The negative impact of widespread access and normalization of sports betting is going to be huge. I hope I'm wrong. But big money - the networks, leagues etc - are all in and forging ahead. Will be another example of rich getting richer and small people losing everything.
We all want control.
Control over outcomes.
Control over circumstances.
Control over the future.
But life keeps reminding us—we don’t hold the reins. And the tighter we try to grip, the more anxious, frustrated, and disappointed we become.
Scripture is clear: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
You and I were never meant to carry the weight of control. That belongs to God alone. Our role? To be faithful today. To love God. Love others. Pray about everything. Give our best. Walk in obedience. And then release tomorrow into His hands.
Peace isn’t found in gaining control.
It’s found in surrendering control.
When you trust God with what you cannot change, you discover the freedom to live with joy in what you can—today.
You may be tempted to say, “That’s just the way I am,” or “You don’t know what I’m going through.”
And you’re right. I may not know your situation. But God does. He knows the weight you carry, the fear you fight, and the battle inside your heart.
The hope is this: God meets us right where we are, but His grace will not let us stay there. What you think, feel, or do may seem impossible to change, but He has the power to transform it all.
Today, let go of the need to be in control. Hand Him the worry. Hand Him the fear. Hand Him the weight you were never meant to carry.
Peace isn’t found in what you control. It’s found in the One who controls it all. And He is faithful.
@angelatheartt Get out into nature, somewhere you can regain perspective on what you are. See some stars at night. Nature, stars, we're here for the blink of an eye to the universe, and all that matters is this moment in time and what goodness you can make of it. 🌿🪻🙏
@LBoucherAuthor That's exactly when I quit. It was never because i got in trouble or because my wife was worried and going to leave me or because I was having health issues, because you can drink those problems away. I quit when I got so miserable i couldn't drink away the problems anymore!
I spent most of my adult life drinking away the dread. Dreading the end of a weekend, the upcoming workday, the upcoming social event. If you dread the passing of time, you need to figure out how to make a positive change in your life.
@AcquiescentSoul Think about trying yoga. Lots of positions you can practice that provide a good strength workout with no equipment. I'm in my 50s and used to think workout=weights, and it's changed my approach completely!
Friends and family might inspire you to get sober but longer term you gotta do it for you. It's hard work sometimes, but has never been as hard as carrying the burden of functional alcoholism was!
Taking problems head-on, having the difficult discussions, and making the tough decisions is is rarely the easy path. Drinking provided the escape from that reality. I don't miss drinking, but at times I miss the escape drinking provided. I have to accept that and stay on track!
@LBoucherAuthor Likewise, having achieved and enjoyed a period of sobriety, I know that taking 1 drink will change everything. Either way you'll never regain the carefree drinking feeling, ever.