Tag Archives: perspective

Rocky and the Count

February 27, 2020Spiritual Encouragementasthma, boxing match, bulging discs, count it all joy, countdown, cysts, disccouraged, fear, fibromyalgia, health issues, herniated discs, hip replacement, inspiration, James 1:2-8, Jesus, John 16:33, joy, life, melanoma, one thing after another, perseverance, perspective, Rocky, thyroid, Trials, tribulations, Unconditional love, unknownT.W. Allgaier

My husband and I love all the “Rocky” movies. The very first gift I ever received from him was the soundtrack (album) to the original Rocky.

Have you ever felt like you were in the middle of a boxing ring?

Something hits you out of no where and as soon as you get up, another right hook is there to put you down again?

Anyone?

The last several months has been one thing after another with family members and my personal health. In fact, all kinds of punches have been leveled. I have been rather sore.

I know that I am not alone.

I kept hearing… “Count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2

I don’t remember Rocky getting hit by Apollo Creed and singing, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.” So what gives?

“Count” means to evaluate how we look at something. So how do we look at these things from God’s perspective? We know that “…in this world we will have troubles…” (John 16:33), and I believe that these trials are in our life because of the sinful world in which we live, not because we are being punished for something.

But can we learn from them with the right perspective?

“Joy” means an inner sense of well being; deep settled peace…strength, not superficial giddiness.

“Perseverance” means endurance, steadfastness, patience and victory over the trial.

Back to Rocky.

He evaluated his fight. How did he look at it?

With the perspective that he could win.

He had a deep settled peace and strength.

And talk about perseverance!

He trusted his training. He trusted his trainer.

Made me think. Do I trust my trainer? Has He always taught me truth? Has he been faithful?

So until I know I am to be “down for the count”, this old gal is getting back up! Whose with me?

~Be Encouraged Today~

Tammy

Illustration credit: Rocky

Whether Weather

February 19, 2019Spiritual Encouragementbirds, birds of the air, choice, choose joy, contentment, ice, Matthew 6, perspective, Philippians 4, snow, spiritual encouragement, weather, winterT.W. Allgaier

It seems as though the weather is in the news. Snow, freezing rain, ice, wind, traffic issues, schools closed, flights canceled.

Let me be completely honest. I am not a winter person. I do not like cold. I prefer warm, balmy temperatures. I will say that “when” it is snowing I think it is pretty, but that is as positive as this gal can get. Yes, I prefer summer and I am not afraid to say so. I may belong in the deep southern half of the USA on a permanent basis.

So I looked out the window and found myself watching these three little birds. I called them Larry, Curly and Moe. They seemed to have it together. They were flitting in and out of the ivy wall we have in our back yard. It is very thick and the ivy has taken on a life of its own. These boys (girls??) were getting deep inside the ivy and I would say were keeping as toasty as possible. I was reminded of a couple of things.

Yep, Larry, Curly and Moe were just fine. So why do I sometimes worry about my tomorrows? I am worth more than that the bird of the air. More important to God than Larry. More important than Curly, even Moe.

Then the second message hit me. Remember when I said that I do not like cold or snow? Well, I thought of Paul. You know when he wrote the church in Philippians from jail… “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13

And I don’t like snow. Gees. Can I trust Him? Can I be content? He says I can so I just have to make that choice.

Enjoy your quiet time as the cold shuts down part of your world…and look out the window no telling what you might see!

And while being content, I might just look at some deep south pictures!! 🙂

~Be Encouraged Today

Tammy

Perspective

June 27, 2017Christian encouragement, Spiritual EncouragementChristian encouragement, Christian life, encouragement in Christ, God's peace, jeep'n, perspective, school, spiritual encouragementT.W. Allgaier

Have you ever entered a familiar town from an opposite direction? Things don’t look the same. One store is on the left hand side of the road and you are used to seeing it on the right. In fact, it doesn’t really even look like the same town.

What changed? Continue reading Perspective →