Isaiah 55:8 (New International Version)
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
On my way home the other day from work, there was work being done in the middle of the road, so traffic had to detour. The same thing happened the following day when I was heading home. When I returned to work I wondered at how many time I've detoured from God's plan and ways. That immediately made me think of Isaiah 55:8 "for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways."
Even though there have been many times that my unending need to control a situation made me take a detour from God's way and plan, I always learned something valuable. The most important thing learned was that I need to always rely on God to navigate my days and my life. Yes, I realize that each time I detour God is sitting in heaven shaking His head and thinking "she should know better by now, Angela, what is it going to take for you to follow M?' I'm not perfect and I sin, so I still find myself taking detours. Fortunately God knows me and knows my tendencies toward a willful personality. God realizes that I like to learn things the hard way, and I am blessed in that God is always there to point out that I made a bad decision, help me turn around and forgive me for being so strongwilled and doing things in my own strength and not His strenght and guidance.
What an awesome God we serve! The next time you have to take a detour, stop and ponder the fact that God's way are different than our ways and we need God to give us direction in our lives so that we don't end up lost.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Who Am I?
Psalm 139:14 (New International Version)
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Matthew 10:30 (New International Version)
30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Clearly, God knows me and knows me well! How can He know me so well and I don't even know myself? Who am I? Am I a wife, mother, friend, prayer partner, employee? Is this how I am seen to people, or maybe it could be character and personality traits that defines me? Aggressive, loyal, kind, perfectionist, timid in a large crowd, hard worker? Well, to be totally honest, I'm God's creation. If God didn't think I should be here, I wouldn't be. God certainly knew me in my mother's womb and even knows the number of hairs on my head (even knows when I'm losing many strands each washing).
It is hard to know who I am. I've done so much changing over the years that I have actually lost myself. Plus I try to fit a "mold" that isn't Godly, but secular. I want to be skinny, tall, beautiful, happy, rich (actually just comfortable), I want what so and so has and to look like so and so, have my faith be like so and so's, I want to look like so and so, I want to live in a house like so and so's. The list can go on and it is very depressing if I dwell on it too much.
Growing up I never felt "good enough". I was a difficult child in that I was strong willed and just didn't fit the "idea" of other girls. I never truly felt happy and loved, even though my parents did love me. It was "something" missing. I talked back to my mother, rebelled in the worst of ways (no, mom and dad, I never did drugs or drink). It seemed that I always needed a male in my life. I guess I thought that defined me. With that being said, I was always with a "boyfriend" and didn't like it when I didn't have one. Although I wasn't into drugs and drinking, I was sexual by 15 (sorry mom, but you knew this deep down). I thought that connection would make me feel complete and loved. Trust me, it didn't feel that void I had and I had many heartaches.
I even married at young age. Still in high school. Yes, I did love this young man and he was wha was considered a "bad boy". I fell hard for him and loved him. Loving someone as your first true love is wonderful and difficult at the same time. Especially if your parent's don't like him. to this day I still have a part of my heart that remembers that time in my life. It ultimately helped define part of my character. Unfortunately, that marriage didn't last a year and it became abusive. Verbally and physically. Do I blame him? No, not entirely. Remember earlier I said I was a rebellious child, well being strong-willed goes right along with that. We just rubbed each other in a bad way. No, I don't think any woman (or man) should be exposed to physical or verbal abuse, but it happens. We can allow it to destroy us or define us. I chose to allow it to define me. That was a very dark time in my life where I even contemplated suicide. The problem with that was I was "scared" to go through with anything. Ultimately, it was God the entire time and I didn't even realize this. It was a dark time, but at the same time, God wasn't ready for a strong willed and rebellious young woman in heaven! He had enough trouble with me on earth and didn't need anyone disrupting heaven! I eventually called my dad and mom to come get me and filed for divorce. Talk about experiencing life! Was it part of my life worth it? Yes, it was. Do I regret being involved with this young man, no, I don't. What I regret is what eventually happened to us. The violence (not as bad as many women experience) is what I regretted. Now I will say that I did hit back many times, but still, that is no life to live. Yes, this helped define who I am and has given me a different outlook on life.
