I was digging through some horrendous stacks of papers that I need to file away at home. I don't know what it is, but ever since we moved, I have not been able to organize my stuff like I'm use to and it's driving me crazy! So instead, i keep it piled up and just move things from one pile to the next, to the next, to the next...well, you get the idea. Ha, I blame it on the place we live, that I have no space to spread out and organize. Sure.
That isn't my whole point.
The neat thing that comes out of making stacks and stacks of things, is you don't remember completely what was in them. Some stacks are important and those always get taken care of first. Well, tonight I made it to a stack I haven't touched in probably 3 months. It obviously wasn't too important of a stack. So I ventured out and thought, well I better see what I exactly made of this stack.
It was what I expected it to be, all misc. things that didn't really have a place, and those I highly dislike, so that is why I just keep them in a stack and move around to other stacks! :)
But the neat thing, I came across a piece of paper that had some points written down on it. I recognized it immediately. It was a note from a conversation I had with a dear friend, mentor and amazing Pastors' wife from my previous church. I smiled, because of the thought of that sweet conversation we had back in August when I last visited our previous "home". This lovely lady sat down with me and asked me how things were for us since we moved and I had shared with her things and that we were starting out on the venture of house hunting and I remember now that even then, I was anxious. Ha, and I laugh now thinking that was NOTHING compared to what I've been feeling now.
She shared with me some thoughts on how to view/look at this time in our lives. And that is where that notes comes in. That is what I found tonight and I feel so blessed and I know that this is God placing this back into my life, right now at this very moment. When I received these points before, I didn't really know what to think of them or how to take them in, but maybe today, tonight, this week...God has something for me with these. Timing is everything and this is no exception! :)
1. Do you believe He CAN do it?
2. Do you believe he WANTS to do it for you?
3. Do you believe He WILL do it?
4. Do you believe He already HAS done it?
hum...
I can't honestly say that back in August when I received this, ya, didn't think or maybe it was just that I didn't understand it. But now, where I am at now, goodness.
The last point, #4...hits me the most. Because out of all of them, that is the one I believe!! I know God already has a place for us, and that is even how I pray when I get anxious and frustrated. I ask God to just give me the peace, because I know He already has the "home" picked out for us, it's just in His time. And that He would give me the guidance during this time and that when He was ready, He would show that place to us.
These points have never meant more to me than they do at this moment. I not only believe that God can do, wants to do, will do, and has done it, but I TRUST that He will do it. I know He is in this thing every step of the way. And some might think I'm thinking too much about a house and all our focus is on that. And yeah, maybe it is, but I know I haven't lost sight of God during this time and that is what I'm thankful for. I see God in this entire process and I'm so thankful. And others might think what a stupid thing to get so worked up about, there are bigger problems in life to face. Yeah, THERE ARE!! But God doesn't just have to be in the big things in life, He is in everything! Big and small. Right now, this is a big thing I'm facing. Maybe in a month or a week or day, I won't think it is.
I'm thankful for today, for what God showed me in rummaging through old things. My husband would laugh because I hang onto too many things sometimes, like notes. But this is why! :) Because you never know when God will use that again for you. Or, not only that, when God will bring it to you and that it might mean something more then.
I'm also thankful for this person and how God has used this couple in my life. And I'm thankful that I was able to think of them tonight and rejoice in our friendship. Makes me a little sad, because I'm not around them much anymore, but I'm thankful for those years I did get to know them.
God, thank you. I believe that you have a house out there for us, and I believe that in your time, it will happen. If it's this month, great, if it's a year from now, great, if it's years away, great. I'll know that you are guiding us and in your time that will happen. because your timing, means everything! :) Thank you for showing me that tonight! This is what I needed.
:)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
When you ask...He will answer
Why do we always forget that? Why is it always so hard for us to understand that if you just go to Him, and ask what you are frustrated with, He will answer!?
Well, apparently I always forget that.
I had the amazing answer given to me earlier this week. As you know from my last post I talked about frustration with how do you. Well, I talked things over with my hubby and I just didn't even know how to pray to God about this situation. I listened to my husband, for once, :) and respected his decision, which is a decision he told the Lord he would do. That was that he wasn't going to focus or look at any houses until February. Now, sure, that is only a week or so away, but it was still something he felt he needed to. So since that was the case, I had to respect that and forget about my frustration with what to do, as well.
So I did. But I needed help. So I asked God that if the house I was confused about and wondering what we were suppose to and if that was the house He wanted us in...I asked him to sell in between now and February, so that I could just let it go. I asked God that if that was the house He wanted us in, He'd show it to us and He'd keep it available to us until then. And if it wasn't, that He would sell it so that I can forget about it and focus on other things in life again.
