The Olympics ended, and self-discipline was definitely at the forefront of my mind! The dedication, willpower, hard work, and perseverance were a must for these athletes! Is self-discipline achieved through sheer effort, or is it the result of passionate patterns? Self-discipline? Hard work? Faith?
This question lingered as I reflected on the rhythms of my own life. A friend and I discussed our faith walks through the patterns we choose. Years ago, I started to lose momentum, but recognizing these patterns, both good and bad, helps me realign my life. Through the lens of faith, I’ve come to see how habits patterns and spiritual practices interact, shaping my journey and life IN Christ.
What’s faith got to do with it?
“How do you stay HOPEFUL?” I’m asked this often. My hope comes from Christ! He understands my messy human nature and has seen me break bad habits. I’m thankful that God knows my limitations. With Christ in me, I find strength! What patterns bring peace and harness His power?
My PASSION for Christ is what creates more consistent patterns-faith is the fuel! K.L. Hale
What defines your passions? Hobbies? Health? Career? Productivity? Finances? Emotions? Do your patterns promote peace and intimacy in Christ? Or CHAOS?
Prepared for battle? Prepared for pattern!
KL.’s Positive & Passionate Patterns
Do you feel resilient in this topsy turvy ever-changing world of circumstances & situations? How do you practice perseverance? Are you resilent? I am currently reading books by Pioneers of faith that walked YEARS ago who inspire me (thank you, Tim, for these amazing true stories). Have you ever heard of Darlene Diebler Rose or John and Betty Stam? You will soon learn from future articles! Are you familiar with Corrie Ten Boom and/or Elisabeth Elliot? “God, give me faith like that!”
“Complete surrender and “death to self” creates space for peaceful and positive patterns. Through faith, these patterns become natural, allowing us to use the power God instilled in us.” K.L. Hale
Pattern Disruptions~ what happens when we’re disrupted?
Life has a way of disrupting PATTERNS. Some of us PRACTICE THE WRONG PATTERNS (remember a few years ago when I wrote about Ruminating over the Ruins?). How can we delete, deter, or dissolve these distractions?
***Note—detachment doesn’t mean to hide away or wish the “rest of the world” to go away! I understand how this feels, though! How can we reach a world if we detach ourselves completely from PEOPLE? However, there MUST be a balance. Even Jesus needed time alone with his Father!***
Distractions will dismantle faith! The natural pattern of pausing, praying, praising, and persevering provides POWER to detach from the world. K.L. Hale
Friends, I am a “work in progress“! My personal growth and intimacy with my Creator will grow MORE if my patterns match my only pursuit—living IN and FOR Christ. Do you REALLY know how loved you are? I’ll never stop sharing!
Dear family/friends/readers–I began this article two days ago. This morning, as I began preparing to post and read, I learned of a tragedy that occured in the Ozarks. When the alert went out last night, I didn’t realize the severity of the situation unfolding. Deputy Gabriel Rameriz was shot and killed before 4 pm last night after a traffic stop. The suspect escaped and a 9 hour manhunt ended with Deputy Michael Hislope being shot and killed while trying to help rescue two other officers who had been wounded by gunfire. The suspect was shot and killed in the wooded area where he began this travesty. My heart and prayers sincerely go out to the families of these men who proudly served our country (both served in the U.S. Army before joining the Sheriff’s office❤️🤍💙).To the men who are injured and still serving, we are surrounding you and your loved ones, department, and communities in love and prayers. I can’t even begin to understand their loss. I could pray 24/7 and still not include all that needs to be shared with our Creator. When I go quiet on WP you know it’s because I’m prepared for patterns as those around me have to go to battle. I’ll stand for good and the promises that only our Creator can keep. May He be with us all. God bless you, my friends. ❣️🙏🏻
Don’t lose hope! Find faith!❣️
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