Now, I am married (been married for 20 years) and I have a 17 (almost 18) year old son. Does my marriage define me? Yes, it does. I'm the wife of David. What does that mean? I have no clue! I've changed dramatically since we first got married and with that being said, it has caused a chasim between us. My morals and values are the same, but I'm not. I've had to step up and become head of the household. Don't get me wrong or misunderstand, David has many wonderful qualities. Being a take charge person and willing to make decisions isn't one of them. He is faithful, caring and does work! The thing is that I'm not sure who I am anymore. I'm not the young bride of 20 years ago. I'm a woman that will be 43 this year and still have so many doubts of who I am. David is a wonderful man and I do love him, but he also is someone that can't accept things as is. With that being said, yes I think we should strive for more and always do our best, but at the same time, I'm happy with simple things. Example would be that when it comes to gift giving, David gives gifts he likes and not gifts I would like. I recently asked him to get me a Carolina tag for my car. He called me Friday and asked me what kind. I decided on a pink tag that was simple. It had Carolina Girl written on it and that was all. Well, that apparently wasn't good enough for him because he purchased a Ram sticker to attach to it. This man doesn't pull for Carolina, he pulls for State, but yet he couldn't accept what I wanted. He had to add his own to it. That is fine, but not what I wanted. This being said, this has affected how I see myself. I don't ever feel good enough, because simple isnt' good enough for David. I have enough issues as it is without not feeling "good enough" or "beautiful enough". Does this define who I am. Yes, it does. It makes me realize I'm okay with simple. Nothing complicated, just easy and nice. Do I need diamonds and a huge house, no! I love just a simple wedding band and small home. Fancy car? No! I drove a Ford Wagon forever and then finally got a Honda, which I love, but it is just a simple car. I don't like being the center of attention like David does. He always directs conversations back to him and he will ask a million questions. Me, I don't want to be center of attention and I will ask just basic questions. Just enough to find out what I need to know or would like to know. Yes, simply living and simple things is good enough for me.
Work! Yes this has defined me. I give 100% and always try to make things easier for those around me. Yes, I can be anal and I like things done right. Now, I make mistakes. I learn from them and actually admit to them. That is rare now! God has been gracious enough to place me in work situations where I am constantly learning and evolving as a person. Will I always be anal? Yes, that is etched in my mold!
Who am I? After all of this, I dont' know. I'm ever changing, but I can tell you that when my walk with God is like it should be, I don't doubt who I am as often as when I'm straying from my path with God. Am I woman, hear me roar? Somedays. I'm a woman that loves family and friends. Stress and pressure are an everyday things, so I do my best to go with it instead of against it. I'm loyal. If you bother or hurt one of mine, then most likely you will hear from me. If you mess with me, then I'm not as fierce. I love being a mom. It hasn't been easy for reasons that has defined me, but I won't list them here. That in itself could be a book! I love work! Yes, I love work. Being able to use my mind and skills is a great thing. I love my job and those I work for and with. I love being a woman. I'm a girly girl and love makeup and clothes. Now if my clothes were a much smaller size, I'd be even more happy! As for who I am, all I can say is that I'm a daughter of the King. My Father is Lord, Jesus, Emanuel and lover of my soul. Being a creation of God is wonderfully complex, so I guess I'm not as screwed up as I originally thought. God made me with a brain, passion and desire. I'm a work in progress, that is what I am and that defines me as I change and grow into a woman after God's heart and plans for me.