And two days later...he answered that prayer. The house is under contract...already! My one word: bittersweet! But more sweet. I feel so blessed that God would do that...that it would be so quickly. I feel that God put his arms around me and said, watch me work. I feel so much peace, because I know it is God working, and not me! And only a slight portion of bitterness to do I feel, because the only thing I feel is sadness, because I did love that house and knowing it's gone, is sad. But then I think about it all over again and I just know that 100% God is guiding us to the place He wants us at...and He'll show us that place when He is ready to show it to us. So it makes me overjoyed to know that He is doing this and guiding us. We just need to continually seek Him out in this.
Since the beginning of this week, I've felt more like me. I haven't been consumed by house hunting. Sure it's on my mind and I still desire a house and am tired of our situation. But through this situation that we are in, God is shaping me (us) and molding me into something. I know I'm grateful for what I have. And if we have to wait a whole another year, I will. O boy, did I just say that!?!
I know God will give you the desires of your heart, but I just need to let Him do that too. And I trust that He will. I'm overjoyed knowing that He is taking care of us.
Lord Jesus, thank you so much for your direction. Thank you for showing me all that you did this week and how you took something away from me, so that I could focus back on you and what the bigger picture is. Thank you for your quick answer and thank you for my attitude that you have given me in this. I could have been upset and wonder why you'd take that place away from us. But instead, you have me the attitude of peace and understanding that there is a greater picture out there to this house process. I thank you for that. Thank you for your continued guidance. I pray that my husband and I would be able to continue to see you in this and turn to you with all our doubts and concerns and wonders. I pray that you guide us, in your time, the place that we are suppose to be at. And maybe it's no place at all right now. Just help us to focus on you and what you want us to do in our lives. Thank you Lord Jesus!
Well, apparently I always forget that.
I had the amazing answer given to me earlier this week. As you know from my last post I talked about frustration with how do you. Well, I talked things over with my hubby and I just didn't even know how to pray to God about this situation. I listened to my husband, for once, :) and respected his decision, which is a decision he told the Lord he would do. That was that he wasn't going to focus or look at any houses until February. Now, sure, that is only a week or so away, but it was still something he felt he needed to. So since that was the case, I had to respect that and forget about my frustration with what to do, as well.
So I did. But I needed help. So I asked God that if the house I was confused about and wondering what we were suppose to and if that was the house He wanted us in...I asked him to sell in between now and February, so that I could just let it go. I asked God that if that was the house He wanted us in, He'd show it to us and He'd keep it available to us until then. And if it wasn't, that He would sell it so that I can forget about it and focus on other things in life again.
And two days later...he answered that prayer. The house is under contract...already! My one word: bittersweet! But more sweet. I feel so blessed that God would do that...that it would be so quickly. I feel that God put his arms around me and said, watch me work. I feel so much peace, because I know it is God working, and not me! And only a slight portion of bitterness to do I feel, because the only thing I feel is sadness, because I did love that house and knowing it's gone, is sad. But then I think about it all over again and I just know that 100% God is guiding us to the place He wants us at...and He'll show us that place when He is ready to show it to us. So it makes me overjoyed to know that He is doing this and guiding us. We just need to continually seek Him out in this.
Since the beginning of this week, I've felt more like me. I haven't been consumed by house hunting. Sure it's on my mind and I still desire a house and am tired of our situation. But through this situation that we are in, God is shaping me (us) and molding me into something. I know I'm grateful for what I have. And if we have to wait a whole another year, I will. O boy, did I just say that!?!
I know God will give you the desires of your heart, but I just need to let Him do that too. And I trust that He will. I'm overjoyed knowing that He is taking care of us.
Lord Jesus, thank you so much for your direction. Thank you for showing me all that you did this week and how you took something away from me, so that I could focus back on you and what the bigger picture is. Thank you for your quick answer and thank you for my attitude that you have given me in this. I could have been upset and wonder why you'd take that place away from us. But instead, you have me the attitude of peace and understanding that there is a greater picture out there to this house process. I thank you for that. Thank you for your continued guidance. I pray that my husband and I would be able to continue to see you in this and turn to you with all our doubts and concerns and wonders. I pray that you guide us, in your time, the place that we are suppose to be at. And maybe it's no place at all right now. Just help us to focus on you and what you want us to do in our lives. Thank you Lord Jesus!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
How do you know?
I've been a rather confused person lately. I'm stuck on knowing what God is doing or what He is trying to tell us. I've spent so much of my energy lately just trying to figure this out, and I'm so heavy hearted these past few weeks.
