Thursday, November 21, 2013

Faith Journey ~ Gratitude for the Twists and Turns

When I began this blog, I had an inspiration for its title.  Faith Journey.  This blog became my way to share my life journey with others and also share my faith and inspiration.  I know that each of our life journeys are unique.  Some of us speed through life, never stopping at the stop signs, never slowing down at the yellow lights, never yielding to others or to God.  Some of us plod along, taking whatever comes our way with a “grain of salt,” one step in front of the other, no looking back, no looking sideways… no lessons learned.  And others of us take this journey, this journey of faith, watching for all of the signs along the way.  When our journey tells us to speed up, take a risk that may sometimes lead to a fall, we do it.  And we reap the rewards of taking that risk.  When our journey tells us to slow down, stop and smell the roses along the way, we do it.  And again, we reap the rewards of having taken the time to really look around and be grateful for all that we see. 

I haven’t "blogged" in a long while.  That is because during this past year and a half my journey has taken so many twists and turns, so many stops and starts.  I needed time to pause, reflect and, frankly, process all that has come my way.   So, I’d like to share a recent page from my journal.

11.14.13

After several days, weeks, months... of sadness, tears, anger, confusion... And, coming to the conclusion that I needed a bigger, better newer home (then I would be happy)... 
After a series of discussions, arguments, and again, tears, over how our new addition would look... And finally agreement and the "go ahead" to begin the remodel … and realizing that this didn't make me any happier, it just made me more confused.
After soul searching, praying, and crying, crying, crying… 
I finally had a light bulb moment.  And this is what I realized.  
Yes, it has been a very tough year (and a half?)
Selling our home on Peaceful Ridge was tough.
Moving to the condo was hard.
Making Ottertail our permanent home was unsettling.
Planning Chelsea's wedding (a very joyous event) while dealing with Cole's cancer (a most horrific, gut wrenching, world-rocking journey) was soul splitting.
Leaving Red Wing, my friends, my business relationships, my kids, and largely, my old life behind left me feeling lost, lonely and depressed.
But remodeling our home or buying a new home won't change this past year.  
It won't change the sale of Peaceful Ridge, it won't change Cole's cancer, it won't change anything...
What needs to change, then, is me.
I need to rebuild in this new life.
Create or re-create myself.
I need to build stronger relationships, build a schedule that gets me out of bed with enthusiasm, build a life based on blessings and simple abundance.  
I will depend on God and His Holy Spirit within me to help me embrace each day and be thankful for each and every moment.
Thank you, Father, for getting me to this point.  Thank you, Chelsea, for listening and helping me to reach this realization.
I feel happy and revived!

No, I haven’t "blogged" in a long while.  But I have learned much over these past months.  I have learned that God is with us every step of the way.  He has planned our journey – Yes, even the tough times.  He knows exactly where we are and exactly where we are going.  It is difficult to see that during chaotic, stressful, sad times, but at every step of our journey, we need to be thankful.  There are days when all I could say to God was, “Thank you, God, for whatever it is you are wanting me to learn right now.”
So, today, especially during this month of Thanksgiving, give thanks for being exactly where you are, whether you are happy or sad, excited or fretful, up or down.  I promise you that in just a very short time, you will see all that God wanted you to see.  And you will be grateful for your unique journey.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

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Come with me and let's journey together...

Every woman's faith journey is different. I hope to share the twists and turns I've experienced in my journey and help women to realize that, although at times we experience pain and confusion in our lives, there really is a map out there, God's Word. If we follow His word, it doesn't assure us that our journey will be any less difficult, but that we can rest in the Peace of knowing that our journey has already been fully mapped out. God knows where we are every moment of the day. He knows our last steps and our next steps. He knows our purpose.

God is our refuge and our strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. so we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Psalm 46:1-2