Thank you God for changing me, allowing trials and tribulations in my life. That has added to my character and my personality. I'm a complex woman, but one that desires to be more like You and with Your loving ways and guidance, I'll always be ever changing.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Matthew 10:30 (New International Version)
30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Clearly, God knows me and knows me well! How can He know me so well and I don't even know myself? Who am I? Am I a wife, mother, friend, prayer partner, employee? Is this how I am seen to people, or maybe it could be character and personality traits that defines me? Aggressive, loyal, kind, perfectionist, timid in a large crowd, hard worker? Well, to be totally honest, I'm God's creation. If God didn't think I should be here, I wouldn't be. God certainly knew me in my mother's womb and even knows the number of hairs on my head (even knows when I'm losing many strands each washing).
It is hard to know who I am. I've done so much changing over the years that I have actually lost myself. Plus I try to fit a "mold" that isn't Godly, but secular. I want to be skinny, tall, beautiful, happy, rich (actually just comfortable), I want what so and so has and to look like so and so, have my faith be like so and so's, I want to look like so and so, I want to live in a house like so and so's. The list can go on and it is very depressing if I dwell on it too much.
Growing up I never felt "good enough". I was a difficult child in that I was strong willed and just didn't fit the "idea" of other girls. I never truly felt happy and loved, even though my parents did love me. It was "something" missing. I talked back to my mother, rebelled in the worst of ways (no, mom and dad, I never did drugs or drink). It seemed that I always needed a male in my life. I guess I thought that defined me. With that being said, I was always with a "boyfriend" and didn't like it when I didn't have one. Although I wasn't into drugs and drinking, I was sexual by 15 (sorry mom, but you knew this deep down). I thought that connection would make me feel complete and loved. Trust me, it didn't feel that void I had and I had many heartaches.
I even married at young age. Still in high school. Yes, I did love this young man and he was wha was considered a "bad boy". I fell hard for him and loved him. Loving someone as your first true love is wonderful and difficult at the same time. Especially if your parent's don't like him. to this day I still have a part of my heart that remembers that time in my life. It ultimately helped define part of my character. Unfortunately, that marriage didn't last a year and it became abusive. Verbally and physically. Do I blame him? No, not entirely. Remember earlier I said I was a rebellious child, well being strong-willed goes right along with that. We just rubbed each other in a bad way. No, I don't think any woman (or man) should be exposed to physical or verbal abuse, but it happens. We can allow it to destroy us or define us. I chose to allow it to define me. That was a very dark time in my life where I even contemplated suicide. The problem with that was I was "scared" to go through with anything. Ultimately, it was God the entire time and I didn't even realize this. It was a dark time, but at the same time, God wasn't ready for a strong willed and rebellious young woman in heaven! He had enough trouble with me on earth and didn't need anyone disrupting heaven! I eventually called my dad and mom to come get me and filed for divorce. Talk about experiencing life! Was it part of my life worth it? Yes, it was. Do I regret being involved with this young man, no, I don't. What I regret is what eventually happened to us. The violence (not as bad as many women experience) is what I regretted. Now I will say that I did hit back many times, but still, that is no life to live. Yes, this helped define who I am and has given me a different outlook on life.