Once again, house situation. Well, last time I shared, we were still looking and we still currently are. But we actually put an offer in on a house, and we accepted the counter offer back. I was actually thinking I had gotten my Christmas wish (we put the offer in on Christmas Eve!). Well, it's a foreclosure, which just adds so much more complicated things to the situation. We had 3 days to have an attorney look it over and we did, a family friend who is an attorney. He looked it over and called us back on New Years Eve, and said that it was a weird contract and that it would be pretty high risk for us to go through with this. And Ben and I just knew it wasn't something we wanted to do, and that night, unfortunately, in tears, many tears, decided to back out of an incredible house! I was broken hearted (and still am).
I couldn't believe we were THIS close and I (we) just let it GO. I felt like it slipped through our hands, only we were the ones that let it slip! WHY?
That has been almost 3 weeks later now since we signed termination papers on the place. Has been a sad few weeks, a frustrating few weeks and we move on, right?
Well, right when we have come to a place were we have someone moved on in a good way and have been thinking positive about house hunting and the direction we want to go. I see that the house we had an offer accepted on, has now just reduced the price, again, another $5000. (and actually lower than what we accepted offer on).
And it gives me that heartache all over again! What I can't figure out is why this would keep coming in my face.
That place felt so much like God was showing us that one. And see, that is where I"m "how do you know". Because Ben felt it before I did, that this was the place we have been looking for. I fell in love with it during the showing (he was before that). And even when we did a second showing (with Ben's family), there was a major thing that showed up that it felt like God was saying, see, I'll take care of you!...there was brand new appliance installed! We had NO IDEA that those were going to be there. Because prior to this I was freaking out about this whole deal and wondering where the money was going to come from to purchase this place with $$ down and to also have $$ for the appliance that the place did not have. And here, they show up and I felt like that was God saying, "I'm taking care of you, just do this and accept the offer". I got all RE-EXCITED about the place and we went and accepted the offer!
So here we are again, and it comes to the surface and I feel as though is this GOD once again nudging us to this place or is this just SOMETHING else?!
How do you know?
I talked with the hubby and he is a little more reserved on this subject now and just doesn't want to touch it...and I'm thinking, really? Why is this happening. His first response to me was, "this isn't really waiting Kelly". After we had JUST said we were going to wait for a house a little longer. and now, 2 days later, I'm talking about this house again!
How does something like this happen and how do we know what we are suppose to do. How do you know if this is what God is showing you to do or how do you know that this isn't something that he is putting in your face to show you how to trust Him and NOT do it and wait on Him. I just can't figure this one out and it honestly is making me hurt.
I so badly just want to be in God's will, but how can I even know if that is what is happening!?
I was just praying to God yesterday to give me peace and to help me to LET THIS GO, this whole house hunting thing. I was asking God for patience in this process and that He was already preparing a house for us and for me to just be still in knowing that and that He would direct us when the time is right, to this place.
Is this the place?
I know I could go round and round with this whole thing and analyze every aspect of this situation. That won't help. What I (we) need to do is to turn to God himself and figure out what He is telling us.
So Lord Jesus, I once again give this up to you! I want to know what we are suppose to do and what you want us to do. I want to know...how do I know? Can you please help me to give this up to you completely and just have you guide us in this. I know we both need to be into this 100% and if we aren't, maybe that right there is my answer. Lord I pray that you work in my life and my husbands life through this process. Help us to seek you through this completely. I pray Lord Jesus that you would calm me and reassure me that you are in this or not in this. I know I'm very anxious to get into a house, but Lord, I want it to be the house that you would want us to be in, not just a house because I'm tired of our place. I'm so grateful for the place we live and I don't want to complain about that anymore. You know our desires right now and I pray that I can let those desires go to you and give me the peace I need in this entire situation.
Lord take away the stress, the pain, the heart ache, the frustration, the anxiety.
I give this up to you Lord Jesus.
Once again, house situation. Well, last time I shared, we were still looking and we still currently are. But we actually put an offer in on a house, and we accepted the counter offer back. I was actually thinking I had gotten my Christmas wish (we put the offer in on Christmas Eve!). Well, it's a foreclosure, which just adds so much more complicated things to the situation. We had 3 days to have an attorney look it over and we did, a family friend who is an attorney. He looked it over and called us back on New Years Eve, and said that it was a weird contract and that it would be pretty high risk for us to go through with this. And Ben and I just knew it wasn't something we wanted to do, and that night, unfortunately, in tears, many tears, decided to back out of an incredible house! I was broken hearted (and still am).
I couldn't believe we were THIS close and I (we) just let it GO. I felt like it slipped through our hands, only we were the ones that let it slip! WHY?
