“I Can’t Be Bothered”: Rejecting Agitation, Frustration, and Other Peace Robbers

Allow me to set the scenario. Ladies will best understand this one.

Just imagine with me for a minute. You have just gotten out the shower and are drying your hair from a fresh wash. You feel refreshed; your hair is happy because it’s no longer dirty. You take your time to prep your hair to sit under the dryer—you already know how fly it’s going to look when you’re done! As soon as you set up your hood dryer, position yourself under it, and turn it on, the breaker in your house trips and all the power goes out. You’ve got somewhere to be and you thought that your apartment complex had previously rectified the faulty breaker situation. What do you do? How do you feel? What is your response to this fiasco?

True story. I went through a month full of these eventful occurrences with my power, and the first week I was overwhelmed with agitation. It wasn’t fair that my apartment was the only one affected by this problem. Maintenance knew about it, the power company was made aware, but still this issue plagued me. This month of “fluke” power outages tested me beyond my limit of peace until I realized something mid-month. This was something that I had no control over. I had reported the issue to every proper authority in the field. I, myself, am not an electrician so I couldn’t remedy the problem. So, what did I do? I wrapped up my hair, grabbed my laptop, and marched to the front office!

However, what I did next surprised me. When I got there I wanted to “go off” for the zillionth time; but for what? Instead, I simply asked if I could use the office power source to finish a project that needed to be completed. I chose that day to not be bothered by issues that were out of my control. I trusted that God saw, He heard my prayers regarding the problem, and that I had done everything in my power to bring about solution to the issue. I decided that day that frustration would not steal my joy because it was not supplied by it.

When we come to the realization that Christ came that we should have life, and life more abundantly (John 10:10), that all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28), and that Christ’s peace was left with us to utilize and enjoy (John 14:27), it’s easier to let stuff go. I have come to the conclusion that nothing—and I mean nothing or no one—will steal the peace that I have worked 26 years to receive and accept. I let things go with quickness if they even bring the “implication” of agitation. God does not desire us to be stressed, annoyed, disturbed, or angry so I reject those emotions. When they arise I speak aloud my new favorite phrase, “I can’t be bothered” and keeps it moving!

There’s so much more to life than being aggravated with things we can’t change. Pray about it, believe that you have what you say, do your part, and then LET IT GO! What will happen, will happen. In the meantime go enjoy the abundant life that God has promised us. Adopt my saying and love, laugh, and LIVE!

Peace be with you!

Nikki D

Jesus…Got An App For That?

With advances in technology surfacing every other millisecond, the world has grown accustomed to instant gratification. Instant gratification has now even got a microwave version called Quick Response. Translation—RIGHT NOW! As one of few earthlings who has yet to join the society of smartphone users, I surprisingly don’t feel at a lost. While the world goes around uploading videos, scanning company barcodes, and updating Twitter feeds, I reserve the right to live a simple life. And this vow is simply joyous! My life lacks the toil of trying to remain on top of the up-and-coming; however, I remain keenly aware of the space and time in which I reside. The lack of empty distractions has allowed me to locate my purpose and destiny. Thus, I have progressively been downloading what I’ll dub my Jesus App into my “smart” dome—head that is.

I marvel at people constantly found clicking on their phones, “living” technologically-sound and busy lives. They download game apps for happiness, music apps for relaxation, news feed apps for up-to-date information, and apps for this, and apps for that. But I, with my regular phone, am doing just fine with my one Jesus App! He supplies all of my needs and this is accomplished without the dogged stress that the world endures as they toil to make things happen. My Jesus App equips me for every avenue in life and supplies me with the grace to handle its hiccups. Moreover, when I employ my Jesus App work seems like play, and attempted turmoil; misdirected victory.

With Jesus, all I do is win! Therefore, I suggest that today you clear your schedule, erase some of those screen cluttering life apps, and download a user friendly Jesus App. Allow Him to transfer His grace, mercy, salvation, love, peace, and joy into your spirit today. And as you freely upload your feelings, desires and prayers, Jesus will download your daily bread. Finally, stop the app downloading frenzy that the world requires, and tap into God’s zoe life by today downloading your own Jesus App.

Approve This Download?

Lord I thank you for making clear today the things that are necessary in life. I thank you for de-cluttering my existence so that I can really start living. Thank you for helping me understand that I’m nothing without you, and that only you can supply me with the Bread of Life.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Blessings good people,

Nikki D

Balancing Act: Living In This World w/o Being of This World

~Matthew 11:28-30~

Hey Everyone!

As I sit here contemplating on the mental states of people in this world, I begin to thank God for having stability and balance in my life. I have come to the conclusion, after reading comments on facebook and listening to individuals speak, that following the trends of this world only lead to schizophrenia or bi-polar syndrome! People are just all over the place as they attempt to ascend the ladder towards success; however, they are lacking true inner peace. The Word precisely says that "a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8) Moreover, as I draw closer to God, and mature physically, as well as spiritually, I am beginning to, even the more notice, the sad reality of a life lived without Christ.

People have no balance without Christ's spirit living within; they are up and down, hot and cold. Thus, you never know what to expect when you offer a causal salutation to your fellow human being nowadays. Personally, my "hellos" and "how are you doings?" have been met with scowls, blank looks, and, far in between, a reciprocated greeting. Humanity is no longer a sought after quality in today's society as folks plagued with stress try desperately to keep up with the masses. What would happen if everyone were introduced to their true identity and role in life? Wow, what a change such a phenomenon would bring to this earth!

People constantly flaunt their degrees and know-all as if these are their golden tickets into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. They follow the world's system of rules and regulations like well-oiled, brain-washed robots; hoping to one day arrive at wherever their intended destination. Inversely, I find it unnecessary to flaunt what I have accomplished or am well literate/read in, because I understand that none of this worldly hoopla matters anyway. I do everything to bring glory and honor to my Father in heaven who is keeping a running account of every scene that I perform on this earthly stage. Thus, since I'm center stage, I believe that I should try my best to please the One who really matters and controls the very breath in my body.

Get your minds right people (and I cannot stress this enough)! No one really cares how much educational, medical, scientific etc. jargon you have accumulated! What have you done for God lately, who have you touched with the spirit of Christ living within you? Once people realize what's really important and their priorities are put into proper perspective, they will achieve balance! However people, you will never get this by "going harder and going stronger" or "getting it how you live." God can only supply the peaceful balance needed to survive/thrive in a world where the carnal and the internal spirit war daily! Choose God or become another mental case statistic... the ball is definitely in your court!

Think about it!

Nikki