#3 of the Top 5 Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. 

"Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.  We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win. "

Paul writing said, 

"Oh, dear Corinthian friends!  We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you.  There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us.

2 Cor. 6:11-12

• We all need to be able to speak from our hearts those things that we feel,  especially in relationship to others like our spouse or friends.
• Honesty doesn't have to be and shouldn't be mean, but it does have to be honest.
• It's this freedom to share our hearts that deepens and makes relationships much richer.
• There is great value and healing in being apart of a relationship like this and you can find them in small groups at HOF.
• Small groups are such a powerful tool that we all participate in already. Let's use what we already do and make a place for Jesus in it.
• Are you in a place where you can share how you really feel?
• Small groups for the summer are coming, get ready.

#2 of the 5 regrets of the Dying

Yesterday, I started a series of posts entitled "5 Regrets of the Dying"  by Bronnie Ware.  Here's my thoughts behind it.  I think there would be alot to learn from those who have had to face their worst fears, mistakes and eternity.  I think it will help put our lives into perspective and gives us a chance to live our lives without as many regrets.  So here's #2:

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard. 

"This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and

their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.  By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to

your new lifestyle. "

• I think every man should understand this about life.  Giving the best of your life to some company instead of to Christ and your family will leave you empty later in life.
• Understand, you have to work, I get that.  But who gets your best? Who gets the leftovers?

Mark 8:36-37(NLT)

36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?t 37 Is anything worth more than your soul? 

Ask the Lord to help you redefine what is needed for a happy, fulfilled, joyful life.  I think you will find that it's not what is portrayed to us in the media.  You can have your best life now, with His help and by His grace.  At the end of the day it will be the relationships in your life that will make you a wealthy person.  

5 Most Common Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware

Kaladze Five Regrets of the Dying By Bronnie Ware.  For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.People grow a lot when they are faced with their own morta... more

Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those

who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I

was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I

learned never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some

changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, such as

denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance.

Every single patient found their peace before they departed though,

every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five: 

1. I wish I would have had the courage to pursue some of my dreams.

"This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their

life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how

many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honoured

even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to

choices they had made, or not made.  It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it. "

Pro. 13:12  

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

• What are God's dreams for you?  Do you know? Have you ever asked Him?
• Today you can be working towards God's dream for you and the best life possible.
• Your most important journey will be the journey to discover why God placed you where you are, gifted you how you are, and wired you the way you are.  He did it by design.
• You must believe that God made you by design, discover why. How? Get in the growth track on Sunday, May 29 @ 9:00am at HOF