That has been almost 3 weeks later now since we signed termination papers on the place. Has been a sad few weeks, a frustrating few weeks and we move on, right?
Well, right when we have come to a place were we have someone moved on in a good way and have been thinking positive about house hunting and the direction we want to go. I see that the house we had an offer accepted on, has now just reduced the price, again, another $5000. (and actually lower than what we accepted offer on).
And it gives me that heartache all over again! What I can't figure out is why this would keep coming in my face.
That place felt so much like God was showing us that one. And see, that is where I"m "how do you know". Because Ben felt it before I did, that this was the place we have been looking for. I fell in love with it during the showing (he was before that). And even when we did a second showing (with Ben's family), there was a major thing that showed up that it felt like God was saying, see, I'll take care of you!...there was brand new appliance installed! We had NO IDEA that those were going to be there. Because prior to this I was freaking out about this whole deal and wondering where the money was going to come from to purchase this place with $$ down and to also have $$ for the appliance that the place did not have. And here, they show up and I felt like that was God saying, "I'm taking care of you, just do this and accept the offer". I got all RE-EXCITED about the place and we went and accepted the offer!
So here we are again, and it comes to the surface and I feel as though is this GOD once again nudging us to this place or is this just SOMETHING else?!
How do you know?
I talked with the hubby and he is a little more reserved on this subject now and just doesn't want to touch it...and I'm thinking, really? Why is this happening. His first response to me was, "this isn't really waiting Kelly". After we had JUST said we were going to wait for a house a little longer. and now, 2 days later, I'm talking about this house again!
How does something like this happen and how do we know what we are suppose to do. How do you know if this is what God is showing you to do or how do you know that this isn't something that he is putting in your face to show you how to trust Him and NOT do it and wait on Him. I just can't figure this one out and it honestly is making me hurt.
I so badly just want to be in God's will, but how can I even know if that is what is happening!?
I was just praying to God yesterday to give me peace and to help me to LET THIS GO, this whole house hunting thing. I was asking God for patience in this process and that He was already preparing a house for us and for me to just be still in knowing that and that He would direct us when the time is right, to this place.
Is this the place?
I know I could go round and round with this whole thing and analyze every aspect of this situation. That won't help. What I (we) need to do is to turn to God himself and figure out what He is telling us.
So Lord Jesus, I once again give this up to you! I want to know what we are suppose to do and what you want us to do. I want to know...how do I know? Can you please help me to give this up to you completely and just have you guide us in this. I know we both need to be into this 100% and if we aren't, maybe that right there is my answer. Lord I pray that you work in my life and my husbands life through this process. Help us to seek you through this completely. I pray Lord Jesus that you would calm me and reassure me that you are in this or not in this. I know I'm very anxious to get into a house, but Lord, I want it to be the house that you would want us to be in, not just a house because I'm tired of our place. I'm so grateful for the place we live and I don't want to complain about that anymore. You know our desires right now and I pray that I can let those desires go to you and give me the peace I need in this entire situation.
Lord take away the stress, the pain, the heart ache, the frustration, the anxiety.
I give this up to you Lord Jesus.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Discouraged = Faith
The last couple of days have been rather discouraging. There have been multiple things that have gotten me excited, anxious and now just down right discouraged. And they all come down to one common thing...trust and faith in God in what He is doing.
Situation #1. My hubby and I have been looking for houses now for about 2 or 3 months, seriously. And we've come close on about 2 of them on. The most recent one we saw on Saturday and it is everything we would love to have in a house. It's nothing special, it's actually rather plain and simple, but it fits us exactly for what we'd want someday. The kicker...the price. It's in our range, but on the high end. And we could afford what they want for the house, but it's those good ol' taxes that kick it for us. The taxes are the highest on this place than any place we've seen thus far. So the price is OK, the taxes is what puts it over the edge. Major bummer. So we decided to just sit on it and wait...which we have all the time in the world for at the moment. So we don't mind. Yes, we are a little anxious for this, but we know that if it is the house God wants us to have, the price will work out for us. If not, then there is something else out there that God has in mind. You would think that would be easy for us (me) to understand. right? Well, yes! As of Monday AM I was just fine with that and knew that was what God was showing us and telling us. Well, then about 2 hours later as I'm doing laundry, our washer decides to act up on us. Ya see, we have our washer sitting in the kitchen, because our washer and dryer don't fit downstairs because the stairway is TINY! So i was the clothes at home, and go to the mat to dry them. Hasn't been that bad, actually. Until yesterday. Its on an uneven floor and being we have extra tubing running from the washer to the hookups, it doesn't get its proper pressure. Anyways, so it wouldn't fix. I tried everything that we've done before when this happened and nothing would work. I was so BEYOND frustrated! It must have just been the combination of all of this and I just broke down.
