How I love it when He reveals things to us at the right time. Tonight hubs and I were watching the book of John. It's a 3 hour movie. We only made it half way through. Can't wait to see the rest of it. So a part of this will come from a letter read, and another part or parts will come from the movie watched.
Today I woke up in pain pretty much every where, and as the day rolled on, I started to feel frumpy. I tried to rebuke it, push past it, but no good. I sat down and done the prayer sheet which usually has me floating on air, but no good. Hubs comes home and I'm still frumpy, not knowing why. I sat in the front room, mainly just wanting to be alone. I started cleaning up my desk and the remnants of Christmas decorating when I came across a mailing from Dr. Charles Stanley. This is when the first start of revelations happened.
In the letter Dr. Stanley talked about we all too often get caught up in the worldly ways of Christmas and often forget what Christmas really signifies. We forget the birth of Christ and why He came to earth. We forget the spirit of giving. Instead we are so wrapped up in how we must get this and that for so and so, and so and so. We worry about getting the latest gadgets, feeling we just must have them.
But that's not what it's all about. It's not about our desires, our wants, it's about Christ! It's about what God wants of us. Shouldn't we be more concerned about the widows and the children rather than ourselves? Shouldn't we be helping and caring for the needy? After all, doesn't He stand faithful to us?
I read farther and thought wow; this is the perfect answer to a problem I've been trying to find the right solution to. This year finances are very tight, but I'm not worried about it like I used to be. I know that Jehovah Rophe will provide. I also felt in my spirit that He is using this time to do some teaching. Not necessarily to us, but to our family. Our daughter has ran into financial difficulties as well, and well, Christmas is looking pretty bleak.
Christmas has always been big in our family. We wanted to give, give, give. Yes, it's good to an extent, but we often more than not, go over board. We don't want for the kids to want. I looked back at all the years of finding under the trees presents stacked high. I remember the delight in seeing all those. We never bickered though as to whether one got more than the other, or anything like that. We were just happy to have new clothes and toys.
We did however often wonder why some of our friends got more things and bigger and better things. We knew mom and dad couldn't afford those things, yet we still yearned. Never mind the friends that hardly got anything. Did we ponder that one. Well, yes, to some degree. Our hearts went out to them, but not like it should have.
So now I look at our grand kids who worry about how many each one gets and whether or not one got more or better things than the other. I am a firm believer in treating each one equally and try hard, but have blundered in previous years. I watch in wonderment as to how they can grab those packages, rip them open and toss it aside to do the same with each gift, then sit there and complain as they wanted this and that. My heart used to break over not being able to satisfy them.
I think back over how my daughter and I would stress over making sure we met their "desires". Now I kick myself as we didn't instill in them the real meaning of Christmas. Yes, giving to them and making them happy is a joy, but I also want them to "really" get the feeling of what it is all about. I wondered how to go about then when Dr. Stanley talked of how his son while sitting at the table as a teen and said, "Dad, I'm glad you didn't give me everything I wanted." Dr. Stanley asked him why he said that. Andy proceeded to tell him about how he has seen other kids messed up by getting everything they want. I too see that. Some become arrogant and aloof to those who do not have it all. Others are just plain greedy and don't know what it's like to give of themselves and so on. Their lives become a total mess, full of turmoil and stress.
So this year, there won't be a pile of gifts under the tree. I know they will have a hard time with that, but instead a good gift that will help create family time will be under the tree instead. Jesus will be discussed, parts of the Bible read, and the true Spirit of Christmas will fill our home. I know that some day they will be thankful that we changed our ways. I pray our daughter comes to the realization as well.
I will continue this story at a later date. I do have more revelation to add to this but a different subject. None the less it all falls under eyes open and ears hearing. Thank You Jesus!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Psalm 111: Praise for the Lord's Works
Today is Thanksgiving and what a great Scripture to use.
1 Hallelujha! I will praise the Lord with all my heart in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2 The Lord's works are great, studied by all who delight in them.
3 All that He does is splendid and majestic; His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused His wonderful works to be remembered. The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He has provided food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever.
6 He has shown His people the power of His works by giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His instructions are trustworthy.
8 They are established forever and ever, enacted in truth and uprighteousness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people. He has ordained His covenant forever. His name is holy and awe-inspiring.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good insight. His praise endures forever.
(CBS version)
1 Hallelujha! I will praise the Lord with all my heart in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2 The Lord's works are great, studied by all who delight in them.
3 All that He does is splendid and majestic; His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused His wonderful works to be remembered. The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He has provided food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever.
