Dana Arcuri
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Reflections on life, health, faith, and being true to yourself...

24 Reasons Why I Write...

1/31/2015

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The other day I took time to consider all of the reasons why I write. The most amazing fact is that I've been writing since I was 11 years old. Had it not been for my 5th grade teacher complementing my creative tales and poetry, I do not know that I would have ventured down this path. 

It goes to show the power of positive words, encouragement, and affirming someone's special gifts. For me, it was a life-changing moment when I believed in myself, my strengths, and my dreams for the first time. When I didn't let my lack of academics or failures hold me back. It didn't matter that I struggled in school, had nonstop distractions, or undiagnosed ADHD. 

All that truly mattered was someone of authority and intelligence saw something unique in me, which I had never seen. From that early moment, a fire was sparked deep within my spirit. When I wrote, it took me to far away lands where I was filled with adventure, excitement, and childlike wonder. 

Through the years, I've grown significantly as a writer and I'm still a work in progress. I sense God is stretching me to go beyond my ability and to rest in Him to guide me to new horizons. Currently, I'm crafting my first fiction novel that has me scared to death and exhilarated all at once. Despite my doubts on pulling it off, I trust with the Lord leading the way, anything is possible. 

As for why I write, there really are a zillion reasons that spur me on, but here's my list to sum up my purpose for writing: 

1) I write to express myself. 

2) I write to give others hope. 

3) I write to empower men and women to use their voice. 

4) I write to work toward healing and forgiveness. 

5) I write to be true to myself.

6) I write to encourage people. 

7) I write to be creative. 

8) I write to release my broken dreams. 

9) I write to chase after new aspirations. 

10) I write to educate others. 

11) I write to inspire. 

12) I write to work on self-improvement. 

13) I write to follow God's calling on my life. 

14) I write to share my faith and beliefs.

15) I write to advocate for healing, health, and hope.

16) I write to help others live their passionate purpose.

17) I write to spread the biblical truth. 

18) I write to share my own story of overcoming rock bottom moments. 

19) I write to surrender everything that's hurting me or holding me back.

20) I write to draw near to my Heavenly Father. 

21) I write to help others not feel so alone. 

22) I write to bring joy and laughter. 

23) I write to equip people to have deeper faith. 

24) I write to share a piece of my soul with our world.



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Deeper Faith in the Midst of Longsuffering

1/10/2015

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This morning, as I read my daily devotion by Sarah Young, a verse jumped out at me. Although I've read this verse at least a hundred times in my 23 year walk with God, it was as if the Lord was speaking to me. The verse was from Galations 5:22-23 (ASV), says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control: against such there is no law."

The word longsuffering caught my attention. Instantly I thought to myself, "When I pray for the fruit of the Spirit, I yearn for more love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control, but I've never wanted to suffer let alone pray for longsuffering. Who on earth really prays for that? Does anyone want to endure such pain?"

Of course, I was flooded with a zillion emotions when I remembered my own season of affliction. It's hard to believe that on January 22, 2015, I will be celebrating my four year anniversary of being free from medications that had once held my life hostage. Harsh chemicals that not only robbed me of my career, family, purpose, and health, but stole my mind and cognitive function as my situation spiraled out of control. 

I suppose it's when I hit rock bottom and lost everything precious to me that I came to see the only thing that mattered was my faith. When I came to the end of myself to reach the darkest pit of despair, I discovered that all I ever needed was my Heavenly Father. 

Today, as I read this verse and the word longsuffering had me thinking hard about my own years of anguish, I learned there are over 2,530 translations of language in the Bible. When I did research to compare one translation with another, it surprised me that not all of the versions used the word longsuffering.

What mystifies me is that a large portion of translations simply eliminated this phrase. Yet I trust with all my heart that God meant for each one of us to practice this fruit of the Spirit just as we do love or joy. While it may be easier said than done, I believe we could grow stronger in our faith if we experienced longsuffering. 