I thought at that point, lets just buy that house already!!! I'm SO READY for a place to finally unpack everything and be able to do laundry NORMAL. My hubby came home, tried to fix it, and had it all fixed, but we still needed to dry the loads I had done (I still had 4 more to go that weren't even washed yet). So we took the ones done to the mat and finished them last night. I thought, we'll I'll just finished the other 4 tomorrow (which was today), since the machine seems to be better now.
Well, I was wrong. Started the wash this AM and 1/2 hr later, SAME THING. I was like "you've GOT to be kidding me!!!" I instantly just broke into tears because I thought, really?? Why can't it just work like always so I can get things done and move on!!
But NOOOOO.
Tried to figure it out all over again and nothing. I was so mad! I just loaded up my car and took it all the mat and just washed everything there and did it all. I was soooo discouraged.
As I sat in the mat waiting on my wash, I thought back to when we first moved here. We didn't have anything hooked up for a washer or dryer and I had no choice but to come to the mat to wash. And I remember when I would sit there and just take that time to organize things in my mind (on paper). And I did just that, all over again, and you know what? It felt great!
I feel like I didn't really figure a lot of things out, but at the same time, I feel like I got more done then, then I would have at home doing my laundry. It was weird.
I know God has these type of things happen for a reason, and I know there is a reason. I'm still not sure what that is just yet. But these past 2 days have been interesting. I've gone from content on waiting for the right house, to being completely anxious for a house at that very moment! I didn't like how I have felt these past 2 days. I"m still not sure how to figure this all out. All I know, still, is that God's timing is perfect. And that is what is holding me together in this. I know this is temporary, but how temporary it is, I'm not even sure. I hope it's short, but if it's still a year from now, will I be OK with that? That is something I've thought about all day today...if this isn't 4 months from now, how will I feel then?
My husband just said that someday, someday soon, we'll look back at this and laugh. I know I will. But mostly...I'm thankful for what God is doing. I'm thankful for where He has us, as hard as it is, at least we have a place to live with warmth and a roof over our head! It might not be ideal, but who said life was going to be ideal?
My biggest struggle today has been wondering what in the world God is doing and what He is trying to tell me or show me. So much of me just thinks and maybe hopes, that He has that perfect house out there for us soon, but then parts of me wonders if He wants us to go for something that isn't quite right either, as we would think, but it would be better than this. Its a bit complicated as what I"m trying to say. Anyways...
What all of this has shown me, is to have FAITH in God that He will bring us through this...as He has with everything else thus far! It's also just a matter of if we TRUST that He will bring that about. FAITH & TRUST?! I've got it!
Lord, help me to not be discouraged! I want to have the right attitude in all of this and I know I have failed the last couple of days. I know these things are happening at this specific time to show me something. I know it also is showing me not to just give into something...that you will see us through to the right place...and do we trust that? I sure do...just help me to remember that and not get discouraged in the little things. Sure those things aren't very convenient, but they aren't the worst!
Thank you Jesus for what you are doing and what you will continue to do! I'm so thankful for where we are and what you are doing. Thank you!
Situation #1. My hubby and I have been looking for houses now for about 2 or 3 months, seriously. And we've come close on about 2 of them on. The most recent one we saw on Saturday and it is everything we would love to have in a house. It's nothing special, it's actually rather plain and simple, but it fits us exactly for what we'd want someday. The kicker...the price. It's in our range, but on the high end. And we could afford what they want for the house, but it's those good ol' taxes that kick it for us. The taxes are the highest on this place than any place we've seen thus far. So the price is OK, the taxes is what puts it over the edge. Major bummer. So we decided to just sit on it and wait...which we have all the time in the world for at the moment. So we don't mind. Yes, we are a little anxious for this, but we know that if it is the house God wants us to have, the price will work out for us. If not, then there is something else out there that God has in mind. You would think that would be easy for us (me) to understand. right? Well, yes! As of Monday AM I was just fine with that and knew that was what God was showing us and telling us. Well, then about 2 hours later as I'm doing laundry, our washer decides to act up on us. Ya see, we have our washer sitting in the kitchen, because our washer and dryer don't fit downstairs because the stairway is TINY! So i was the clothes at home, and go to the mat to dry them. Hasn't been that bad, actually. Until yesterday. Its on an uneven floor and being we have extra tubing running from the washer to the hookups, it doesn't get its proper pressure. Anyways, so it wouldn't fix. I tried everything that we've done before when this happened and nothing would work. I was so BEYOND frustrated! It must have just been the combination of all of this and I just broke down.
