Everyday Storms... a Little Wind, a Little Rain

The past two weekends our church has hosted an exceptional preacher. Truly one of God's greatest vessels, I'm sure. During our weekends at church I've been reminded of two things: I'm blessed beyond belief, and God is preparing me at all times and in all situations.

There have been so many times in my life that I get into a moment of half intense appreciation/half complete terror (apprehension) that I've lived this long and seemed to avoid major 'storms' in life: including loss of a loved one, major life change, job loss, lack of control with finances, depression, addiction, abuse, etc. I feel blessed that God has helped me 'avoid' any terrible, faith-testing trials. For that I thank God! But on the other hand, sometimes I think that I've been so blessed up to this point that pretty soon something earth shattering is going to happen: I have no idea how I'll get through it. (Very glass half-full outlook, I know)
I worry, though. What if my faith is not sufficient enough to get me through a life 'storm'? What if I lose my faith in this storm? What if I can't get out of it and things take a domino effect in my life...

Well, I was kindly reassured this weekend that He is already preparing me for any storm that may occur throughout my time on earth. And the cool thing is, He is already there! He knows! He is building me up now, so I can be sure that my faith will outlast my troubles.

I know that I have been blessed greatly. I look at my family and my heart smiles. I think of my friends, both old and new, and my head is filled with happy memories. I ponder on my future and my soul dances. I have so much to be thankful for.

No more worrying about potential storms.
I want to live in the wonderful present that is my life.
I want to keep having The Time of My Life... before my life is running out of time.

Psalm 39:4
"LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is.

Surrounding Myself with Greatness

We. are. waiting. for spring!! We get a short teaser for spring every now and then; the next day it snows again. Yikes! Anyways, I'm overly anxious for spring (like many people are) but am still finding the blessings He's bestowing upon me during this time of anticipation and wait. For example, this past weekend I as able to connect with so many people for short lunch/coffee/dinner dates and it was such a rewarding time for me.

I was fortunate enough to have been able to eat supper with my family on Friday for my mom's birthday. What a blessing to be with them. Saturday morning I was able to connect with a great aunt of mine (my past grandma's sister) for a bunch date. She is a beautiful woman of God and it was so enjoyable to sit and visit with her for a few of my Saturday hours. That evening I spent time with a good friend watching basketball and chatting about life's happenings. Sunday included church, coffee date with a few high school friends and a lovely supper with some grandparents. I didn't accomplish much in terms of my 'to-do' list items; however, I ended the weekend with a great sense of peace and contentment. It fills my heart to connect, reconnect and be in relationship with so many wonderful people.

Long story, short... the weather wasn't great. I want spring. BUT I'm thankful for the relationships I have and I am so thankful to be given the time to maintain and invest in the people that surround me.

-Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.-  --Hebrews 10:25

My Mother: My Friend

 

I am thankful for my mother. I am thankful that she is MY mother. I am thankful that she is my friend. I am blessed to know her and strive to be like her more and more each day. I've heard people say that I look just like my mom... many people... in fact almost all people say this to me. I take it as a compliment. She is a beautiful woman.




But what I don't tell people is that although I would be lucky to continue 'looking' like my mom as I continue growing, what I really want is to BE like my mom. I'm not sure how many people can say that they want to be like their moms, but I truly do. My mom is one of the most giving, caring, loving and compassionate women I might ever meet. She will stop what she is doing in the middle of a busy store to help the little old lady that needs an extra hand...she will send an old friend a message to remind her that she is being thought of when times are tough or difficult memories are reoccurring. She prays fiercely....for so many people and so many things.

We find the simple joy and beauty in so many similar things. A sunny day, a beautiful rainbow, a changing leaf, a blooming tree... a smile, a hug, a day filled with nothing (and everything).

Mom, you are my hero. I love you very much and can not imagine my life without you in it. I am so thankful to God for giving you to me as a mother and friend. Today, on your birthday, I celebrate YOU, wonderful, beautiful YOU!

1 Timothy 1:5

 "But the goal of our instruction 

is love from a pure heart and a good 

conscience and a sincere faith."