I've always been what you would call a "planner." I have been told that I display a few OCD tendencies when trying to get things accomplished. For example, I believe that everything should be completed a specific way and by a certain time. Well...you want to make God laugh?? Simply tell Him YOUR plans! This is the understatement of a lesson that I learned the past few days. I've just been going along with MY plans...had a great Summer, about to begin another semester of school, working my regular job, caught up in the fairytale of a relationship...pretty smooth sailing, right??
Boom...CURVEBALL...and my plans take a 180 turn pretty quickly. Life can sometimes be messy. It can be full of pain and disappointments along the way. Things don't always turn out right or exactly how we plan, and it can hurt...a lot.
So what do we do when life throws us a curveball? Do we sit and cry over what could have/should have been? Do we get angry? I am a firm believer that God does not close one door, unless He is patiently waiting to open an even BETTER door for us! So instead of moping around, take a step away from your disappointments (whatever they may be) and take a step closer to the good that God is working in your life. I don't know about you, but I would rather rejoice in what IS and WILL BE than wallow in what isn't. Think about that for a moment.
In the middle of my little whirlwind, I am desperately clinging to this verse: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."-Romans 8:28
One of my favorite songs right now is Steady My Heart by Kari Jobe. The lyrics are so powerful! Meditate on these words:
"But You're here, You're real. I know I can trust You. Even when it hurts, even when it's hard, even when it all just falls apart...I will run to You, 'cause I know that You are Lover of my soul, Healer of my scars. You steady my heart! I'm not gonna worry. I know that You've got me right inside the palm of Your hands."
Pretty awesome, right??
Disappointments only sting as long as we let them. Take all of your pain, your hurt, and your sorrows and pray this prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercies and patience in this journey of imperfect progress. Forgive me for allowing disappointments to capture my heart so easily. Adjust my perspective and help me to see the things You have brought to life in me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Now run to God with everything you have, and let Him steady your heart!
Stay tuned...
B
Monday, August 13, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Stress Point
I can't believe it's been over 2 months since my last post. I guess that makes me the worst blogger ever! In my own defense, it has been a crazy busy summer. I finally settled into my new house and got it feeling like "home." I went on a few exciting weekend get-a-ways, including a wonderful trip to Dallas with the girls for AdvoCare's summer conference.
I even added a new addition to the family--a precious YorkiePoo named Molly!
Summer 2012 was a great one, no doubt. But it was also a very stressful one! Working 40 hours a week while pursuing a Master's degree is anything but easy. I was always tired, and stress constantly swirled in my mind. It's as if my mind was bullied by thoughts of doubt, and the devil constantly whispering in my ear that I just couldn't do it all.
Needless to say, I finished the summer with a 4.0 and learned one valuable lesson. Stress can be handled in many different ways. You can eat a quart of Ben & Jerry's. You can go on a shopping spree and swipe your credit card all day long. But what I learned over the past couple months is that Jesus can bring a true sense of calm confidence when I bring HIM my stress! We can approach Him 24/7 with absolutely anything and everything. God doesn't put a sign on His door that says, "Closed. Come back later."
Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
I have fully decided and committed to not let stress rule my life, and I encourage you to take this challenge with me. Whether it is stress caused from relationships, money, school, career, etc., we should focus on Him alone and not allow the twists and turns of life deter you from finding true peace in Christ.
God does not promise that life will be easy, but He does promise to never leave you nor forsake you. I pray that you will approach God's throne with whatever your stresses may be. I assure you that you will find peace and confidence, and He will surely bring you through it!
Stay tuned...
B
I even added a new addition to the family--a precious YorkiePoo named Molly!
Summer 2012 was a great one, no doubt. But it was also a very stressful one! Working 40 hours a week while pursuing a Master's degree is anything but easy. I was always tired, and stress constantly swirled in my mind. It's as if my mind was bullied by thoughts of doubt, and the devil constantly whispering in my ear that I just couldn't do it all.
Needless to say, I finished the summer with a 4.0 and learned one valuable lesson. Stress can be handled in many different ways. You can eat a quart of Ben & Jerry's. You can go on a shopping spree and swipe your credit card all day long. But what I learned over the past couple months is that Jesus can bring a true sense of calm confidence when I bring HIM my stress! We can approach Him 24/7 with absolutely anything and everything. God doesn't put a sign on His door that says, "Closed. Come back later."
Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
I have fully decided and committed to not let stress rule my life, and I encourage you to take this challenge with me. Whether it is stress caused from relationships, money, school, career, etc., we should focus on Him alone and not allow the twists and turns of life deter you from finding true peace in Christ.
God does not promise that life will be easy, but He does promise to never leave you nor forsake you. I pray that you will approach God's throne with whatever your stresses may be. I assure you that you will find peace and confidence, and He will surely bring you through it!
Stay tuned...
B
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)