Thankful Heart

A Cheerful Heart Is Like Medicine!

We sometimes go through hardship; I’d like to offer you some advice if you are. Stay the course. My point is, God will take you even further than what you’ve dreamt. He has the capability. With God, nothing is impossible.

Having faith has so much to do with what we envision. We don’t always realize that; sometimes, we think that having faith comes only through what we hear or learn. But faith comes through what we envision; imagination is a powerful tool.

But not listening to doctors and science is detrimental. You see, what you hear is essential, too. What you hear has a way of affecting you either negatively or positively. The people who haven’t listened to the precautions out there now have been more likely to get sick.

So, faith does come by what we hear, too. We must have faith in science. I’ve been able to accomplish walking again, though, because I envisioned it twenty-five years ago after I suffered paralysis (I had faith in it). I have also worked very hard.

We may be feeling low and not know how to rise above depression. We may not have faith in ourselves or be too effected by outside circumstances. God’s angels are near, and I have heard God’s voice from deep within instruct me and even speak ‘loudly’ and tell me what to do.

I never stop giving thanks. When you have a grateful heart and thank God for everything, you receive blessings because a thankful heart will provide you with grace. I know it can be challenging to feel that way all the time. But try to think of all that God has done for you!

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored “Not Without God: A Story of Survival.” Her stories have been featured in various guest articles, medical journals, magazines, newsletters, and over 200 of her blog posts. As an educator for more than twenty years, she’s had the privilege of working with thousands of students from different backgrounds and parts of the world. Her writing endeavors earned her an invitation to speak at the Harvard Faculty Club’s “Business Expert Forum.” Zina’s goal is to help others overcome adversity, and she strives to do what she longs to–help other people. Socializing with friends, taking business trips, listening to music, and meeting new people are among her hobbies. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, or Twitter.

Out of the Storm!

I’m able to maintain a sense of inner peace even when there are storms all around me. I questioned myself the other day. Someone else in my situation may not feel this way. How could I be? Then I was reminded that happiness lies within us. The waters may be rising in anticipation of a flood, but you may be content. The flood waters will not “swallow you up.” I remembered, again, that happiness comes from deep within. It doesn’t lie in material things, nor does it lie in your status. It’s not in any labels you add. It comes from within. It’s a permanent happiness you can possess. It’s the one that is reborn every time the temporal happiness ceases to exist.

Whenever you start to feel unhappy, remember that eventually you will return to that place. Let go of worries, fears, selfish desires, pressure, disappointments, or the desire to win! Permanent happiness can only come from within. We are meant to be happy creatures, but culture often teaches us there is a void. We may feel we ‘need to have’ this or that, in order to be fulfilled. Just take a look at the world around us. It’s wonderful to be thankful, and no one would be happy about living in poverty, for example, but really count your blessings, and realize how much you have, you will think about what you are missing much less!

Bask in Love

“The love that you withhold is the pain that you carry.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

When you know what it’s like to pray you make it through the day because of (mental) anguish you can eventually experience love in its fullest form.

Sometimes it’s hard to appreciate life when you’ve had it easy. But when you know what you do because of hardship, you can become more thankful for what you have.

When you’ve struggled more than once, and when struggling seems to be the only way—you have a decision to make. You can take life for granted, and become bitter as some do.

Or, you can choose to do something different. Allow the pain to enhance your life. Project it outward instead. Use it for good—give, or encourage. Don’t just keep it all inside.

Don’t ask why this happened. Remember, we are small in the larger scheme of life. We’re all trying to get through. I think that some make it while others simply get by.

Those that get by usually have it fine–the house, the car, children and a career. They don’t experience too much difficulty in their lives.

But those that make it are the ones that turn the tide. They may even change the course of history because they decide no matter what they will survive!

They not only want to thrive, but they also want to help others while they’re doing it too!

Why not help someone today?

About Zina

Zina writes articles on faith and overcoming disability, and her stories have been featured in Christianity Today, Spinal Cord Injury Zone, SCI Access, newsletters, and medical journals among many other various publications. To learn more about Zina visit http://zinahermez.com.

Gratitude

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored the book Not Without God: A Story of Survival and created the Spinal Cord Injury Solutions! online website. Zina works as an English Language Instructor, and has been an educator for nearly fifteen years. Her thousands of students have been from many parts of the world, and she’s worked with all ages. Zina writes articles on faith and overcoming disability, and her stories have been featured in Christianity Today, Spinal Cord Injury Zone, SCI Access, newsletters, and medical journals among many other various publications. To learn more about Zina visit http://zinahermez.com.

7 Tips to Keep the Holiday Cheer!

Have you thought about your goals this holiday season? Any New Year’s resolutions? Have you thought about ways to stay healthy? Or keep the holiday cheer? Holidays are fun but can be a demanding, busy time as we try to meet the needs of our family and friends. There are gifts to be bought, turkeys to be cooked, and trees to be put up!

During this hectic period, it’s easy to feel a lot of stress. In giving, the giver feels just as rewarded as the receiver, if not more. However, we sometimes forget to give to ourselves. In your time of giving, don’t neglect your own needs. This will help to reduce anxiety, and keep you calm throughout the season.

Would you like to improve your finances? Volunteer? Do you want to feed the poor? Maybe you want to make some healthy lifestyle choices such as eating better, or losing weight? Whatever your goals, I wish you success!

Let’s prepare to stay merry. Here are some tips to keep you in the holiday spirit!

Be thankful – Nurture a thankful heart. It’s hard to be unhappy when your heart is brimming with thanks! By changing your attitude, you can experience joy even when circumstances don’t change.
Trust – Develop the trust that life will provide you with what you need. Serenity comes from contentment with what you have.
Forgive – Let go of resentment and remorse which wastes energy on yesterday. Forgive and live today.
Give to yourself – Give yourself compassion and understanding. Recognize your abilities and value.
Savor life – Enjoy the taste of cranberry bread, the smell of Christmas cookies, the sight of sunrise.
Do something for someone in need – Write a letter to a lonely friend, make a phone call to an ill relative, or bake a pumpkin pie to welcome your new neighbors.
Love – Remember the deeper truth of life – you are loved. When you feel holiday stress, remember the voice of God who beckons, “Come to me when you are weary, and I will give you rest.”