Wednesday, March 2, 2016

The Straw That Broke The Camel's Back

  Do you ever feel like you cannot handle 1 more thing? We often say " I can't take any more". Don't burden me with something else. I don't know what I would do if 1 more thing is added to my plate. Does this sound familiar? I think we all go through these times. My plate is quite full right now. Let me explain and tell you how I manage. 
  A year ago March 13 I had a very critical health problem. I'm not going to go into details but I will tell you I had 3 major surgeries in 12 days. It has taken me a good portion of the year to recuperate. Even if I had no other health issues, it would still take time. I know that and realize with my added issues it may take me longer.  
  During the year I had many issues that were very stressful. The death of my sweet Mom for one. The added stress on you will affect your physical being as well. And then just the everyday scenarios we face of life itself.  Our jobs, our kids, our whatever's. 
  So I find out that in 2 weeks I have another major surgery to face. Hmm, is my plate too full? Is this too much to take?  How will I get through all of this?  Those are all legitimate questions we ask.  It is how we respond that counts. How will I handle this? Let me tell you. 
  Several weeks ago I shared a verse with you. Matthew 11:30 Jesus says: For My yoke is easy, My burden is light. I believe this with my whole heart. My trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ. He has my whole being in the palm of His hands. Does this mean it will be easy, no!  Of course not. But it does mean He will be with me from beginning to end. He will give me strength to endure what I must. He will re-assure me, comfort me, protect me. 
  Does this added pressure give me permission to have self-pity for myself? Can I just sit and hide in my self-pity? NO, NO, NO! Oh my goodness, we cannot afford to be down and out. That affects our whole being as well.  I make a conscious decision everyday to be a positive person. I start with the Word of God every morning. I spend an amount of time in prayer. Prayer for myself, but for others as well. I let the Holy Spirit come and fill me up, comfort me, strengthen me. And I then ask God what I can do for Him. What task does He have for me today.  
  I will remind you, everything I share here is from my own personal experiences.  Am I always successful, no. I do have my moments. But we all can have victory. My hope, faith, and trust are in my Lord Jesus Christ. 



The Peace of God

 What does it mean to have the peace of God, in our minds, hearts, spirits?   That is a loaded question.  I like to think of it as being uni...