When Things Don't Go As Planned

After my workout today, (I was able to leave the hubby for a little bit and go to the gym-first time since becoming his home care nurse😬) I pulled up in front of the beach for a little quiet Bible study time. As I sat in my car with the prime view, my peace was suddenly interrupted by people screaming and yelling. A family carrying a large cooler, canopy, umbrella and several supplies for their beach day, dropped the heavy cooler spilling its contents. The canopy then fell out of the bag as they scurried to pick up the items rolling down the stairs. After the initial anger, everyone started laughing. They put everything back in and headed on their way ready to enjoy the day. 

Later that evening the hubby and I took a walk (I'm trying to get his stamina up for the upcoming wedding weekend adventures I have planned-hikes, deserted mines and a ghost town😜.) 

We were having a great time until we passed a lady with her dog. She must've seen us/avoided us in the past with our Allie-girl over the years and said, "I'm glad there's no dog with you today for my dog to bark at."😩😢

I almost started crying right then and there. 

I sure do miss my Allie-girl and the reminder of her passing hit deep.

So here's the thing friends, it's rare that your day will be filled with all good stuff. They are often filled with waves of emotions...ups, downs, twist, turns and spills. Today I'm thankful that our happiness is not dependent upon ever changing emotions. I'm thankful that as we look to our Unchanging, Steadfast, Loving LORD...we're strengthened for life's journey. HE reminds our hearts/minds that this is only a moment. HIS Truth brings to light the many times HE'S put our feet back on solid ground. 

Our emotions are secured in CHRIST...the Anchor of your soul. 

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."~Hebrews 13:8

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”~Revelation 22:13

Jump on the "Thankful Train"...what are you thankful for?

I'm Tired!

As the sleepless nights mount up, it takes a toll on me. I'm becoming overly sensitive, easily angered and frustrated. A constant sense of uneasiness floods my usually peaceful mind. Sleep deprivation is wearing me down. Three to four hours a night is not enough!

I have so many things to do, the list in my head seems to continually get longer, I never seem to get caught up.

This morning I had a yoga class (to help the herniated disc in my neck), weight training and a bike ride. As soon as the alarm went off I felt the pressure and stress to get there begin to overwhelm me. I chose to stay in bed. I'm mentally and physically exhausted. As soon as I make the decision, the guilt of skipping out floods my mind. I'm in training for a big memorial hike in honor of my dad. It was a goal he'd set and achieved before his passing from lung cancer. He climbed Mt. Timpanogos in Utah. It's a difficult hike that takes about 4 1/2 hours each way.

I want to be in shape to climb this mountain. However, at the moment, I can't even climb the mountain in front of me....getting to the gym. Sigh...

In the middle of all this mind spinning, I hear the Lord's prompting, "Rest in Me." Sigh. "Rest in ME." 

Can it be that simple?

Closing all the doors, silencing my phone, shutting out the world that never stops calling my name, I enter into the quiet place with the Lord, praying, soaking in His Holy Word. More of HIM, less of this world. Even in my tired state, I feel the restlessness begin to fade away. My breathing slows. My mind stops racing. Right here, right now, I'm choosing to seek the Lord's peace. I need to be filled...stilled....renewed. 

^"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Thank you Jesus for reminding me that time spent with You always fills up my parched soul.

Who's In Control?

By: Lisa Petrarca

As the New Year begins, we need to strive to stop letting our thoughts control us. They are just feelings, momentary bursts of emotions. They can often pound us down, like huge crashing waves, leaving us gasping for air, paddling to reach the surface..

Waves of emotions hit us each day~happy, sad, frustrated, angry, hurt, annoyed, scared, worried....they are never ending.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "Who's in control of my life?"

Imagine a day that you were able to actually stop and rationalize the situation you're going through without following your feelings.

This year take a stand...

Stop letting your thoughts interfere with your faith.

As your emotions begin to overwhelm you...STOP....PRAY...ask the Lord to fill your heart and mind with His peace.

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 12:25

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:9-10