6 He has shown His people the power of His works by giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His instructions are trustworthy.
8 They are established forever and ever, enacted in truth and uprighteousness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people. He has ordained His covenant forever. His name is holy and awe-inspiring.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good insight. His praise endures forever.
(CBS version)
The Hoppers - Shoutin' Time
We do have so much to be thankful for. We go through our trials, dark times, times of wonderment, but through it all a light shines. Give thanks as it is "Shoutin' Time!"
Give Thanks!
I am thankful for so many things that I couldn't begin to put them all down, but these are the main ones. First and foremost; I'm so thank for our Lord and Savior. For with Him so much joy has been brought to our lifes. Freedom! I'm thankful for the church we were led to. I'm thankful for the leaders of the church for were it not for them being annointed and teaching the "WORD" we may still be stumbling. I'm thankful for the staff and the countless hours they give to make sure the church continues to function. The Church family that we are able to fe...llowship with and learn from one another.
I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who has become such a great leader of our family so full of love; a true man of God. I'm thankful for our son and daughter who brings so much joy to our lives. I'm thankful for our grand children who teach us patience and brings more joy to our lives. That we are able to spend a lot of time with most of them. I'm thankful for the friends we have made over the years and the new ones we continue to meet. I'm thankful for all my FB friends....and the list goes on and one. Great Blessings with peace, joy, love, kindness, understanding, patience, prosperity, and strength.
I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who has become such a great leader of our family so full of love; a true man of God. I'm thankful for our son and daughter who brings so much joy to our lives. I'm thankful for our grand children who teach us patience and brings more joy to our lives. That we are able to spend a lot of time with most of them. I'm thankful for the friends we have made over the years and the new ones we continue to meet. I'm thankful for all my FB friends....and the list goes on and one. Great Blessings with peace, joy, love, kindness, understanding, patience, prosperity, and strength.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
God's Great Mercy & Love!
Since my last post, so much good has happened. There has been some dark things that have struck, and I see many that are being struck, but the joy and happiness is there through it all.
You may ask, when you know many are hurting, down, ill, just plain down on their luck can you be happy? Well, let me explain some events that have taken place. I love His perfect timing. It's all helped me to grow by leaps and bounds in Him. Yes, I do feel for those hurting etc. My heart is with them and they are in my prayers. I love people and care deeply for everyone. When someone hurts, I hurt. But I don't want to be the one to keep them from recieving their blessings.
Attending the Womens Weekly group that our Pastor's wife and daughter-in-law bring to us has been a rewarding time. Our Pastor giving his message from John Bevere's Extraordinary has been amazing. He's been on fire with the Lord's Word. Being around so many great people it has been a pure blessing. Thank You Jesus!
I've learned how to redirect my prayers. I've learned not to focus on the person and/or problem, but rather worship and give thanks for what He is doing or going to do with that situation. I was handing the problems to the Lord, but never thanked Him that He was or would take care of the problem until the problem maybe was taken care of.
I'll tell you what, since using the various names of the Lord depending on the situation and thanking Him for what He is going to do has changed my life so much. It's been overwhelming and beautiful at the same time.
The first signs of things changing in the past week was all of a sudden feeling a much deeper love for my husband. I didn't think it possible, but it's beautiful! The other is my oldest grand son asking questions, stating concerns and recieving the Lord. I've watched him transform into a very nice young man. We have a new relationship that is wonderful. He feels comfortable around us now and enjoys spending time with us. It's awesome! Another is having a whole lot more patience when I have the grand kids. Something I had been praying for. A new found special love for them.
The biggest is the fact that I feel love for all. I may start to get aggravated with someone but am able to rebuke it and change my attitude. I am able to talk to people much easier and be more compassionate. I take the time to listen now. I am able to be more supportive. I don't feel like my life is so chaotic and out of control any more.
It is so much easier to take in messages, to hear His voice, to receive what He is giving us, to love on others, and to feel a fresh new release, beginning, and freedom! Loving life, feeling almost euphoric, relieved to finally reach a new level in my spiritual life. What is nice is being able to make my husband happier. He's loving watching the change. Gone is the negativity, or if there is a negative subject to discuss it's not done in a manner that depresses up both.
I pray each of you that have not recieved this kind of freedom yet will find it soon. Those that have recieved will continue to hold onto that freedom and joy. There is nothing more rewarding than taking another step forward, another step closer to Him, to recieve that freedom from so many bindings. Break those bindings off and recieve His annointing! God's blessings, peace, joy, prosperity and strength to you all!
