“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s Saturday and a wonderful day to serve the Lord.  I was looking forward to sleeping in this morning, but Dominic had other plans.  I saw a cute meme that said if you want to remember to do something, give your cat a treat every time you do it, and the cat will remember.  I find this theory to be absolutely true!  The cat wakes me up to feed him. He is so sweet, when he’s hungry. So, no sleeping in for me.

Dominic also reminds me to give the dog a treat.  As my husband says “dog goes out, cat gets treat!”   Are people all that different?  It’s interesting how little things bring back memories.  Maybe it’s a song, or a scent.  Sometimes someone says something, and a memory or dream comes to mind.  Sometimes it might be just going somewhere, or completing a routine task.  Unfortunately, all memories aren’t pleasant, and some are pleasant but are forever gone.  It’s easy to see how depression sets in and can be hard to fight.

The key is to break the pattern.  There’s been a great deal of research on this subject. Years ago I read some of Tony Robbins’ books.  I recall him explaining how a person should do something drastic when they are feeling anxiety.  For example, if you have a fear of public speaking, next time you are in a position to speak publicly you might want to have a friend tell you a joke or do something silly.  When you have a good experience, pinch yourself or do something to help you remember.  Next time you have to speak publicly, pinch yourself and remember the good experience.  Trust me when I say that I’m oversimplying and Tony explains this much better. His techniques definitely work and I encourage you to study his teachings.  However, I would like to add God to this equation. (Tony doesn’t say God.  He says “your creator”.)  I was able to improve my public speaking with Tony’s techniques, but it was when I said “Lord speak through me” that my life began to change.  When I put the focus on helping God and others, things began to turn around.

This morning I was reminded of something I didn’t want to remember.  Have you ever regretted saying or doing something?  It’s easy to get a little “bummed” (to use the words of a friend).  I put in my AirPods and began cleaning house, when a  Danny Gokey song began to play.  I listened to him explain my own brokenness, but I began to smile and sing.  You see, we all have regrets and sadness, but God wants us to rise and shut the door on our past so we can shine for Him.

This song served as a great interruption to my bad memory.  It’s as soft as Dominic waking me up, and as powerful as someone shaking me to get my attention. That was probably God using Danny’s Gokey to remind me of the power we have available through Him.  Regardless to what has happened in your life, God wants you to shine and help others.  I hope you enjoy the song and the day!  God bless you.