Have you ever made a timeline? When I first started work I was asked to predict where I wanted to be in 10 years and to draw my timeline. How I wish I had known what would be in store for me!!
Years have passed and now as a christian, I decided it would be good to do this again, and look in retrospect at my life and each event, good and bad, asking the question, “Where was God’s hand in this?” I was able to gain many beautiful insights of God’s guidance in my walk of faith.
When I thought about my life, the first really difficult time in my life that came to my mind was when my first husband left me. It was very much a low point for me. However, I realized that if I had not gone through that struggle, I might not have become a Christian. God in His awesome way allowed hardships in my life, so I could become who I am today. I’m glad God gave me clarity concerning that particular struggle. I look forward to the day that God gives me complete clarity about my life. I know I will be glad that I trusted Him and stayed obedient to His will.
What about you? Do you want clarity about some of the events that happened in your life? Part of knowing God more intimately is knowing who you are in Christ. The world needs to see who you are as a believer.I challenge you to make a timeline of your life. You can bring it before the Lord and ask Him to show you His hand in all the hard times and good times. God loves you, and He will match your heartache with His grace. Trust Him with your life
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Attitude
I read this today and i think it makes a lot of sense.
'Early one morning, I stared into my wardrobe and wondered what I should wear? I was about to pull one of my nice shirts off of the hanger, but I thought better of it. I didn't want to waste a nice shirt on a day that was a "just-get-it-over-with" kind of day.
"Today is not special," I thought. "I should just wear jeans and a t-shirt."
I put on the jeans and t-shirt and inspected myself in the mirror. As I stared at my reflection, God nicely connected my outward attire to my attitude. I had a negative attitude towards this day. I wanted to hurry up and get it out of the way. I had already made up my mind that this day would be unimportant and absolutely no fun.I harbored that attitude a lot.
Although there is nothing wrong with wearing jeans and a t-shirt, God revealed an expectation and attitude I had about my days that needed to be readjusted. Every morning, I roll up my sleeves and plow through my day like a tractor on autopilot. I trudge along and miss most of the enjoyment because my expectations are low and my attitude is wrong.
Have you ever done that? Have you ever thought to yourself, "If only I could get through this day, life would be better"?
God is teaching me that I need to change my attitude and expect great things every day. God is the master weaver of our days, and He does not waste a single one. None of our days drop under His radar; He has a divine appointment for us each and every day!
I'm not saying that every day is going to be filled with rainbows and lollipops, but each day does serve a purpose. I think if we put our trust in God, we can find joy even in the hard times. God doesn't waste a single heartache, conflict or tragedy. He cares about us and our days, and He wants us to be blessed.
If you are a Christian, you have the ultimate portal to joy -- Jesus Christ! People are looking at us, and they are wondering why we are here on this earth. They want to see if Jesus makes a difference in our lives. They need to see our joy, especially during the mundane and hard times. If we start tapping into the joy that is within us, we would have joy every day, even when the circumstances are bleak! God wants us to rejoice every day: “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118.24 NIV). Once we get good at opening that joy, we can start sharing it with those around us. We can pass out God's joy like it's going out of style, and people will praise God because of it! I am learning to put on a new attitude every morning, even if I still put on my jeans and t-shirt!
What about you? How can you give your attitude a new wardrobe?'
Alisa Hope Wagner.
I didn't think I could change the way my day went , but Alisa has taught me that I CAN - that embracing the day rather than dreading it, no matter what heartache you may be going through, is what God wants us to do. It isn't always easy to do , but its worth a try!!
'Early one morning, I stared into my wardrobe and wondered what I should wear? I was about to pull one of my nice shirts off of the hanger, but I thought better of it. I didn't want to waste a nice shirt on a day that was a "just-get-it-over-with" kind of day.
"Today is not special," I thought. "I should just wear jeans and a t-shirt."
I put on the jeans and t-shirt and inspected myself in the mirror. As I stared at my reflection, God nicely connected my outward attire to my attitude. I had a negative attitude towards this day. I wanted to hurry up and get it out of the way. I had already made up my mind that this day would be unimportant and absolutely no fun.I harbored that attitude a lot.
Although there is nothing wrong with wearing jeans and a t-shirt, God revealed an expectation and attitude I had about my days that needed to be readjusted. Every morning, I roll up my sleeves and plow through my day like a tractor on autopilot. I trudge along and miss most of the enjoyment because my expectations are low and my attitude is wrong.
Have you ever done that? Have you ever thought to yourself, "If only I could get through this day, life would be better"?
God is teaching me that I need to change my attitude and expect great things every day. God is the master weaver of our days, and He does not waste a single one. None of our days drop under His radar; He has a divine appointment for us each and every day!