You may ask, when you know many are hurting, down, ill, just plain down on their luck can you be happy? Well, let me explain some events that have taken place. I love His perfect timing. It's all helped me to grow by leaps and bounds in Him. Yes, I do feel for those hurting etc. My heart is with them and they are in my prayers. I love people and care deeply for everyone. When someone hurts, I hurt. But I don't want to be the one to keep them from recieving their blessings.
Attending the Womens Weekly group that our Pastor's wife and daughter-in-law bring to us has been a rewarding time. Our Pastor giving his message from John Bevere's Extraordinary has been amazing. He's been on fire with the Lord's Word. Being around so many great people it has been a pure blessing. Thank You Jesus!
I've learned how to redirect my prayers. I've learned not to focus on the person and/or problem, but rather worship and give thanks for what He is doing or going to do with that situation. I was handing the problems to the Lord, but never thanked Him that He was or would take care of the problem until the problem maybe was taken care of.
I'll tell you what, since using the various names of the Lord depending on the situation and thanking Him for what He is going to do has changed my life so much. It's been overwhelming and beautiful at the same time.
The first signs of things changing in the past week was all of a sudden feeling a much deeper love for my husband. I didn't think it possible, but it's beautiful! The other is my oldest grand son asking questions, stating concerns and recieving the Lord. I've watched him transform into a very nice young man. We have a new relationship that is wonderful. He feels comfortable around us now and enjoys spending time with us. It's awesome! Another is having a whole lot more patience when I have the grand kids. Something I had been praying for. A new found special love for them.
The biggest is the fact that I feel love for all. I may start to get aggravated with someone but am able to rebuke it and change my attitude. I am able to talk to people much easier and be more compassionate. I take the time to listen now. I am able to be more supportive. I don't feel like my life is so chaotic and out of control any more.
It is so much easier to take in messages, to hear His voice, to receive what He is giving us, to love on others, and to feel a fresh new release, beginning, and freedom! Loving life, feeling almost euphoric, relieved to finally reach a new level in my spiritual life. What is nice is being able to make my husband happier. He's loving watching the change. Gone is the negativity, or if there is a negative subject to discuss it's not done in a manner that depresses up both.
I pray each of you that have not recieved this kind of freedom yet will find it soon. Those that have recieved will continue to hold onto that freedom and joy. There is nothing more rewarding than taking another step forward, another step closer to Him, to recieve that freedom from so many bindings. Break those bindings off and recieve His annointing! God's blessings, peace, joy, prosperity and strength to you all!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wake Up Call #10
I'll start by saying, this is not #10 as there has been way more than that since coming back to the Lord, but that is the number that came to my head, so I'll go with it. ;) This month marks the 4th year since coming back to the Lord for our son and myself and for Hubs accepting Him! It's such a good feeling.
So what is it that came today? Today I went to my chiropractor appt. feeling drained. I had already decided that I needed a day to rest. I've been going full board for weeks now and am exhausted mentally and physically. So I figured, "okay, I can miss group today as I have the DVD and can stay caught up with it. Tomorrow I don't have a way to stay up with that group, so I need to attend that one.
I figured I would stop by the church to drop off the dish towels that I take home and wash and set up coffee like I usually do and then leave. I was going to make up a lame excuse, but instead told one of the leaders the truth that I needed some rest. While listening to myself explain why I wasn't going to attend, I thought of how silly my excuse sounded. So I stayed. I used a napkin to take notes on and was relieved I had stayed. I had asked for prayer and for my husbands business as well.
While Miss P. and others prayed over me, Ms. P said, "I am to tell you that you need to ask whether you should say yes or no before you give an answer instead of saying yes, as you may be taking away someone elses blessing the Father is trying to give them." Wow! That hit home. I had heard the week before of how we should make sure we don't steel others blessings.
This stayed with me on the way home I was contemplating those words, frustrated in a sense, as I knew there was a lot to do at home, this needed to be taken care of, that needed to be taken care of, I don't spend enough time in the Word, I play too often on FB as that is my way of relaxing; but because I do that, many things are left undone, why is it always such a vicious circle.
Then my mind changed to why do I have a hard time saying no? At first I knew it's because I have a heart that wants to help as much and as often as I can. It's a way to connect with others, to be around others, to feel fulfilled. Then it hit; wake up call #10; I was doing it for "acceptance." Say what?
