker of heaven and earth.

God is the maker of both heaven and earth.  He is the ruler over both the heavens and the earth.

Leave an answer:  Where do you look for help?

Transitional Friday: Setting SMART Goals

Last week, we discussed 9 ways to set realistic goals, but left off with SMART goals.  So what are SMART Goals?

SMART Goals

  1. S=Specific—a specific goal  {ex.I will lose 20 pounds by the last day of November}smart goals 2
  2. M=Measurable—a concrete way to measure your goal.  {ex. I have 3 months to lose 20 pounds.  That’s about a pound and a half a week.}
  3. A=Attainable—Decide how to reach this goal and the steps that need to be taken to achieve the goal.  {ex. I need to exercise five days a week for 45 minutes and each 1500 calories a day}.
  4. R=Realistic—Is this goal achievable?  Is this something I can achieve? {see #5 above}
  5. T=Timely—Set a timeline for reaching this goal.  Otherwise you are less likely to reach that goal.  Thing of the goal being tangible.  Often if we can see, taste, smell, hear or feel the goal, we are more likely to achieve it.

 

How do you set realistic goals?  Do you use the SMART goals?

goals 2