She's Thankful For What?

We turned down the aisle at Target and there was a woman and her adorable little Pomeranian sitting in her basket just begging to be pet. Of course we stopped to play and chat. The woman, Christy, was here visiting from Yosemite. She was the sweetest, most joy filled lady, which was in direct contrast to her story. She had breast cancer and a double mastectomy a year ago. She is now cancer free. 

I shared about my ongoing cancer check-ups, struggles and many answers to prayers. 

And do you know what she told us? 

Her eyes lit up as she said, "Cancer was one of the best things that's ever happened to me. It made me appreciate my life and realize that I do not have to worry about the little daily struggles. They are truly meaningless in the grand scheme of things. Life is too short to be miserable. I thank GOD each day for the gift of another day of life." 

Her words hit hard. How can she be thankful for receiving a disease that changes your life forever? This is a whole new level of thankfulness that is mind boggling...defying all human logic. But there it was. Spoken out loud in the middle of the store from a woman who was thrust into an unimaginable battle. But through her struggle The LORD met her there, revealing something deeper to her spirit. 

She told me she was going to continue to pray for me and I told her I'd be praying for her also. We hugged one another like old friends. As we walked away she said, "You are so precious Lisa. I may never run into you again here on earth but I look forward to one day seeing you in Heaven." 

Oh friends, I'm thankful for meeting this beautiful woman. I'm thankful for those daily *GOD* moments that remind.

If you find yourself struggling over the *little* things, like I often do, join me today in taking a different outlook. A renewing of mind and thoughts. A reset of truth. A *larger* view. A reminder of Blessings in the middle of struggles. Time is short. Days and years fly by. 

What are we doing with our time? 

Worrying? Stressing?

Let's ask for The LORD's help to truly see things through HIS Eyes. 

For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ."~1 Corinthians 2:16

Jump on the #ThankfulTrain...what are you thankful for?

Are You Prepared?

Our Hike Last Year "The Narrows" at Zion National Park

I'm preparing, training, working towards an upcoming goal. This is not going to be easy and I need to be ready for the big hike (Mt. Timpanogos.) The steep elevation and lack of oxygen is something that I worry about. I've had altitude sickness before which put me in bed for a week with severe flu-like symptoms. Now that  I'm aware of it, I know what I need to do to prepare. I'm not only training my muscles and doing cardio, (lifting weights, riding my bike, stair stepper and yoga), I'm also hydrating. I'm ready to counteract the lack of oxygen this, sea-level living girl, normally receives. I'm also allowing several days of acclimation adjustment before embarking on this memorial hike to honor my dad.

The key to any journey in life is preparation. Being ready for the expected as well as the unexpected (as much as possible) that which "may" or "could" happen. If my body is in tip top shape when the unexpected arises, I will be strong enough to endure it.

Your daily life requires preparation for the trials and tragedies that may come upon you. This however requires a different type of training. You will need to train your mind and spirit. It requires seeking your Creator. The One who knows the obstacles on your road, "before" they come upon you. Building your faith and trust in The Lord through prayer, daily scripture study and quiet time. Spending time with Jesus allows you to grow stronger inside, as He reveals truth and hope right there in the middle of the storm. A peace found in nothing else. Daily spiritual training sets captives free. The Lord renews strength when you feel unable to go on. He lifts you up. He puts your feet back on solid ground. A beacon of light shining brightly in the darkness.

Don't go through this life unprepared; hopeless, lost or alone. Seek a "relationship" with Jesus Christ and allow Him to be your life guide. Your trainer. Your hope. Your Savior.

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8