Pretty much all my life I've been picked on, teased, called names, told I was worthless and wouldn't amount to much, and on and on the list goes. Plus some things that had happened at home as well. So instead of listening to the positive that would come my way, I'd dwell on all those hurtful things said to me. I hated who I was. I grew up and lived all these years trying to be who I thought I needed to be in order to be accepted.
People tell me that they think I'm a great person, sweet, caring, etc; but I couldn't accept what they were saying, as I felt it was all just a front. Now mind you, it's not with everyone that I feel that way now. I felt that they felt sorry for me and were just trying to be kind. I feel that people are talking about me and poking fun of me behind my back. Or when people would whisper, giggle and be looking at me or would roll their eyes, all those words came flooding into my mind, and I just kept sinking lower.
So I pour myself into doing as much as I can as often as I can to try and find that acceptance. I live to hear, "Great job! Thanks for your help, we really appreciate what you do," and on and on. How pathetic is that? I was looking for some magical "words" to come and take away all the hurt that has been built up in me for years.
I'm a very shy person and have a hard time feeling comfortable around authoritative people, such as Pastors. I know part of that comes from being taught respect for those above us. But then today I was reminded that they are no better than anyone else. They are just using their gift the good Lord gave them to do.
So now I'm at the point of trying to change my way of thinking. I'll be doing a lot of praying, asking for guidance, what my gift(s) really are, how should I be responding to requests to help, why does it feel so wrong for me to say no? Will I ever get rid of this restless, I'm no good, I won't amount to much, I have no talent, I dress weird, I'm fat, people are making fun of me, I don't want to talk to anyone as what comes out of my mouth is stupid. People have been telling me this for years.
So now I come in peace & know this will be a process to overcome. I thought I had this beat a while ago, but only to realize I was trying to ignore it. Instead I come asking for prayer to be lifted up and hear His voice lead me and to be rid of the negative voices that continue to attack my mind.
I bid you all good day. I pray that you all have confidence in yourselves. Never let the arrows/darts that others throw at you invade your mind. Cast all your cares to the Lord. For those that have been through this, let those words fall off your shoulders. Don't believe them. It's all a work of the enemy trying to weaken you. Don't let him win. Instead, gather your strength from the almighty power of God. The one who loves you unconditioanlly, "always."
For those of you who may judge and tease others; think about what you are saying and your actions, as often times, actions will speak louder than words. Words do cut like a kife and stay with a person. Be kind, loving and gentle. Put yourself in that other persons place and ask youreslf how you would feel if someone were doing that to you. Think before you act/speak and/or do. Blessings, peace, love and prosperity to each and everyone of you.
So what is it that came today? Today I went to my chiropractor appt. feeling drained. I had already decided that I needed a day to rest. I've been going full board for weeks now and am exhausted mentally and physically. So I figured, "okay, I can miss group today as I have the DVD and can stay caught up with it. Tomorrow I don't have a way to stay up with that group, so I need to attend that one.
I figured I would stop by the church to drop off the dish towels that I take home and wash and set up coffee like I usually do and then leave. I was going to make up a lame excuse, but instead told one of the leaders the truth that I needed some rest. While listening to myself explain why I wasn't going to attend, I thought of how silly my excuse sounded. So I stayed. I used a napkin to take notes on and was relieved I had stayed. I had asked for prayer and for my husbands business as well.
While Miss P. and others prayed over me, Ms. P said, "I am to tell you that you need to ask whether you should say yes or no before you give an answer instead of saying yes, as you may be taking away someone elses blessing the Father is trying to give them." Wow! That hit home. I had heard the week before of how we should make sure we don't steel others blessings.
This stayed with me on the way home I was contemplating those words, frustrated in a sense, as I knew there was a lot to do at home, this needed to be taken care of, that needed to be taken care of, I don't spend enough time in the Word, I play too often on FB as that is my way of relaxing; but because I do that, many things are left undone, why is it always such a vicious circle.
Then my mind changed to why do I have a hard time saying no? At first I knew it's because I have a heart that wants to help as much and as often as I can. It's a way to connect with others, to be around others, to feel fulfilled. Then it hit; wake up call #10; I was doing it for "acceptance." Say what?
Pretty much all my life I've been picked on, teased, called names, told I was worthless and wouldn't amount to much, and on and on the list goes. Plus some things that had happened at home as well. So instead of listening to the positive that would come my way, I'd dwell on all those hurtful things said to me. I hated who I was. I grew up and lived all these years trying to be who I thought I needed to be in order to be accepted.
