Relax

Relax. I think cup of coffee, book, comfy clothes, and a spot to breathe, sunshine on the deck, quiet, still, prayer. What is "relax" to u?
Plasma 116:7. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.

I find comfort today as I relax in God's presence. We don't take enough time during the days and weeks to just relax and enjoy what has been given to us. Today is here, yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is still yet to come; stop and relax in today.
Praise. Thank. Smile. Laugh. Grieve. Cry. Trust. Enjoy. Pray.

We have been given this day, this hour, this moment. Don't take it for granted. Relax and savor what is happening in the now.

Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. We are blessed. Continue to remind me to just stop and savor the moment. No worries. You are an almighty Father who has grand plans and I will keep working on relaxing and enjoying all that is to come. Amen

Courage

Today God told me..."that all is well. All is going according to plan. Trust that there is a bigger picture. Trust that life is unfolding as it should."

When I think of the word courage, the first thing that comes to mind is the lion on Wizard of Oz who needed a new heart of courage.  Here he was a big tough lion who everyone should be afraid of, but he didn't have the confidence and courage to really be who he was.  

I guess I can compare myself to the lion these past few months.  I have lost confidence and courage in who I am and what I am supposed to be doing.  I know God is there.  I know God wants me to trust.  I know God does have a plan for my kids and I.  I know that all is going to be OK.  I just don't know when He is going to show this great plan of His and what this plan exactly is.

God gives us sooo many stories in the bible about courage.  Just off the top of my head I think of  Daniel, Jonah, Joseph, Moses, Noah, Esther, Ruth, Abraham, Hagar, Hosea, the list goes on!  Even when I was reading the story of Joseph and his brothers to my kids the other day, I had to smile and what Joseph said when his brothers came asking for food.  God planned for you to treat me as you did.  God knew that I would be the one to later help you, but if you hadn't done what you had, none of this would be.  

While reading that, I knew that it may not be months or even a year before I knew God's plan, but He does have a plan.  I took Joseph apx. 15 years to see God's plan!  And what a grand plan it was!

It takes courage to really be who you are on the inside.  You know you can't make everyone happy.  You know some people are not going to like you.  You know not everyone is going to agree with your decisions.  And you know people WILL judge you.  It takes courage to know all of those things and still be who you are, making decisions that are right for you and your family, making decisions that lead the life God wants you to live, and make decisions that are also right for others.  

Now, having said that, I have am still learning to live by those words.  I am working on my courage.  THere have been quite a few events in the past year that have taken courage.  I have also let others influence me enough to take away my confidence and courage.  I am going to take that back.  I made some big decisions this week that needed confidence in myself and trust in God that this was the path to proceed down.  I pondered and prayed 

and decided to trust this is what God wants...

1 Corinthians 16:13  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

1 Peter 3:13 - 14  ¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.

Heavenly Father, give us courage today and every day to do Your will, to follow the path you have laid before us, and to trust in Your plans.  Five years ago today, we lost a dear friend because he had the courage to help others.  He is now with you and doing Your work in heaven watching over us.  Thank you for the blessing of his friendship.  THank you for strength, confidence and courage.  Help us to find it within ourselves to not cast judgment on others and give us the courage to carry out what you have planned for us.  I will continue to trust in You, lean on You, and turn to Your presence for peace and courage.  Thank you Father for all You have blessed us with.

In Your Name we pray, Amen

Delight

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.  

Psalms 40:8

The unknown is always soooo difficult.  The unknown is where the words worry, doubt, anxious, nervous all come from.  I have faced these words quite a bit over the past year.  I probably faced them numerous times before but wasn't aware enough to recognize them.  A wise friend told me that when we are feeling these words, we are not feeling God.  These words and feelings come from Satan.  When we have these feelings and hear these words we need to cast them away.  Give them to God - He will take them from us.  It comes back to trusting and our Faith.  

Not an easy task all the time.  The knot forms in my stomach, the constant spinning goes around in my head, and the lump in my throat that contains the worry doesn't always just disappear.  But when I really try.  When I really focus on Peace, Joy, Happiness, and Delight, that lump does disappear.  The feeling is absolutely amazing!  That Peace that we can only fully receive when we have given our complete Trust and Faith in God is the most amazing feeling!!  

I chose the word delight because my wise friend had given me this word a few weeks back.  Last year she had given me the word BLISS, and this year she sees my world as DELIGHTFUL.   

Delight/Delightuful

High degree of gratification;  joy;  extreme satisfaction

Highly pleasing

As I was looking at the definition, I found it fitting that one of the synonyms for delight is BLESSED.  I love scaffolding my lessons in the classroom, and it's even more amazing when they naturally happen; I guess Blessed and Delight were meant to be together!

I will live my life to the highest degree of gratification!  Naturally, we are human so there will be tough days, but to lump it together with the word DELIGHT instead of the ugly words I mentioned earlier?  Talk about extreme satisfaction!  

