Hello, my darling,
Welcome back to the blog. I’m sitting here in my conservatory, surrounded by glass, as the soft evening light pours in, casting a warm glow over the plants and vibrant flowers. This is one of my favourite places to be. The cool breeze outside brushes against the windows, and I can hear the gentle rustling of the leaves in the trees. With my favourite woollen jumper on and a steaming cup of tea beside me, I’m feeling cosy and content. It’s one of those quiet moments where the world seems to slow down, and I’m reminded of the beauty of simplicity.
As I take it all in, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, but moments like these where time feels like it’s standing still, remind me of what truly matters. There’s a certain peace that comes with slowing down, letting go of the noise, and appreciating the little things: the changing of the seasons, the sound of the wind, the warmth of a comforting drink, and the love and peace that fill this space.
As I sit here, thinking about the beauty of this time of year, I’m also reminded of the importance of staying close to God. In life’s busyness, it’s easy to get distracted by the things around us. But I’ve learned that to truly grow in my faith, I need to be intentional about the things I avoid things that might pull me away from His presence. Today, I want to share with you a few of the habits and influences I consciously choose to avoid in my life to maintain a closer connection with God.
1. Avoiding Media That Doesn’t Align with My Values
One of the simplest yet most impactful choices I’ve made is to be mindful of the media I consume. It’s easy to get swept away by shows or movies that don’t reflect the values I hold dear. Instead, I make a conscious effort to choose content that uplifts, encourages, and aligns with my Christian beliefs. It’s not about avoiding culture altogether, but about protecting my mind and heart from anything that may lead me away from God.
2. Saying No to Gossip and Negative Conversations
There’s something powerful about the words we speak and hear. Gossip and negativity can quickly creep into our conversations, even if we don’t realise it. I’ve learned to avoid getting caught up in gossip. I am not perfect, but I do strive to speak life, love, and encouragement into the lives of those around me. This helps me stay rooted in kindness and keeps my heart aligned with God’s love.
3. Avoiding Overconsumption of Social Media
Social media is a beautiful way to connect, but it can also be a source of distraction, comparison, and anxiety. I’ve found that setting boundaries around my social media usage allows me to focus more on what matters, my relationship with God and the people I love. I try to follow accounts that encourage my faith and uplift my spirit, helping me stay grounded in His truth.
4. Setting Boundaries with Time
Time is such a precious gift, and I’ve become more intentional about how I spend it. I’ve learned that saying yes to everything can lead to burnout and distance from God. So, I avoid overscheduling myself and prioritise the activities that help me grow spiritually, spend time with my family, and invest in the things that truly matter.
5. Being Careful with the Influence of Popular Trends
The world is constantly telling us what we “should” have or look like. But I’ve realised that true peace doesn’t come from chasing trends or material things. I choose to live simply and focus on what truly matters, my faith, my family, and my purpose in Christ. I avoid allowing the pursuit of worldly things to distract me from the deeper, eternal treasures.
6. Avoiding Self-Worship
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of putting our identity in our success, appearance, or possessions. I strive to keep God at the centre of my life, avoiding the temptation to idolize anything other than Him. I remind myself daily that my worth is found in His love, not in anything this world offers.
7. Choosing to Live a Life of Integrity
In a world that often encourages cutting corners, dishonesty, and compromising our values, I choose integrity. I avoid situations where I might be tempted to stray from what I know is right, keeping my heart aligned with God’s truth.
8. Resisting the Temptation to Worry
Worrying about the future is something I try to avoid as much as possible. Instead of stressing over things I can’t control, I place my trust in God’s provision and timing. His Word reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, and I find peace in surrendering my concerns to Him.
Staying close to God is a choice I make every day. By avoiding certain habits, influences, and distractions, I create space in my heart and mind for His presence. It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it. I believe that when we intentionally remove things that pull us away from Him, we make room for more of His love, peace, and guidance in our lives.
What about you? What are some things you avoid to stay close to God? I’d love to hear how you keep your relationship with Him strong. Let’s continue to encourage each other on this beautiful journey of faith!
Sending blessings and encouragement your way. 💛
Scherise.X