Now, I am married (been married for 20 years) and I have a 17 (almost 18) year old son. Does my marriage define me? Yes, it does. I'm the wife of David. What does that mean? I have no clue! I've changed dramatically since we first got married and with that being said, it has caused a chasim between us. My morals and values are the same, but I'm not. I've had to step up and become head of the household. Don't get me wrong or misunderstand, David has many wonderful qualities. Being a take charge person and willing to make decisions isn't one of them. He is faithful, caring and does work! The thing is that I'm not sure who I am anymore. I'm not the young bride of 20 years ago. I'm a woman that will be 43 this year and still have so many doubts of who I am. David is a wonderful man and I do love him, but he also is someone that can't accept things as is. With that being said, yes I think we should strive for more and always do our best, but at the same time, I'm happy with simple things. Example would be that when it comes to gift giving, David gives gifts he likes and not gifts I would like. I recently asked him to get me a Carolina tag for my car. He called me Friday and asked me what kind. I decided on a pink tag that was simple. It had Carolina Girl written on it and that was all. Well, that apparently wasn't good enough for him because he purchased a Ram sticker to attach to it. This man doesn't pull for Carolina, he pulls for State, but yet he couldn't accept what I wanted. He had to add his own to it. That is fine, but not what I wanted. This being said, this has affected how I see myself. I don't ever feel good enough, because simple isnt' good enough for David. I have enough issues as it is without not feeling "good enough" or "beautiful enough". Does this define who I am. Yes, it does. It makes me realize I'm okay with simple. Nothing complicated, just easy and nice. Do I need diamonds and a huge house, no! I love just a simple wedding band and small home. Fancy car? No! I drove a Ford Wagon forever and then finally got a Honda, which I love, but it is just a simple car. I don't like being the center of attention like David does. He always directs conversations back to him and he will ask a million questions. Me, I don't want to be center of attention and I will ask just basic questions. Just enough to find out what I need to know or would like to know. Yes, simply living and simple things is good enough for me.
Work! Yes this has defined me. I give 100% and always try to make things easier for those around me. Yes, I can be anal and I like things done right. Now, I make mistakes. I learn from them and actually admit to them. That is rare now! God has been gracious enough to place me in work situations where I am constantly learning and evolving as a person. Will I always be anal? Yes, that is etched in my mold!
Who am I? After all of this, I dont' know. I'm ever changing, but I can tell you that when my walk with God is like it should be, I don't doubt who I am as often as when I'm straying from my path with God. Am I woman, hear me roar? Somedays. I'm a woman that loves family and friends. Stress and pressure are an everyday things, so I do my best to go with it instead of against it. I'm loyal. If you bother or hurt one of mine, then most likely you will hear from me. If you mess with me, then I'm not as fierce. I love being a mom. It hasn't been easy for reasons that has defined me, but I won't list them here. That in itself could be a book! I love work! Yes, I love work. Being able to use my mind and skills is a great thing. I love my job and those I work for and with. I love being a woman. I'm a girly girl and love makeup and clothes. Now if my clothes were a much smaller size, I'd be even more happy! As for who I am, all I can say is that I'm a daughter of the King. My Father is Lord, Jesus, Emanuel and lover of my soul. Being a creation of God is wonderfully complex, so I guess I'm not as screwed up as I originally thought. God made me with a brain, passion and desire. I'm a work in progress, that is what I am and that defines me as I change and grow into a woman after God's heart and plans for me.
Thank you God for changing me, allowing trials and tribulations in my life. That has added to my character and my personality. I'm a complex woman, but one that desires to be more like You and with Your loving ways and guidance, I'll always be ever changing.
Ever Changing
It is so amazing to me to know that I'm an entirely different person today than I was several years ago. I've come such a long way and the journey wasn't always easy, but it is what defines me as a person. I look back on my life and can see God's hand and love always present, even when I refused to believe it. What crazy and stupid things I've done, but yet my God is a forgiving God and for that I'm ever grateful.
Life is like a flower. You grow, you bloom and you lose yourself, and then you start all over again. Thankfully each morning brings opportunities to allow God to work in my life that day and to hopefully say yes and not no to Him. It is so easy to allow the busyness of my life to distract me from God and his soft voice. I'm so trying to get back on track with my prayer time and continuing to read all that so that I will continue to grow as a woman, but especially as a daughter of the King.
We, as women, must remember to take time out of our busy schedule to pray, reflect, read, laugh, cry and just sit in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Jesus even went off to be alone to pray and meditate on his Father. We have permission to do the same. It is refreshing and always brings me back into the focus of God first and the rest falls into place.
This flower is need of a huge dose of spiritual water so that I may bloom and carry out God's will for that brief time.
Thank you God for always being there for me and allowing me to sit at your feet!
