I am grateful for my challenges reminding me of, and affirming, my faith time after time. I obviously was a slow learner with some important lessons, but have studied hard! lol When the student is ready the teacher will come...there are so many examples I could share showing the blessings in these lessons. The most recent one was me agreeing to work on my writing, something I have felt led to do for a few years, all the while arguing why I shouldn't...never did I entertain the idea prior to this...yet here I am. I have had book ideas I tried to give friends who are published authors...all said I would have to write them, they were "my books." I thought they were nuts...this was THEIR job...I loved my jobs and this wasn't one of them! However, I have been humbled, and deeply blessed by making wonderful friendships from researching & posting heartfelt prayers, encouraging words, or sharing tidbits of my thoughts like this.
At one point, within a few days, I had 3 different messages saying I should write...one was even from a fortune cookie of all things... all after years of boohooing to God asking Him what He wants me to do, even joking at times with Him about a neon sign being a nice method of answering me. Always trusting He would lead the way, one goal I knew would be the best for me! Am I saying get a fortune cookie?...no, unless hungry, some are really good! I am saying I hindered my way, often I might add, by refuting some pretty loud, and one tasty, messages I received. I allowed others opinions to taint mine as well. You may have a moment or two you can relate to...I have many! I think most of us do. It is the key that sets "the few" apart from "the many", so to speak.
When I studied how to's of success, being a better me, parenting help, etc., all say to focus on the positive, your goals, surround yourself with like minded people, basically fill your life and mind with that which you want in it. Well, there goes some of our acquaintances...ha ha, but most importantly, and a lobotomy isn't an option, our thoughts can be bad enough on their own. We forget how beautifully and wonderfully made we are, and the challenges lie in remembering that, then living the life we were created for. Success lies in getting that, letting go of the negatives implanted in our lives and programming truths...all the blessings. After a time, which varies for each of us, we can see beauty in all situations and people, most importantly for some of us, in ourselves! Then...watch out world, here we come! I can do all things through Him who strengthens me...Christ is my greatest help, strength, in whom I put my hope and trust. Let His love fill your life, and may you always know He is by your side!
Abundant blessings to you,
Janine
thank you for your words..
ReplyDelete