I challenge you today to think about what it takes in your life to live to the highest degree of gratification?  What will bring your life extreme satisfaction? 

I will work on my list today and post tomorrow...Instead of the icky knot in my throat I have excited bubbles in my tummy! :) 

Heavenly Father, Thank You for this day.  I will continue working on giving you my worries and focusing on the Delight in my life.  I Thank You for all the delightful things you have given me.  Please shine that delight onto others.  Show us all of the gratification you have given us.  Amen 

Blessed

It's been months, but I really felt the urge to get back to my blog....When I opened up my account, I found this unfinished post - it was the day before my birthday.  Even though the timing doesn't quite fit now that it is four months later, I feel that it is a perfect place to begin....So, in italics you have what I began on April 19th; to follow, you will have what is written August 16th.

A year ago this week I made a huge decision that would change my life forever.  I didn't know the hows, whens, or wheres, but somehow the pieces all fell into place because I trusted God would take care of my children and myself. 
I turn 31 tomorrow.  I'm not one whose big on age - it's just a number - I really think I will remain 25 forever - but I do look at my age in years as markers on a timeline. 
18 - graduated
22 - married, started teaching job
25 - twins were born
28 - Little Man born
30 - separated, moved, started new job
31 - new beginning?  moving forward....not sure what 31 will bring yet, but I do know this for certain -
I am VERY BLESSED -
Things have really changed since I began this post.  A week after beginning this, I was officially divorced.  Two weeks after writing this, I was informed I would no longer be teaching in the district I had just spent the last year getting acquainted with.  All that I had put my heart into was now being taken from me.  The picture that I had finally started forming in my head of what this new beginning and life was going to look like for my kids and I was suddenly ripped away.  Now What?!?!?!  What could possibly be next??  Haven't we been through enough changes?  Wasn't this where You wanted us to start over?  Wasn't I supposed to make a difference and help others here?  Wasn't this supposed to be my new community?  What about my kids??  What do I tell them??  What about my students?  What about all I was going to do this summer and next year and continue to do in this classroom??  Why God???  The questions never stop....  The tears continue to pop up on me and surprise me at random times.  Why is this happening?  What am I going to do?  What are You trying to tell me???
31 - unknown - what I do know is that I trust in God and that is the only thing that will get me through.
My reading for June 27th from Sara Young's book Jesus Calling, the night that it was confirmed I would no longer be in the same place I was all last year, said this:
"Rest with Me a while.  You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days.  The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty.  Look neither behind you nor before you.  Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion.  Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.  I designed time to be a protection for you.  You couldn't bear to see all your life at once.  Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you.  Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence.  The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you , watching over you wherever you go."
God was telling me once again to TRUST Him.  He gave me this last year for a reason.  He gave it to us as a small piece to help get us to the next step up the ladder of life.  He doesn't show us the whole ladder and each step above because we "can't bear to see all our life at once!"
We are Blessed.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.  Ephesians 2:8  

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:19

There is soooo much to be thankful for.  God is Good.  We are blessed.  The words I tell myself when I begin to worry and get discouraged:  When you think you've got it bad, it could always be worse.  

Blessings!  :)

Strength

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

Philippians 4:13

This summer I prayed these words every single day - "Lord please give me Your strength to get through whatever is thrown at me today"  Some days I just asked for His strength to get up and be productive.  Other days I asked for His strength to get me through specific events. 

Although I can say I am honestly the "strongest" I have ever been in my life, I haven't gotten their without seeking God's strength. 

On January 31st, I had a very important day that would lead to some very important decisions to be made out of my control.  The passage for the day in Jesus Calling  was this:

I am your Strength and Shield.  I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed.  I also provide the strength you need each step of the way.  Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me.  My Power flows freely into you through our open communication.  Refuse to waste energy worrying and you will have strength to spare.....My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers.  I am with you and will watch you wherever you go. 

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always. 

Psalm 105:4

I think I have posted this song before I get a little bit stronger  by Sara Evans  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22zB6Soc2Gk

Woke up late today and I still feel the sting of the pain
But I brushed my teeth anyway
I got dressed through the mess and put a smile on my face
I got a little bit stronger

Riding in the car to work and I'm trying to ignore the hurt
So I turned on the radio, stupid song made me think of you
I listened to it for minute but I changed it
I'm getting a little bit stronger, just a little bit stronger

And I'm done hoping that we could work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days
I get a little bit stronger

Doesn't happen overnight but you turn around
And a month's gone by and you realize you haven't cried
I'm not giving you a hour or a second or another minute longer
I'm busy getting stronger

And I'm done hoping that we can work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking, that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days, I get a little bit stronger
I get a little bit stronger

Getting along without you, baby
I'm better off without you, baby
How does it feel without me, baby?
I'm getting stronger without you, baby

And I'm done hoping we could work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days
I get a little bit stronger

I get a little bit stronger
Just a little bit stronger
A little bit, a little bit, a little bit stronger
I get a little bit stronger

I know where that strength comes from.  It doesn't happen instantaniously.  I compare it to physical strength; I've been lifting and toning and working my tail off to increase my strength (and metabolism :)), it doesn't happen overnight, in a week or in a month even.  But one day you realize the same weights or workout just aren't as difficult.  Just as one day you wake up and the same events that used to upset you and ruin your day or week, really don't cause you to even twinge.  It's called strength.  And all the prayer and effort are sooooo worth it.  God's strength gets you through anything.