Life is like a flower. You grow, you bloom and you lose yourself, and then you start all over again. Thankfully each morning brings opportunities to allow God to work in my life that day and to hopefully say yes and not no to Him. It is so easy to allow the busyness of my life to distract me from God and his soft voice. I'm so trying to get back on track with my prayer time and continuing to read all that so that I will continue to grow as a woman, but especially as a daughter of the King.
We, as women, must remember to take time out of our busy schedule to pray, reflect, read, laugh, cry and just sit in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Jesus even went off to be alone to pray and meditate on his Father. We have permission to do the same. It is refreshing and always brings me back into the focus of God first and the rest falls into place.
This flower is need of a huge dose of spiritual water so that I may bloom and carry out God's will for that brief time.
Thank you God for always being there for me and allowing me to sit at your feet!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Positive Attitude
With the economy the way it has been and so many people losing their jobs and some even their homes, we have settled into a sad and upsetting attitude. There are many of us that don't have savings (I'd fit in at number 1 on that list) and we are barely making it paycheck to paycheck. We are overextended for whatever reasons; family needs, greed, materialistic, the list goes on and on. For people that are retirement age, many are losing their "nest egg". They worked long and hard for money to live on, and some are having to return to work. How sad.
I'm doing my best to remain positive and give positive feedback to as many people as I can. God didn't promise me tomorrow and God didn't promise me earthly riches. God also didn't give me permission to rack up debt and no savings. God does want me to be supportive and positive with those I come in contact with. I know from personal experience that some days just a smile from someone can change my entire attitude at that moment. Kind words can warm the heart of someone that is alone, a smile can give someone the encouragement that they need at that particular moment.
Being positive and being able to laugh at my mistakes really does make me feel better. I have the same overwhelming debt, struggles and despair that many have, but finding the good I have makes it all tolerable.
Smile when you can, give a hug to those that is acceptable to close contact and let the people close to you know that you love and care about them. You may never know how much that type of attitude and caring can change a person's day. After all, how much does a smile cost you?
I'm doing my best to remain positive and give positive feedback to as many people as I can. God didn't promise me tomorrow and God didn't promise me earthly riches. God also didn't give me permission to rack up debt and no savings. God does want me to be supportive and positive with those I come in contact with. I know from personal experience that some days just a smile from someone can change my entire attitude at that moment. Kind words can warm the heart of someone that is alone, a smile can give someone the encouragement that they need at that particular moment.
Being positive and being able to laugh at my mistakes really does make me feel better. I have the same overwhelming debt, struggles and despair that many have, but finding the good I have makes it all tolerable.
Smile when you can, give a hug to those that is acceptable to close contact and let the people close to you know that you love and care about them. You may never know how much that type of attitude and caring can change a person's day. After all, how much does a smile cost you?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Decorate and How Much?
Well, it is time to start thinking about decorating for Christmas. Here at our office, the Christmas decorations are up as of today, thanks to Patricia and Kristy (and Faye for all her help as ususal)! It is so beautiful.
Being a Martha by nature and wishing I was a Mary, I can't decide how much I want to decorate at home. Yes, I want my home to look like the Christmas Season, but I don't want to stress and feel like I "have to" decorate a certain way. My son will be 17 in a week and could care less about a Christmas tree. If I put one up, I have to re-arrange my living room and then find a place to put the furniture that won't fit for the tree. Our home is small, but cozy and wonderful!
I've decided that the main thing is that we enjoy the holiday and the reason for the season. I'm going to decorate my mantel and the staircase going upstairs and put out our loved Willow Tree Nativity Set. Of course our stockings will hang on the fireplace! As of now, I"m not planning on putting up our tree. Santa will be leaving mostly money for Davie and of course he always leaves things in our stockings, which to me is the best!
