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.”