I'm not saying that every day is going to be filled with rainbows and lollipops, but each day does serve a purpose. I think if we put our trust in God, we can find joy even in the hard times. God doesn't waste a single heartache, conflict or tragedy. He cares about us and our days, and He wants us to be blessed.
If you are a Christian, you have the ultimate portal to joy -- Jesus Christ! People are looking at us, and they are wondering why we are here on this earth. They want to see if Jesus makes a difference in our lives. They need to see our joy, especially during the mundane and hard times. If we start tapping into the joy that is within us, we would have joy every day, even when the circumstances are bleak! God wants us to rejoice every day: “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118.24 NIV). Once we get good at opening that joy, we can start sharing it with those around us. We can pass out God's joy like it's going out of style, and people will praise God because of it! I am learning to put on a new attitude every morning, even if I still put on my jeans and t-shirt!
What about you? How can you give your attitude a new wardrobe?'
Alisa Hope Wagner.
I didn't think I could change the way my day went , but Alisa has taught me that I CAN - that embracing the day rather than dreading it, no matter what heartache you may be going through, is what God wants us to do. It isn't always easy to do , but its worth a try!!
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Being aware
How many people sail through life unaware of the feelings of others?
Oblivious to the turmoil some are hiding beneath their layers of personna?
Some people are very private and do not want to share their pain or personal struggle with others.
Some have to share it in order to cope with their lot.
I pretend I am someone else every day at work.
I push friends away when they probe too much, telling them I am fine.
I have difficulty in opening my heart to share my story for fear the tears will never stop.
Or for fear that I will become too vulnerable to the friend I have shared with.
We are all dealing with our pain in different ways.
Its easier to share with a stranger I think.
They do not judge or offer advice or tell you how to lead your life or criticize.
If they don't know you they are simply walking with you in your journey .
Oblivious to the turmoil some are hiding beneath their layers of personna?
Some people are very private and do not want to share their pain or personal struggle with others.
Some have to share it in order to cope with their lot.
I pretend I am someone else every day at work.
I push friends away when they probe too much, telling them I am fine.
I have difficulty in opening my heart to share my story for fear the tears will never stop.
Or for fear that I will become too vulnerable to the friend I have shared with.
We are all dealing with our pain in different ways.
Its easier to share with a stranger I think.
They do not judge or offer advice or tell you how to lead your life or criticize.
If they don't know you they are simply walking with you in your journey .
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Getting by
In life we are all 'getting by'.
I have set myself personal challenges and goals essential to survival and as a protection from getting hurt any more than I am.
This is in order to not only help me reach the end of every day but cope with life every day.
I have tried to focus on something bigger than me and my sadness today.
And for a whole hour it worked.
Although now I am back to feeling wobbly again.
And sad and grieving.
so i am going to try and stay busy to 'get by'.
I have set myself personal challenges and goals essential to survival and as a protection from getting hurt any more than I am.
This is in order to not only help me reach the end of every day but cope with life every day.
I have tried to focus on something bigger than me and my sadness today.
And for a whole hour it worked.
Although now I am back to feeling wobbly again.
And sad and grieving.
so i am going to try and stay busy to 'get by'.
Friday, 10 September 2010
God
Is God church or is church God?
Is faith for sharing or a crutch to lean on?
Is God only there in the pain or there in the smiles too?
How do we know God is bothered when we are suffering?
If I don't feel loved does that mean even God has given up on me too??
If I have been made by God for His purpose why oh why do I not know what His purpose for me is?
If God 'knew' me before I was even born why did I not find God until recently?
Why is it I can only ask these important questions to a computer and not to the person who may help me with these answers?
And where is God tonight when I need Him?
Is faith for sharing or a crutch to lean on?
Is God only there in the pain or there in the smiles too?
How do we know God is bothered when we are suffering?
If I don't feel loved does that mean even God has given up on me too??
If I have been made by God for His purpose why oh why do I not know what His purpose for me is?
If God 'knew' me before I was even born why did I not find God until recently?
Why is it I can only ask these important questions to a computer and not to the person who may help me with these answers?
And where is God tonight when I need Him?
Monday, 6 September 2010
In a pickle
What does that phrase mean exactly??
I was in one anyway - and I got upset. Big time.
I have managed in the last few days , to alienate all of my close friends by either pushing them away or having a row with them. I long for their support but instead find pity.
I long for a listening ear but instead find advice and criticism.
I don't need a lecture, but I get one anyway.
All I want is someone to walk along side me in my pain and offer me love.
I don't feel loved at all.
I was in one anyway - and I got upset. Big time.
I have managed in the last few days , to alienate all of my close friends by either pushing them away or having a row with them. I long for their support but instead find pity.
I long for a listening ear but instead find advice and criticism.
I don't need a lecture, but I get one anyway.
All I want is someone to walk along side me in my pain and offer me love.
I don't feel loved at all.
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