I thought at that point, lets just buy that house already!!! I'm SO READY for a place to finally unpack everything and be able to do laundry NORMAL. My hubby came home, tried to fix it, and had it all fixed, but we still needed to dry the loads I had done (I still had 4 more to go that weren't even washed yet). So we took the ones done to the mat and finished them last night. I thought, we'll I'll just finished the other 4 tomorrow (which was today), since the machine seems to be better now.
Well, I was wrong. Started the wash this AM and 1/2 hr later, SAME THING. I was like "you've GOT to be kidding me!!!" I instantly just broke into tears because I thought, really?? Why can't it just work like always so I can get things done and move on!!
But NOOOOO.
Tried to figure it out all over again and nothing. I was so mad! I just loaded up my car and took it all the mat and just washed everything there and did it all. I was soooo discouraged.
As I sat in the mat waiting on my wash, I thought back to when we first moved here. We didn't have anything hooked up for a washer or dryer and I had no choice but to come to the mat to wash. And I remember when I would sit there and just take that time to organize things in my mind (on paper). And I did just that, all over again, and you know what? It felt great!
I feel like I didn't really figure a lot of things out, but at the same time, I feel like I got more done then, then I would have at home doing my laundry. It was weird.
I know God has these type of things happen for a reason, and I know there is a reason. I'm still not sure what that is just yet. But these past 2 days have been interesting. I've gone from content on waiting for the right house, to being completely anxious for a house at that very moment! I didn't like how I have felt these past 2 days. I"m still not sure how to figure this all out. All I know, still, is that God's timing is perfect. And that is what is holding me together in this. I know this is temporary, but how temporary it is, I'm not even sure. I hope it's short, but if it's still a year from now, will I be OK with that? That is something I've thought about all day today...if this isn't 4 months from now, how will I feel then?
My husband just said that someday, someday soon, we'll look back at this and laugh. I know I will. But mostly...I'm thankful for what God is doing. I'm thankful for where He has us, as hard as it is, at least we have a place to live with warmth and a roof over our head! It might not be ideal, but who said life was going to be ideal?
My biggest struggle today has been wondering what in the world God is doing and what He is trying to tell me or show me. So much of me just thinks and maybe hopes, that He has that perfect house out there for us soon, but then parts of me wonders if He wants us to go for something that isn't quite right either, as we would think, but it would be better than this. Its a bit complicated as what I"m trying to say. Anyways...
What all of this has shown me, is to have FAITH in God that He will bring us through this...as He has with everything else thus far! It's also just a matter of if we TRUST that He will bring that about. FAITH & TRUST?! I've got it!
Lord, help me to not be discouraged! I want to have the right attitude in all of this and I know I have failed the last couple of days. I know these things are happening at this specific time to show me something. I know it also is showing me not to just give into something...that you will see us through to the right place...and do we trust that? I sure do...just help me to remember that and not get discouraged in the little things. Sure those things aren't very convenient, but they aren't the worst!
Thank you Jesus for what you are doing and what you will continue to do! I'm so thankful for where we are and what you are doing. Thank you!
Friday, November 4, 2011
It's a Heart Change
It’s amazing what can happen when you DECIDE to change your heart. Well, and not only that, you ASK God to help you change your heart and God changes it for you! I’m seeing God at work in so many things lately that I just want to fall on my knees in thankfulness to what God is doing and working in my life with.
The other day I was faced with a situation that was “sticky”. I wasn’t sure how to really handle it, so I just prayed to God that I would not think about it as what was going on with the situation, but do what I was known to do and leave it at that. And when the hour arrived that I was to be in this sticky situation, I was amazed at how my attitude was. I thought to myself, OK, I’ll do this, and I’ll do it because this is what I’m suppose to do and what I’m suppose to do for God. Whatever issue is on the other end of this with it, isn’t FOR ME to figure out or WORRY about it. Instead, I decide that what I was doing was for God and that is all I need to focus on and do. Because for whatever motive is on the other, isn’t my problem or my concern, that is between that and God. Once I made my mind change in that, I was able to do well in it and not have an attitude with it. I asked God to give me the patients in it. Sure enough, it went great…and I know it’s only because God changed my attitude and had me realize how to do that. Praise you Jesus and thank you for showing me that I only need to be concerned about what I’m doing for you and not what others are doing.
Help me to keep focused on that and keep learning how to lean on you and not my own will, but yours. Help me to not get wrapped up into so many situations that I try to figure things out. I don’t need to figure them out. I just need to do what I am suppose to do for you. Keep that in the for front of my daily walk each day.