My sister decorated her home as I've just described and it was beautiful, but simple. Sometimes simple is better and keeps the stress at a minimal. With so many of us working and going here and there, why not keep it simple. As long as you are happy and not stressed, everyone else will be happy as well. Now if you do have little ones in the home, you do need a tree....they won't understand not having a tree for Santa to leave the gifts under. If you do have to put up a tree, keep the rest of your home decorated in a simple fashion.
I think this year we all have more stress than normal due to the economy and trying to make ends meet. Cut back on gift giving and keep your life and home simple this Christmas. You will be glad you did. Focus on God and what you are thankful for and what you have been blessed with. It doesn't matter how your neighbor goes all out, or your family member....they are probably pulling their hair out anyway!
Stop and think how to keep your sanity this holiday season and stick tothe plan you choose. If you choose to go all out, be prepared to a lot of time and energy spent doing just that. Me, I'm gonig to choose more of a Mary approach and focus on my family and the Lord.
Have a wonderful holiday season and remember, you can make it as crazy and stressed as you would like. It is our choice!
Being a Martha by nature and wishing I was a Mary, I can't decide how much I want to decorate at home. Yes, I want my home to look like the Christmas Season, but I don't want to stress and feel like I "have to" decorate a certain way. My son will be 17 in a week and could care less about a Christmas tree. If I put one up, I have to re-arrange my living room and then find a place to put the furniture that won't fit for the tree. Our home is small, but cozy and wonderful!
I've decided that the main thing is that we enjoy the holiday and the reason for the season. I'm going to decorate my mantel and the staircase going upstairs and put out our loved Willow Tree Nativity Set. Of course our stockings will hang on the fireplace! As of now, I"m not planning on putting up our tree. Santa will be leaving mostly money for Davie and of course he always leaves things in our stockings, which to me is the best!
My sister decorated her home as I've just described and it was beautiful, but simple. Sometimes simple is better and keeps the stress at a minimal. With so many of us working and going here and there, why not keep it simple. As long as you are happy and not stressed, everyone else will be happy as well. Now if you do have little ones in the home, you do need a tree....they won't understand not having a tree for Santa to leave the gifts under. If you do have to put up a tree, keep the rest of your home decorated in a simple fashion.
I think this year we all have more stress than normal due to the economy and trying to make ends meet. Cut back on gift giving and keep your life and home simple this Christmas. You will be glad you did. Focus on God and what you are thankful for and what you have been blessed with. It doesn't matter how your neighbor goes all out, or your family member....they are probably pulling their hair out anyway!
Stop and think how to keep your sanity this holiday season and stick tothe plan you choose. If you choose to go all out, be prepared to a lot of time and energy spent doing just that. Me, I'm gonig to choose more of a Mary approach and focus on my family and the Lord.
Have a wonderful holiday season and remember, you can make it as crazy and stressed as you would like. It is our choice!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Forgive/Forget?
Well, here it is Thanksgiving and I should be counting my blessings and thanking God for all He has provided for me. I do have many things to be thankful for and I am blessed beyond measure. Thank you Lord for all that you have provided for me. My needs are always met!
My dilemma is that we are going to my husband's sister's for Thanksgiving. Recently we lost my father in law to cancer. Here is a little background information. My husband and I started dating in 1984 and have been married for 20 years. I've been part of his family since 1985! I've always considered myself close to my in laws. I've done whatever I could, whenever I could. My husband lost his mother several years ago to cancer and we were extremly close. My father in law remarried and his wife is wonderful. The problem started after my father in law passed. When it came time to plan the service, my two sister in laws and husband was at the table. The preacher came in and then my mother in law just completely excused me by saying I could go down and watch television. Now, along with my mother in law came a step sister in law. I've been part of that family much longer than she has, but she was included in the planning. My husband (being a man as he is) didn't even realize that I was dismissed! I felt like an outsider for the first time in that family.
