Changes

 

Life is always changing though sometimes we feel stagnant. Truly things change more quickly than we realize or sometimes like to admit.  As spring is approaching, we see changes in our lives.

I have felt that I have been in this place forever; one of questioning, frustration and often anger. A time of learning how to be in today, not the past or future. A time of learning to let go and let God handle my problems; really handle them, not just paying lip service to that idea. A time of questioning what is really worthwhile and important. 

So here we are at another change; William is driving a truck again and will be on the road often. I will run our cabin care business and oversee the jobs. I will be quitting my job at Roses so I can be home for Hayden and available for William when he needs me. Also, I may ride with him every once and awhile to keep him company! 

Have a learned everything I/we needed to? NO. I am only beginning to understand what all this has meant; I don't believe that we have passed through this time completely. We still have much to learn and understand. These changes require faith on our part as it is easy to become comfortable in that stagnation (where God wanted us), even it is really uncomfortable. Does that make sense?  You know where you are even if it isn't where you want to be and it makes more sense humanly to just stay there. So, change becomes difficult. 

So, here we go into the unknown. New job, new responsibilities, but same good God. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1ff
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance...

Rejoice In It??

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

In it?? I have to rejoice in it, not after it? Well, that is not necessarily easy for me. I find myself struggling through the day and only rejoicing when it is finally over and I survived. But, I don't think that is what God intends for me; He has something better in mind. 

See, I don't think He intended for me to go through each day miserable just praying for it to be over. Unfortunately that is the habit I have gotten into and it has to stop. Guilt over the past, anxiety over the present and fear of the future is not what my heavenly Father has chosen for me, but it is what I have chosen for myself. 

And if I don't get it, the Lord gave me examples to follow. Paul and Silas sang while IN jail. Jonah prayed IN the belly of the whale. Daniel had faith IN the lion's den. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego..., well you get the idea. TODAY and IN are the key words. NOT AFTER!

The Lord made TODAY for me and I am to rejoice IN it. But, how do I find joy in the day when it stinks, when things are not great or going my way. Choice and attitude. 

I must choose to find joy in the day that the Lord made. My attitude must reflect the gratitude I have in God giving me breathe. HOW?? Minute by minute if necessary. Hour by hour. I must retrain my thinking with God's help. And He is willing, the question is, am I. 

It may be difficult to begin with and require much effort on my part. But, I only have to work on one day! I only have today. 24 hours, 86,000 heart beats. I am given today, do I really want to be miserable for those 24 hours. NO! Absolutely not!! I am weary with this burden I have been carrying. Joy has escaped me, fear has ingulfed me and each day seems dark. 

So, 2013 must begin differently. I can not wallow in guilt of the past, be anxious about today or live in fear of tomorrow.  I must claim the promises of God and apply them daily, one day at a time. Will it be easy? No. I have spent a lot of time cultivating this negative mindset. Will it be worth it? Absolutely!!! I believe God's promises and He has promised peace. I can be fearless! 

John 14:27
I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.


Blessings,