This stuff is hard what you are showing me God and they are “sticky” situations, but I’m so thankful I am going through them because you are growing me stronger in my walk with you. Through these difficulties
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Status
I'm not even sure how to write this one. I've been noticing lately a lot of things having to do with "status". I've seen so many people lately wrapping themselves up into a status symbol. Where does their identity lie? Where does your identify lie?
I don't know what it is, but when I see someone focus so much on what they have or don't have or what they got to impress others, I just don't know what to say or think. I had a lady walk into work the other day (I work at a clothing store) and she walks in with her coffee "to go" cup from the nearby coffee shop. First of all, you are in a clothing store...how are you going to shop with a drink in your hand, and not only that, how do expect us to react when we see a drink in your hand and you are going to go through all our clothes and NOT spill? Really?
So I cringe at those things first. But then I thought...why is this person doing this? Could they really NOT sit at the coffee shop and drink the coffee? Or was in more that they wanted to walk in to a place full of people so that all could see that you have coffee. And not only that...what is it about coffee shops that are so "status symbol" related? And sure enough...this lady waved this coffee cup around like no ones business. She made it know they went to get the coffee shop and she kept the mug right in our faces too. We get it, you drink coffee, so? I drink H2O! I know I shouldn't care or I shouldn't JUDGE.
But I feel like this has been at the for-front of a lot of things to me lately. And what is it that, you God, are showing me through this? Is it more the fact that I don't want to be that person. That I don't want to be the person that finds their identity in an object, a status symbol? Or are you trying to show me how to love these people, and have them see what true identity in Christ is? That these people don't have to wrap themselves into a status of what people think of them because you go to coffee shops, or you have the latest of technology, or the newest car, or the executive corporate job, or whatever it might be; but more so that you can wrap yourself into the love of Jesus Christ and HE doesn't look at where you go, what you have, or how you use it, but more so how you treat people, love people, and can help and encourage people. Where is your status? Are you more focus on what others think of you or what God thinks of you? Where is my status? I sure hope my status is wrapped up in Jesus Christ and doing my best for him. Sure, I mess up, EVERY day, but I try my hardest do love on people and just help them. Lord Jesus, I just want my identity to be in YOU, no one else, no place, no object, nothing...Just you! Please help me daily to see that I keep focused on you and not on other things. How do I look past these thing and not let these people or things that I see bother me? Lord Jesus, help me to love on these things and not judge either. I don't want to look at a person because I'm feeling a "status" thing coming out from them. Again, who am I to judge. Help me to look past that Lord.
I don't know what it is, but when I see someone focus so much on what they have or don't have or what they got to impress others, I just don't know what to say or think. I had a lady walk into work the other day (I work at a clothing store) and she walks in with her coffee "to go" cup from the nearby coffee shop. First of all, you are in a clothing store...how are you going to shop with a drink in your hand, and not only that, how do expect us to react when we see a drink in your hand and you are going to go through all our clothes and NOT spill? Really?
So I cringe at those things first. But then I thought...why is this person doing this? Could they really NOT sit at the coffee shop and drink the coffee? Or was in more that they wanted to walk in to a place full of people so that all could see that you have coffee. And not only that...what is it about coffee shops that are so "status symbol" related? And sure enough...this lady waved this coffee cup around like no ones business. She made it know they went to get the coffee shop and she kept the mug right in our faces too. We get it, you drink coffee, so? I drink H2O! I know I shouldn't care or I shouldn't JUDGE.
But I feel like this has been at the for-front of a lot of things to me lately. And what is it that, you God, are showing me through this? Is it more the fact that I don't want to be that person. That I don't want to be the person that finds their identity in an object, a status symbol? Or are you trying to show me how to love these people, and have them see what true identity in Christ is? That these people don't have to wrap themselves into a status of what people think of them because you go to coffee shops, or you have the latest of technology, or the newest car, or the executive corporate job, or whatever it might be; but more so that you can wrap yourself into the love of Jesus Christ and HE doesn't look at where you go, what you have, or how you use it, but more so how you treat people, love people, and can help and encourage people. Where is your status? Are you more focus on what others think of you or what God thinks of you? Where is my status? I sure hope my status is wrapped up in Jesus Christ and doing my best for him. Sure, I mess up, EVERY day, but I try my hardest do love on people and just help them. Lord Jesus, I just want my identity to be in YOU, no one else, no place, no object, nothing...Just you! Please help me daily to see that I keep focused on you and not on other things. How do I look past these thing and not let these people or things that I see bother me? Lord Jesus, help me to love on these things and not judge either. I don't want to look at a person because I'm feeling a "status" thing coming out from them. Again, who am I to judge. Help me to look past that Lord.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Never done learning
I know, I know...it's been like 6 months since I've written. And believe me, nothing shy of God not moving or working in my life. I have no excuses...
