Struggling

Struggling with grace
struggling with my oldest daughter's attitude
struggling with a depressed, grumpy husband
struggling with a selfish step-son
struggling.......
It's a cold winter like day and despite it's beauty I'm struggling with finding the joy in things today but I won't give up.  I will keep looking up and asking God to show me the joy and beauty.  I will pray for strength, courage, wisdom and kindness of spirit to keep walking forward and loving the difficult in my life.  I do not choose harden of heart or bitterness.  I choose to walk in His way.  I can not do it by myself.  I give up my struggling and ask for the His presence to surround me with comfort and peace.
Thank you Lord for being there.

Time & perspective

It may sound silly but it makes sense to me.  I'm sitting here in my quite time thinking about different people I know in my life.  The two ladies above are really beautiful inside and out and have a glowing of the Holy Spirit around them.  Nicole (in the first pic) lives in Poland.  Jesse (pic above) lives in Kenya.

I got my phone and looked at the world clock and added both places to my list so I could see what time it is there.  It's morning here but late afternoon there in both places. (They are both here in Flagstaff for awhile before they head back). Knowing the time helped me put into perspective of where we are all at in this world and what we could be doing in that moment.  But it also has helped me feel linked to them to be able to pray more for them and their sweet families. 

I really enjoyed listening to them share how they make being a missionary part of their everyday life and not looking at it like a job.  They were inspiring and motivating.  

Lord I pray that you will place it on my heart to keep these two ladies and their families on my mind often and to help pray for each of them.  Also help me to take each moment and turn it towards you with the people I meet or the situations that are placed in my path.  In your wonderful name, Amen

Pondering the new year

The new year is in full swing with or without me.  The holidays were rough and looking back at what I wrote in my prayer journal I think you could say that I was depressed.  Since then I have gotten out of my depression to only find myself more in a pick up your feet and sigh real deeply keeping going mood now.  

The new year may not seem like it has started any different than the last year but there is a difference.  I know some may say not to look back in the past and just start a new day.  I think there is even a bible verse about something along the lines of not looking back too....but it's the looking back that will offer me strength, courage, and grace to go into the new year.  It's looking back at the joys and blessings of moments of happiness with my family.  Those moments will bring a smile to my face when I might find it hard to smile.  It's those reflections that will bring joy to my day and a little laughter when I need a pick me up. It's looking back on the hard, frustrating, tearful moments and thanking the Lord for them.  It's through them that my life has been changed and it's what helps me grow closer to the Lord.  

Thank you for last year.  Thank you for getting me through the holidays.  Thank you for taking my hand now and walking along with me into the new year.  I'm not alone.  I will have a year with you Lord in all that it will bring.  Thank you Lord.  I'm ready with you.....

Trust in God Alone

Psalm 62:1-2
As for me, my heart waits on God.
I know that my salvation comes from Him.
I may change my views about many things;
but as for my need for God and His Love,
that is one conviction
which shall never change.

Yesterday it was nice to see and visit with an old friend and her family.  She has a way of looking into things with a fresh insight.  She has been one of my faithful blog readers.  I was surprised for some reason that she told me how much she likes it.  I guess that is because when you feel down on life you don't see anything that could bring joy or encouragement to others.  I've always written to help me work through tings.  But the lessons and insight I have gained comes all from God.

The strength and courage that two other friends commented to me about seeing in me yesterday....also comes from God.

It's because of God that I can endure and wait for my hearts desire and keep my hope alive in Him.