People tell me that they think I'm a great person, sweet, caring, etc; but I couldn't accept what they were saying, as I felt it was all just a front. Now mind you, it's not with everyone that I feel that way now. I felt that they felt sorry for me and were just trying to be kind. I feel that people are talking about me and poking fun of me behind my back. Or when people would whisper, giggle and be looking at me or would roll their eyes, all those words came flooding into my mind, and I just kept sinking lower.
So I pour myself into doing as much as I can as often as I can to try and find that acceptance. I live to hear, "Great job! Thanks for your help, we really appreciate what you do," and on and on. How pathetic is that? I was looking for some magical "words" to come and take away all the hurt that has been built up in me for years.
I'm a very shy person and have a hard time feeling comfortable around authoritative people, such as Pastors. I know part of that comes from being taught respect for those above us. But then today I was reminded that they are no better than anyone else. They are just using their gift the good Lord gave them to do.
So now I'm at the point of trying to change my way of thinking. I'll be doing a lot of praying, asking for guidance, what my gift(s) really are, how should I be responding to requests to help, why does it feel so wrong for me to say no? Will I ever get rid of this restless, I'm no good, I won't amount to much, I have no talent, I dress weird, I'm fat, people are making fun of me, I don't want to talk to anyone as what comes out of my mouth is stupid. People have been telling me this for years.
So now I come in peace & know this will be a process to overcome. I thought I had this beat a while ago, but only to realize I was trying to ignore it. Instead I come asking for prayer to be lifted up and hear His voice lead me and to be rid of the negative voices that continue to attack my mind.
I bid you all good day. I pray that you all have confidence in yourselves. Never let the arrows/darts that others throw at you invade your mind. Cast all your cares to the Lord. For those that have been through this, let those words fall off your shoulders. Don't believe them. It's all a work of the enemy trying to weaken you. Don't let him win. Instead, gather your strength from the almighty power of God. The one who loves you unconditioanlly, "always."
For those of you who may judge and tease others; think about what you are saying and your actions, as often times, actions will speak louder than words. Words do cut like a kife and stay with a person. Be kind, loving and gentle. Put yourself in that other persons place and ask youreslf how you would feel if someone were doing that to you. Think before you act/speak and/or do. Blessings, peace, love and prosperity to each and everyone of you.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Seeing Things in a Different Light
Today while driving into Boise via the connector, I looked upon the valley in a whole new light. I've never seen it in this manner before. It took on a whole new, beautiful look. It is impossible to explain it exactly other than the Lord has been moving me in new directions and taking me to knew levels. I just drove in awe at this new found beauty of our surroundings. Thanking Him the whole time for this new light.
I made it to hubs appointment and then went to coffee with him. The mood had changed. Concern came over me for my husband. He seemed to have something troubling him and wouldn't open up, as he does often.
We parted, he headed for work, myself heading to pick up two of the grand kids; one of which is home sick. I was pondering over hubs, wondering what must be going on in his mind, when I all of a sudden focused on worshipping the Lord. On my way home was the usual crazy driving of some, slow from some, excessive speeds by others, and then there is that one that seems to want to join you in your lane. But this time it didn't bother me so much. What was going on?
I look in my review mirror after picking up the kids and see a young girl smiling from ear to ear, blowing a bubble from her gum and talking on the phone. At first I was thinking, great, watch her run into the back of me as she's not paying attention. Then all of a sudden the Lord took hold of me, and I was reminded not to judge.
Then I saw her as a beautiful girl, smiling, happy, childlike the way He wants us to be. I thought you know, we are all different in so many ways, but are all alike as well. We are all sons and daughters of the Lord our God. We all have a special place in this crazy world. Then I really got to looking at people as they drove by.
What did I see? People of all walks of life. Then I thought about how some were obviously not well off financially and some were well off. I thought back to a time when finances were bad. We didn't know if we were going to be able to keep our house, our vehicles needed work done on them, were we going to lose them too? How would we get to work. What about our kids, what would happen to them.
That's when I thought; we have so much to be thankful for. It doesn't matter what we have. It doesn't matter whether or not we are rich or poor. It doesn't matter what we wear. What matters is how we treat one another. What matters is what is in our heart. What matters is do we accept our Father and walk in the manner in which He desires for us to walk? Are we shining His light? Are we kind, gentle, loving, full of grace and mercy, thoughtful, joyfull, living with the Fruit of the Spirit in us?
Gratefulness, Thankfullness and Joy filled my heart. Gone was any worries. Gone was the comtemplations of, we need this or that, the worries about how to handle this mess, what should be said or done about this or that problem. I was reminded to hand all my cares to the Lord and let His light shine through. I had a heart and soul that understood and realized the value He was showing me and placed right in front of my face.
