Pathways That Lead to Christ

  Just one focus word for the New Year, not resolutions. HABITS & GOALS ·  LIFE GOALS As the New Year approaches it’s time to reflect on the past year, celebrate achievements and give thought to the year ahead. It is the time of the year, where many people think about setting New Year resolutions which they quickly dismiss a few days or weeks later. Dismissed as little forethought went into it. Naturally, I believe in setting goals. In fact, I like to set goals in 8 areas of my life. However, I have also learnt about the power of having one focus word. And how choosing one focus word for the New Year can really help you clarify your core value.   Why choose one focus word for the year. It was during a goal setting workshop at  Kikki K  that I first heard about having a focus word for the year. As a group, we were individually choosing  personal core values . About 5 core values each. I remember choosing family, freedom, community, balance and ...

The following is a wonderful article about anxiety and how to stop feeling anxious. I can only add one important thing to this article: If you have faith in a higher power--God--go to Him first and find the peace and help you need. He will give you guidance and relief from your anxiety.  Toni Star How to Stop Feeling Anxious Right Now By Locke Hughes   FROM THE WEBMD ARCHIVES While it’s normal to get nervous about an important event or life change, about 40 million Americans live with an anxiety disorder, which is more than the occasional worry or fear. Anxiety disorders can range from a  generalized anxiety disorder  (GAD), which is intense worrying that you can’t control, to  panic disorder  -- sudden episodes of fear, along with heart palpitations, trembling, shaking, or sweating. For those with an anxiety disorder, it’s important to look into strategies that can help manage or reduce anxiety in the long term, like talk therapy or medication. B...

  Thanksgiving at Grandma’s by Toni Star November, then and now, signals just one thing to me, Thanksgiving at Grandma’s.   Thanksgiving at her house was paradise!   The atmosphere of food, laughter and love was wonderful and unforgettable.   Thanksgiving morning at our house was busy.   Mom would prepare a salad or pie; we kids would dress up in our good clothes and then go outside to play. We had to be careful not to get dirty.   Good clothes in our family didn’t come easy.   We weren’t poor but we were very frugal with money and food.   Meanwhile, Dad stayed busy in the garage checking out the old Chevy.   He’d check the oil, water and the battery and then give the tires a kick, for readiness.   Often, I would go into the garage from time to time to see how he was doing.   Often, he found things for me to do-such as checking the oil and water and inspecting the car battery t...

I  feel certain that what I am about to say about the Covid virus, many would agree with. First, it has been a trail, tribulation and a challenge! I don't think anyone could deny this. It has shaken people and countries like nothing current generations have seen or gone through before. Each day seems to bring more challenges but many are facing and overcoming these challenges. Certainly, it has caused harm, death and destruction; however, if one can face the awful truth, there can be some nuggets good to be found. I may be very wrong but in my opinion, some good has been, and continues, to come out of all this. Think for a moment. Look at families; many are getting closer than ever before. There is more emphasis on families pulling together than I and others have seen in a long time. More people are staying home and preparing meals--of course, this is necessary because the restaurants and some fast food places are just not ready for prime time yet. Movie theaters are only working m...

In just a few weeks fall will begin. Yes, I know. It is still quite warm. Nothing to worry about. Or, is it? Even though it is sunny and warm, cooler weather is already beginning in some states. In Ohio, the 70s are appearing and that means that soon, summer will be gone. So, what should you and I do to prepare for the upcoming cooler weather? The following is a brief list of what we all should do in the coming weeks: 1. Get rid of anything that is not needed--clothes, blankets, shoes and such. Give them to the Goodwill or S. Army or to someone who could really use these items. 2. Have your furnace, hot water heater and dryer vent checked. Also, if you have a fireplace, clean it out or have someone do it for you. If the fireplace is heated by gas, then call the furnace company and have them come out and do some maintenance on it. This will give you peace of mind and it will be operating at a good and safe pace. 3. Downsize furniture, if needed and purchase furniture that will make your...

Like millions of people, my husband and I are going through this worldwide virus deal and we are so tired of it! The cleaning, disinfecting, the not being able to go anywhere for fear of picking of the virus--well, it is just plain tiring and has turned our lifestyle and millions of others--upside down. In fact, my husband, two days ago, picked up the virus. We were in several stores days ago, came home, cleaned everything down, showered and then washed clothes; but still he came down with it. He is doing better now but we are being very vigilant about his care. For months, we have been extremely careful and for months, nothing happened. But, the virus got him several days ago. He is feeling much better but from now on, we will be even more vigilant when we go out and come home. For several days, we have struggled and I have been depressed and worried but then I thought, "What am I doing to myself and my husband?" Worry doesn't get you anywhere but running to God is the a...

Hello Everyone, Below is a wonderful piece--divided into sections--that will help you find peace with Jesus. I hope they help you as they have helped me. The only real peace we will have on this earth is with Jesus, so turn to Him because He will truly give you the peace you want and need. Again, don't let this virus get you down. Yes, it is an intrusion to our lives but one day it will be gone and our lives will resume, hopefully, in normal ways. Don't give up, take one day at a time and know this--that God is always with you--no matter where yo go or what you go through. Remember, trust, love and obey God. He will show you through because He is our loving Father. We need not fear a virus, or any other problem on earth. So for now, here is the piece. Read it, digest it and let the words flow through your heart and brain. God Bless, Toni No matter what challenges you face, you can find peace of mind and heart with the Bible’s life-giving words. 1. When you face...

I am posting this article about the virus because it is such a positive look about the virus. I hope it  helps you, as it has helped me. Even though this virus has caused pain and loneliness, it has also forced us to reevaluate and appreciate our lives. Toni Star Author of this peace...Samuel Paul Veissiere Ph.D. 1. We  are no longer inattentive to what matters.  Illnesses and accidents always trigger a cascade of unexpected positive events.  First, they tend to channel our  attention  toward things we usually take for granted.  Paradoxically, it is not until things break down that we start appreciating them – or even remembering that they exist.  People with asthma, for example, speak of how  grateful  they are for the wonders of air and breathing.  A broken leg or a broken car can make us appreciate the privilege of free movement.  Or again, an unexpected inability to move effortlessly can trigger a wave...