Axiological "Moral" Argument

 

Spiritual Hunger

 I've been thinking a lot about our desires and the things we want in life. I've been thinking about how that affects our day to day priorities and behavior. What do you want in life? What's most important to you? In what way can I live a more purposeful life? 

We may say little phrases like, put God First, Keep Christ the center of your life, live to worship and glorify God. But does our life match to those mottos? Does God rule and reign supreme in all areas of our life? In what ways do we get distracted? Do we fall into temptation or pursue idols before God? What does it look like to prioritize and love God? What desires are from him, and what are not?

In what ways can we grow in a spiritual hunger to walk closely with Jesus? In what ways can we synchronize, align, and attune our heart to His word, will and way? Where in my life do I need to take better responsibility? What in my life do I need to surrender to Him? 

The Kingdom

A pastor at the HIM Conference made a statement like, "Jesus is on a boat in a storm, and I prefer to be on the shore where it's more comfortable. But I realize now that the safest place is not on shore, but rather the safest place is next to Jesus."

I'm sure most of us would prefer to be on a nice comfortable + warm beach next to Jesus. We want to avoid the storms of suffering, toil, and tribulation. However, the best place to be is with Jesus. 

"God wills that we should push into His presence and live our whole life there. This is to be known to us in conscious experience. It is more than a doctrine to be held, it is a life to be enjoyed every moment of every day." -A.W. Tozer

Becoming Your Best Self

Becoming Your Best-Self
What does the best version of you look like? How would the best version of yourself feel about yourself? What self-development practices, habits, and disciplines would the best version of yourself do? What’s the point of becoming the best version of ourselves? The point is to find greater health, wealth, strength, healing, power, happiness, and meaning. The following are general tools, tips, and concepts to life we can apply to thrive and flourish.

Holistic Health
Enriching our lives starts by honing in on different areas of our holistic health. Holistic health is interconnected. Spiritual, Emotional, Intellectual, Physical, Relational, Occupational, Environmental, and Financial Health. Each sphere of health requires a variety of different practices, strategies, and exercises that increase our level of health.

Satisfy My Soul

In counseling, a lot of clients & students come to me to create change, find healing, or find new perspectives. A lot of our stress is self-caused. They look to a variety of illegitimate means to cope or feel better. When we feel unhappy, depressed, stressed, or anxious, it's easy to turn to unhealthy habits and that can create addictions. Temporal means of instant gratification don't truly help. In our culture, we try to "fix" ourselves by getting certain dopamine highs. But we always have the power to make better and healthier choices. When you're faced with challenges, stress, and trials, who or what do you turn to?


"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Keys to Happiness

I've been pondering the idea of Happiness. What is it that makes me happy? Why do I feel happy today? Is happiness only a fleeting feeling? What are the main ingredients to grow in happiness? Is happiness genetic? Is happiness only circumstantial? What role does our attitude and actions play in our happiness? Are joy and happiness the same thing? How do I cultivate greater contentment, peace, joy, & happiness in my life? 

The Best Version of Myself..

The best version of myself makes healthy choices.
The best version of myself utilizes and manages his time well.
The best version of myself is considerate and thoughtful.
The best version of myself glorifies God and includes Him in every manner.
The best version of myself is patient and is a good listener.
The best version of myself says no to things that aren't good.
The best version of myself works hard. Really hard.
The best version of myself inspires, encourages, and teaches others.
The best version of myself is loving, kind, forgiving, understanding, and compassionate.
The best version of myself has a morning and night routine.
The best version of myself is humble and not attention-seeking.
The best version of myself does not waste too much time on screens.
The best version of myself minimizes foods like carbs and sugar.
The best version of myself applies God's word and prays.
The best version of myself goes out of his way to help others.
The best version of myself takes care of his mental health.
The best version of myself embodies integrity and honesty.
The best version of myself worships God in joy. 
The best version of myself responds to texts, calls, and emails.
The best version of myself is a good friend.
The best version of myself does not have a quick temper.
The best version of myself does not swear or yell.
The best version of myself treats others well.
The best version of myself is grateful for people and simple things. 
The best version of myself controls his emotions when feeling stressed.
The best version of myself attends church 
The best version of myself sleeps early and wakes up early. 
The best version of myself exercises at least twice a week. 
The best version of myself communicates assertively
The best version of myself is responsible
The best version of myself manages money well.
The best version of myself makes others feel comfortable and seen.
The best version of myself is early on time. 
The best version of myself accepts what he cannot control, and does not overthink.
The best version of myself does not dwell on the past.
The best version of myself chooses to be happy.
The best version of myself learns and adapts. 
The best version of myself cleans and does chores.
The best version of myself reads, writes, learns, and grows in self-development.
The best version of myself has grace for shortcomings and mistakes.
The best version of myself speaks in truth and love.
The best version of myself is fun to be around. 
The best version of myself is caring towards others.
The best version of myself breaks bad habits and creates healthy daily routines.
The best version of myself apologizes and forgives.
The best version of myself does what is right.
The best version of myself knows his value, self-worth, and does not seek validation.
The best version of myself is creative, interesting, positive, and pursues righteousness.
The best version of myself does not complain, make excuses, or grumble.
The best version of myself is focused on becoming his best self every day.
The best version of myself is whole, full, abundant, smart, kind, powerful, energetic, and confident.
The best version of myself is resolved and committed to being consistently disciplined.