We agreed to go to Thanksgiving at my sister in laws and it was my understanding that my mother in law would be out of town at her daughters for Thanksgiving. Didn't hurt my feelings at all because I haven't gotten over how I was treated. Now, she will be with us at Thanksgiving and the closer it comes, the more apprehensive I become. It is all I can do not to back out of going.
I did a quick search of the Bible about forgiveness. I forgave my husband for not realizing that I was dismissed because most men probably wouldn't have noticed that. I'm not at the point of forgiving my mother in law yet. Not sure I really want to. This is not right and I know that. I have chosen not to bring this up because it is/was a time of mourning and emotions running wild. Bottom line is that even if I do forgive, I don't forget.
With God I can forgive many things and have over the past as all of you have. My lingering question is why does God forgive and forget our sins, and we as humans can forgive, but we don't forget. I wish God gave us the capability to forgive and forget as he does with our sins.
This is a situation that I'm committing to prayer because God is the only one that can give me the wisdom and desire to forgive.
There are many people out there with family issues. Remember these people in your prayers over the next couple of days and for that matter, through the first of the year. Holidays can be fun and happy, but for some it can be dismal and painful. We all need to turn to the Lord as ask for wisdom.
Have a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving!
My dilemma is that we are going to my husband's sister's for Thanksgiving. Recently we lost my father in law to cancer. Here is a little background information. My husband and I started dating in 1984 and have been married for 20 years. I've been part of his family since 1985! I've always considered myself close to my in laws. I've done whatever I could, whenever I could. My husband lost his mother several years ago to cancer and we were extremly close. My father in law remarried and his wife is wonderful. The problem started after my father in law passed. When it came time to plan the service, my two sister in laws and husband was at the table. The preacher came in and then my mother in law just completely excused me by saying I could go down and watch television. Now, along with my mother in law came a step sister in law. I've been part of that family much longer than she has, but she was included in the planning. My husband (being a man as he is) didn't even realize that I was dismissed! I felt like an outsider for the first time in that family.
We agreed to go to Thanksgiving at my sister in laws and it was my understanding that my mother in law would be out of town at her daughters for Thanksgiving. Didn't hurt my feelings at all because I haven't gotten over how I was treated. Now, she will be with us at Thanksgiving and the closer it comes, the more apprehensive I become. It is all I can do not to back out of going.
I did a quick search of the Bible about forgiveness. I forgave my husband for not realizing that I was dismissed because most men probably wouldn't have noticed that. I'm not at the point of forgiving my mother in law yet. Not sure I really want to. This is not right and I know that. I have chosen not to bring this up because it is/was a time of mourning and emotions running wild. Bottom line is that even if I do forgive, I don't forget.
With God I can forgive many things and have over the past as all of you have. My lingering question is why does God forgive and forget our sins, and we as humans can forgive, but we don't forget. I wish God gave us the capability to forgive and forget as he does with our sins.
This is a situation that I'm committing to prayer because God is the only one that can give me the wisdom and desire to forgive.
There are many people out there with family issues. Remember these people in your prayers over the next couple of days and for that matter, through the first of the year. Holidays can be fun and happy, but for some it can be dismal and painful. We all need to turn to the Lord as ask for wisdom.
Have a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanksgiving
During this week, be mindful of what you are thankful for. We should also be thankful for the bad times. Yes, that is correct. It is during these times of darkness, uncertainty, stress, and loss that we come closer to God. It is these times as well as the good times that shapes our character and our faith.
We all have experienced "bad times", but know that these are important in our growth, maturity and level of wisdom.
My prayer is that God will open our eyes and hearts to all of lifes experiences and we will find good even at the bottom of a pit we have made home for a time.
Have a wonderul Thanksgiving!
We all have experienced "bad times", but know that these are important in our growth, maturity and level of wisdom.
My prayer is that God will open our eyes and hearts to all of lifes experiences and we will find good even at the bottom of a pit we have made home for a time.
Have a wonderul Thanksgiving!
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