Believe...

Why?  Because there is.  Sometimes I have a hard time believing it because for what ever reason the spot I am standing in keeps me from seeing the Good but it is still there.  Sometimes I am blocking it and sometimes I am blind to it. 

The last couple of weeks have been a real test for me.  I have fought fear and had to choose faith in an upcoming situation that could greatly impact my future.  But, by choosing faith, I am still able to see the Good.  If I  let fear take over, I will only see negative and ugliness.  So not only do I Believe There is Good in the World I want to BE THE GOOD in the world.  That is why I love this meme so much. 

No matter what the future brings I am blessed.  I will continue to look to God and know that He is guiding my life.  There is  wonderful comfort in that that; a sense of calm.  I suppose that is the "peace that surpasses all understanding." I hope you are finding Good in your day today.  This afternoon I  attended a funeral and still I sat there and could see all around me the Good.  This special person brought good to all who came into contact with them...and it was never more evident than today sitting in that Chapel.  People like that inspire me to want to be a better version of me.  I want to invest in my good parts and work out my bad parts.  I want to BE THE GOOD!  Won't you join me?

Faith not Fear

The Miracle at the End...

The last couple of weeks have been really good weeks.  Work has been busy (but that good busy.) Last weekend was a fun time spent with my sons in Charleston.  This week I was fortunate to start in a new Women's Bible Study in my church and be asked to serve on a committee, which made me feel good because I have been struggling to figure out where I fit. 

On Tuesday Night I went to the movies to see an encore showing of the docu-drama The Insanity of God. It was amazing.  It was intense. It was deep.  I came away just reveling at just how little we sacrifice for Christ.  It is mind boggling.  I am compelled to seek how He wants to me to serve and try not to be frightened of what He directs! If you get a chance go see it...you will be changed.

Today started on a good note as well and I was looking forward to a great weekend with my youngest son, my daughter and son-in-law and then, well....life crashed the party.  I got news that rocked my world and made me fearful in a way I haven't been in a long time (no worries, we are all fine.)  I have spent the better part of the afternoon trying to digest it and make it fit into my life in a way that will work.  Right now, I am just not finding the key.  Finally, though, I am feeling God's peace and that it will work out.  He is there and no matter what that is most important.  So, tomorrow I will still start a wonderful weekend with my kiddos and make memories that are worth more than anything.  God will guide me.  He will be there.  I know because I have faith and I will praise Him in this storm.

15....

Today is a special day, not just because of Labor Day, but because it is my DS2's 15th birthday!  I should probably say Birthday Weekend, because we have been celebrating all weekend long!  Even the birthday boy was a little worn out today....so much so he hasn't wanted to cut into his Birthday "Pie" (yes, he wanted pie rather than cake!)

 

 

Most of the time I look at this young man and I am amazed at his maturity and his heart.  Just today, when we were in a store, he approached a World War II Veteran (all on his own,) and shook his hand and thanked him for his service.  DS2 then stood there and gave just a small gift of his time and listened to how that honorable man was only 1 of 2 from his unit to return.  For that small gift of his time, my son came away with something so very valuable... and he recognized it for the jewel it was...which is why I feel so proud of him in so many ways.

DS2 is a very funny kid as well and loves life and people more than I fully understand.  He has a soft heart and strong sense of right and wrong.  He loves politics and all kinds of things most kids his age don't even bat an eye at.  I think he is most at home in our church and I hope that God continues to lead him and watch over him.

The hardest part about these kinds of birthdays is they mark milestones and he plans to get his driving permit (learners) this week.  Where, oh where, has the time gone? Although I have had the honor of teaching him to drive and we are still working on it, I can't believe the time is here. 

My baby boy...he is the last in the nest and I am so blessed by him.  Thank you, God.

 

1 Samuel 1:27-28 ESV    

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

My Jesus.

My walk with my faith has not been a smooth one (are they ever?) but I don't have a deep story to tell you of how He saved me from drug or alcohol addiction.  I don't even have an deep and moving tale of how I was reared in an abusive home and was rescued by His grace.  I just have a plain story.  But, I have come to realize that although my story isn't filled with bells, whistles and colorful lights it is important...at least to me.  I believe it is important to Him as well. 

Growing up I  had  a wonderful Aunt & Uncle who would often take me to church.  I do credit them with leading me to the cross.  I don't think, without their allowing me to tag along, I would have ever come to know a personal relationship with Christ.  Then when I was 16, I met a boy who went to church without his parents and that was truly the beginning of my walk.  As we dated through the years. church was always a part and even when I wasn't walking the walk...I still had that sweet voice in the back of my mind reminding me of what was right and wrong.  Albeit I made many wrong choices...He was always there to remind me and try to keep me on the right path.  I say try because I often wandered.  I wanted my way, my timing, my fun. 

I have failed many times through the years, and continue to fail...but He continues to be there...pulling me up and not letting me go. The past few years have been the hardest and I feel the world telling me it would be easier just to play there.  I have tried to run, to stop this insanity called Christianity, to live in this world, be of this world. I have even turned away and said I don't want to play on this team anymore.  It seems to work for a little while and then I look around and go, "what am I doing this for?" I am afraid a lot.  It makes me question every moment, every decision. It leads me to being paralyzed sometimes and then I have no choice but to say there has to be something more....it is my Jesus. 

So, here I am...again...trying to get it right; continually filled with the gratefulness that He is forgiving and I am trying to hear the voice I have tried so desperately to forget.  Prayers don't come as easy as they once did, but I am re-learning much like a toddler learning to walk. I am once again a baby Christian.  My Jesus, please don't give up on me now.