I really thought about it the other day and really am upset with myself that I have documented all that God has been doing and things I've been learning. So that brings me back to this! :)
On the 6 months note...we've now been in the Northwoods for over 6 months, actually it will be 7 on Oct. 31st that we drove away from all my husband and I knew together. That is where we met, where we grew together, were we started our life together, where we went to school, where I had my dream job (yes, i still believe that is what it is/was), had amazing friends, a wonderful church family...and the list could go on and on.
It's hard to believe that it's been that long since we drove away from that place. I honestly feel like it was just last week that we pulled into our driveway at our new place with the Uhaul and I walked into the doors of our new "home" and I saw an empty, SMALL house ready to be filled (to the brim).
And here we are, almost 7 months later, and I see how much God has changed me. I feel so blessed to be where I am at. Not just physically in the Northwoods, as that is also true, but so blessed for how God has worked in my life for the past 7 months.
Needless to say, I have countless ways that God has showed me things and blessed me. He has changed my heart to really appreciate where I am at and what He is doing in our lives. I have grown to love the Northwoods, the weather (well, I haven't gone through a winter here yet, so we'll see), the people, the lifestyle, and our relationship with each other (my hubby and I AND how God and I are as well). I feel like my relationship with God took a different, new level. I can't even explain how it happened or how it has felt or what it feels like now. My relationship with my husband has grown and that is completely from God as well. All we have had was each other, and God used that to really lean on each other and on God. I had nothing when we first move here, no friends, no family, no job...all I had was time with God, time in general, and time with my hubby. It was hard for me to RELAX in that, but I did. And I am thankful I had that time. I wasn't at first, but I am thankful I had that. There are times when I actually wish I had that back! And I knew I'd feel that way and that is why 6 months ago, in my last post, God kept tell me "enjoy this time"...I was, but now i wish I could again. I know He was telling me and I knew that sometime down the road I'd be wishing for that time back...and here I am, wishing for that time back!
But you know...I know where God has me know and I am thankful for what I am doing. I am thankful for what He is showing me and teaching me through where I am at now in life. And I know that will always be the case! I just need to learn that God is always in control, we aren't!
I'm still learning...and God is sure showing me more...
I really thought about it the other day and really am upset with myself that I have documented all that God has been doing and things I've been learning. So that brings me back to this! :)
On the 6 months note...we've now been in the Northwoods for over 6 months, actually it will be 7 on Oct. 31st that we drove away from all my husband and I knew together. That is where we met, where we grew together, were we started our life together, where we went to school, where I had my dream job (yes, i still believe that is what it is/was), had amazing friends, a wonderful church family...and the list could go on and on.
It's hard to believe that it's been that long since we drove away from that place. I honestly feel like it was just last week that we pulled into our driveway at our new place with the Uhaul and I walked into the doors of our new "home" and I saw an empty, SMALL house ready to be filled (to the brim).
And here we are, almost 7 months later, and I see how much God has changed me. I feel so blessed to be where I am at. Not just physically in the Northwoods, as that is also true, but so blessed for how God has worked in my life for the past 7 months.
Needless to say, I have countless ways that God has showed me things and blessed me. He has changed my heart to really appreciate where I am at and what He is doing in our lives. I have grown to love the Northwoods, the weather (well, I haven't gone through a winter here yet, so we'll see), the people, the lifestyle, and our relationship with each other (my hubby and I AND how God and I are as well). I feel like my relationship with God took a different, new level. I can't even explain how it happened or how it has felt or what it feels like now. My relationship with my husband has grown and that is completely from God as well. All we have had was each other, and God used that to really lean on each other and on God. I had nothing when we first move here, no friends, no family, no job...all I had was time with God, time in general, and time with my hubby. It was hard for me to RELAX in that, but I did. And I am thankful I had that time. I wasn't at first, but I am thankful I had that. There are times when I actually wish I had that back! And I knew I'd feel that way and that is why 6 months ago, in my last post, God kept tell me "enjoy this time"...I was, but now i wish I could again. I know He was telling me and I knew that sometime down the road I'd be wishing for that time back...and here I am, wishing for that time back!
But you know...I know where God has me know and I am thankful for what I am doing. I am thankful for what He is showing me and teaching me through where I am at now in life. And I know that will always be the case! I just need to learn that God is always in control, we aren't!
I'm still learning...and God is sure showing me more...
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