Psalms 28:7  The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

Genesis 28:15  Behold, I am with you and I will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land.  For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.



Gratitude

Each day when you greet someone, meet someone, or cross anothers path, you ask "how are you?"  Most reply with good, fine, great, tired, etc.  A gal I knew always responded with the word grateful.  This sticks in my head because it reminds me that no matter how we are feeling at that time of day on that certain day, we should always remain grateful. 
A friend told me last week that even though she was soooo very busy and felt like she was constantly on the go, she was overwhelmed with gratitude.  The word has been sticking to me since.
I enjoy searching for bible verses that relate to the word God has led me to focus on.  I think that is His way of guiding me to His words.  Today this one struck me:
Psalm 136:1“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Last week I received an e-mail that reminded me how grateful I am to be me. 

May there be for today peace within. 

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith, within yourself and others. 

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are. 

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. 

It is there for each and every one of us.

My goal is to change my response to "how are you?" from good/fine, to grateful within this next month.  It is such a powerful statement to others and ourselves how content and happy we are in the life God has given us.  

It's pretty easy to let the hard things in life make you feel ungrateful, but I have learned to quickly focus on something I am grateful for each time something hard comes about.  It's amazing how you can stay much happier this way! :)

I like to send God gratitude messages every once in awhile.  It's just my way of saying thanks for where I am and where I have come.  Most often my gratitude conversations include being grateful for:

my kids, family, friends - new and old, my job, laughter, health, faith, exercise, books, hugs, food, sunshine, friends again, and the list goes on.  What do you include in your gratitude conversations?

Lord, I show my gratitude to You for all You have given my family.  Some days are harder than others, but there is not a day where I am not able to be grateful.  You have given so much, I think what we all need to be most grateful for is what You gave to us in giving us Your son.  My gratitude list could go on and on and on; it would include the very small minor things, to the very large major things.  Be with those who need reminded that life is full of reasons to be grateful.  Help them to see through the hard things and focus on the things that bring them joy.  Continue to help me through this process also.  I thank You for bringing me to where I am today.  In Your Name, Amen

Phillippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” 

Grace

Amazing Grace Lyrics
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

  

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.
   Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

  

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

  

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.

  

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

  

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,  
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-mNT0axB9U

GRACE:

a. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people.

b. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.

c. An excellence or power granted by God.

a.  the free and unmerited favour of God shown towards man

b.  the divine assistance and power given to man in spiritual rebirth and sanctification

c.  the condition of being favoured or sanctified by God

d.  an unmerited gift, favour, etc., granted by God

1. elegance and beauty of movement, form, expression, or proportion

2. a pleasing or charming quality

3. goodwill or favour

4. the granting of a favour or the manifestation of goodwill, esp by a superior

5. a sense of propriety and consideration for others

It's been awhile since I've written.  I actually began this post on January 13th, but put it aside in the draft box for awhile.  I was asked by a friend yesterday why I haven't written in awhile; another dear friend e-mailed me today and told me to really listen to the words of Amazing Grace; and if that wasn't enough signs to get back to the blog, my other dear friend finally started her own healing blog....  http://bkissesfromheaven.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-time.html 

Grace

G =God's

R =Riches

A =at

C =Christ's

E =Expense

I've tried for a long time to summarize Grace.  I still don't know that I completely grasp it, but the best I can say is Grace is God's eternal love.  Grace is our ticket to heaven.  Grace is forgiveness.  Grace gives me hope. 
The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.
NB had a reason for telling me to listen to Amazing Grace - this verse keeps sticking out at me.  In searching the Bible on grace, I found this passage:

1 Peter 5:10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

I'm not perfect; and it brings tears to my eyes to think about all the imperfections in my past, present, and those to come in the future.  One thing I am learning is to not dwell on those imperfections, to get over my past disappointments, to live for today, and to surround myself with people who do the same.  I am learning to accept God's Grace and truly embrace it. 
  "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,  
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

 

Thank you Heavenly Father for Your gift of Grace.  I am a wretch who has been saved and am also the happiest I have been in many years.  As the story today said; be the coffee bean - use the turmoil around you to make the ugly better.  I thank you for Your Presence.  Continue to bless my children and comfort them when things are hard.  Help them to understand tears are OK and healing. 

In Your name,

Amen