Let's face it, if our lives are smooth sailing and without frustrations or trials, we would not have to endure any form of suffering. If we never faced opposition or times of trouble, what is the likelihood that we would depend on God? Better yet, what are the odds that we would not lean on Him had we not endured a season of suffering?

According to Merriam-Webster, longsuffering means to "suffer for a long time without complaining, be patient during difficult times, and to patiently endure lasting offense or hardship." I'm not sure about you, but I admit that I have a challenging time when I experience nonstop adversity; especially a physical, emotional, or financial crisis. 

Looking back on my past in which I survived such a harrowing trial that nearly took my life, I'm thankful the Lord helped me to practice longsuffering. Also, I am grateful He powerfully worked behind the scenes to move mountains on my behalf so I eventually regained my health for a fresh start. 

If you are currently facing your own season of suffering, my prayer for you is to lean on God as your anchor of hope. May you seek Him as your source of strength through your weakness. Trust that in the midst of your painful trials, Christ can help grow your faith into an abundant harvest of ripe fruit.



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Kicking the Wonder Woman Syndrome

1/9/2015

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So here it is the new year and I've fallen behind schedule. I've been meaning to post a new blog, but time keeps slipping away. My 2015 goals are written on an index card and taped to my mirror as a daily reminder. My deepest dreams and prayers are listed in my journal in which I'm ready to start checking them off. 

Yet I can't help thinking that I'm only human. In reality, I'm juggling far too much on my plate. The truth is that we can't give 100% to every area of our lives. When we spread ourselves this thin something will suffer. Our health. Our sanity. Our family. Our businesses. Our confidence. Today, I decided that I'm done trying to be Wonder Woman! 

Let's be honest, we may secretly want to be Wonder Woman. There's something so appealing about being that perfect gal who has it altogether and others look up to us with such admiration. But in the meanwhile, we are running ourselves ragged. We struggle with sleep deprivation. We have dark circles under our eyes in which we've mastered how to conceal just enough makeup to hide how exhausted we really are. 

Our home isn't as spotless as we would like. Our marriage is suffering the long-term consequences of poor communication. What ever happened to romance, beautiful roses, or sitting by the fireplace and holding hands? That's right, it abruptly came to a screeching halt the moment we gave birth. Not that we don't love being a parent or love our precious children because they truly complete us and make us whole. We would kill like a mama bear in effort to protect our little cubs!

Now that we are on the topic of children, can we be transparent? Our kids have gone wild and we can't control them no matter how hard we try. It does not matter what age they are; they have brilliant minds of their own and they want to pave their independence from day one. Add the strong willed child and suddenly we discover how great they are at negotiation. On the bright side, they could become successful attorneys or entrepreneurs when they grow up! 


Of course, when we try to become Wonder Woman it may take a beating on our bodies and minds. Our health could be better if only we had a spare moment to catch our breath. Or get a good night rest. Or go to the gym as we had planned. Or take time to refresh and renew our minds. 

In the quest to become Wonder Woman, our faith may not grow. If we can't fit into our schedule quiet time with God, how can we expect to live our passionate purpose for Him? It takes real moments such as this when we discover God is calling us to simplify our lives. To weed out all of the distractions, noises, and things in our world that are screaming for our utmost attention.

Here are 10 steps that we may practice in effort to give up the Wonder Woman Syndrome: 


1) To start each morning in prayer and thankfulness. 

2) To eat healthier meals that will enhance our overall wellness. 

3) To learn to say, "No" and not feel guilty about it.

4) To build stronger relationships with those dear to us.

5) To schedule physical activity in order to rev up the "feel good" endorphins.

6) To not get so caught up in social media that we miss "real" life.

7) To recharge our batteries by practicing self-care.

8) To prioritize what truly matters and eliminate what needs to go.

9) To surrender our heavy burdens and what we can't control to God.

10) To love, accept, and honor ourselves for our weaknesses and strengths.
 




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    Faith Inspired Author

    I'm a passionate author & speaker who wants to encourage you to live a life following your dreams. To not just merely survive, but to THRIVE!

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