A new energy came about. No more frustration over things not getting done. Gone was the irritation over how busy life has become and how it seemed I needed to drop something of which I was involved in doing, but where and what to choose as I knew that I needed to be in the groups that I am to learn and come closer to Him. I knew that volunteering is where I'm suppose to be. I know the importance of watching the grandkids; then of course the house has to be cleaned...how was I going to do it all. Laughter filled my head. "Silly one, has He not always provided? Has He not always walked you through those difficult times? Has it not been good to get home and feel wonderfully exhausted knowing full well good things came from the day?
A small sacrifice for all that He offers us and gives us each and every day. He "always" provides; even in those times we feel it's not what we wanted. He knows what is best for us, what is "needed" at the right time.
Step back/sit back and really look at your surroundings. Look at those that are around you. See the uniqueness each one of us has to offer. Look at all the beauty He has provided us. What a wonderful world it really is. There may be some darkness in your life, but His light will shine through eventually when the time is right. For it is by His plans and His perfect timing that all comes together for the good of all. Take in a deep breath, smile, let your heart sing joyfully. Know that He is near. Never will He forsake you. Never will He leave you. Blessings to All!
I made it to hubs appointment and then went to coffee with him. The mood had changed. Concern came over me for my husband. He seemed to have something troubling him and wouldn't open up, as he does often.
We parted, he headed for work, myself heading to pick up two of the grand kids; one of which is home sick. I was pondering over hubs, wondering what must be going on in his mind, when I all of a sudden focused on worshipping the Lord. On my way home was the usual crazy driving of some, slow from some, excessive speeds by others, and then there is that one that seems to want to join you in your lane. But this time it didn't bother me so much. What was going on?
I look in my review mirror after picking up the kids and see a young girl smiling from ear to ear, blowing a bubble from her gum and talking on the phone. At first I was thinking, great, watch her run into the back of me as she's not paying attention. Then all of a sudden the Lord took hold of me, and I was reminded not to judge.
Then I saw her as a beautiful girl, smiling, happy, childlike the way He wants us to be. I thought you know, we are all different in so many ways, but are all alike as well. We are all sons and daughters of the Lord our God. We all have a special place in this crazy world. Then I really got to looking at people as they drove by.
What did I see? People of all walks of life. Then I thought about how some were obviously not well off financially and some were well off. I thought back to a time when finances were bad. We didn't know if we were going to be able to keep our house, our vehicles needed work done on them, were we going to lose them too? How would we get to work. What about our kids, what would happen to them.
That's when I thought; we have so much to be thankful for. It doesn't matter what we have. It doesn't matter whether or not we are rich or poor. It doesn't matter what we wear. What matters is how we treat one another. What matters is what is in our heart. What matters is do we accept our Father and walk in the manner in which He desires for us to walk? Are we shining His light? Are we kind, gentle, loving, full of grace and mercy, thoughtful, joyfull, living with the Fruit of the Spirit in us?
Gratefulness, Thankfullness and Joy filled my heart. Gone was any worries. Gone was the comtemplations of, we need this or that, the worries about how to handle this mess, what should be said or done about this or that problem. I was reminded to hand all my cares to the Lord and let His light shine through. I had a heart and soul that understood and realized the value He was showing me and placed right in front of my face.
A new energy came about. No more frustration over things not getting done. Gone was the irritation over how busy life has become and how it seemed I needed to drop something of which I was involved in doing, but where and what to choose as I knew that I needed to be in the groups that I am to learn and come closer to Him. I knew that volunteering is where I'm suppose to be. I know the importance of watching the grandkids; then of course the house has to be cleaned...how was I going to do it all. Laughter filled my head. "Silly one, has He not always provided? Has He not always walked you through those difficult times? Has it not been good to get home and feel wonderfully exhausted knowing full well good things came from the day?
A small sacrifice for all that He offers us and gives us each and every day. He "always" provides; even in those times we feel it's not what we wanted. He knows what is best for us, what is "needed" at the right time.
Step back/sit back and really look at your surroundings. Look at those that are around you. See the uniqueness each one of us has to offer. Look at all the beauty He has provided us. What a wonderful world it really is. There may be some darkness in your life, but His light will shine through eventually when the time is right. For it is by His plans and His perfect timing that all comes together for the good of all. Take in a deep breath, smile, let your heart sing joyfully. Know that He is near. Never will He forsake you. Never will He leave you. Blessings to All!
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