Quick Thought

 Although I've heard this quote several times, I think only now it's really starting to hit me deep.

"Instead of looking to find the right person, focus on becoming the right person." 

We get so caught up looking for someone to sometimes perfectly meet our long list of needs and expectations, to find that connection on all intimacy levels, have excellent communication, compatibility, shared faith, values, life goals, interest, who's emotionally available, attractive, affectionate, warm, supportive, thoughtful, caring, and loving, etc.. 

But do we possess those traits ourselves? Perhaps we ought to be more focused on loving ourselves, and becoming the best version of ourselves because whether we're in or out of a relationship, self-care and self-improvement should be our top priority anyway. 

Asking for God's Will

I just had a good counseling session with my therapist. I've been seeing a therapist for years, but recently see her twice a month which has been very useful. 

Acceptance

If we only have this one life, shouldn't we do whatever it takes to become the very best versions of ourselves? If we only have this one life, shouldn't we want to spend as much time as we can with the people that matter most to us and treat them with the utmost love, care & kindness?

If this is our only life (and it is), we must make sure we don't waste it. Focus your time, work, and energy on what's most important + meaningful to you. Tomorrow is never promised. Don't take people for granted. Always give them your very best.

Keep Going, You Got This!

I will become stronger
I will become healthier
I will become a better listener
I will train hard 
I will work hard 
I will stay disciplined
I will not take shortcuts 
I will be consistent

I will use my time wisely
I will be accountable to myself 
I will do what it takes to become successful
I will grow in ethics, integrity, honesty, and holiness
I will make better choices 
I will make healthy habits
I will choose to be happy whether it rains or shines

I will accomplish challenging tasks even if I don't feel like doing them

I am becoming more loving. More patient. More forgiving. and More understanding. I choose to be more. 

I am committed to my goals and creating healthy systems
I am focused on making progress and taking action
I am resolved to become the best version of myself

There's a reoccurring theme that I keep thinking about lately. I'm not even sure how to put it into words. It has to do with the will to fight. It's about having this inner flame within you. To become more than you are. To never give up. To better yourself. to pursue your goals and passions with hard work, drive, discipline, consistency, and dedication. I want to be the very best version of myself. 

Love All

Here's what I've been thinkin about lately. It mostly applies to working with children, but it applies to all. Some people are easy to love and care about. Some people are easy to spend time with. Some are easy to get along with and fun to talk to. We tend to gravitate to these people. 

But what if you intentionally went to those who weren't so easy. What if you purposely tended to those who were more challenging and a bit difficult to deal with. Some kids hit, some bite, throw tantrums, don't listen, and have all sorts of behavioral challenges. Not everyone is pleasant and easygoing. Naturally, we tend to stay closer to those we feel more comfortable with. 

But look at who Jesus spent his ministry time with. He went straight to those in need. The sick, the hurt, the poor, the hungry, the lonely, the unpopular, the hurt, and those who are often neglected. He understood unconditional positive regard. That's a fancy way of saying love. He treated everyone with pure generosity, kindness, gentleness, patience, compassion, and grace.