I have been having some panic episodes lately...not extreme but some of those "wake up thinking and contemplating what the heck I just got myself into" kind of episodes. Even though I am a little afraid, I often hear God speak to me in ways that I didn't expect. The other morning, I turned on the TV and my favorite lady, Joyce Meyer was in the middle of her sermon and she quoted my absolute favorite verse, "For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of sound mind" After that she just quoted all the verses that deal with fear and I quoted them with her. Another way I heard God speak was through general posts I read on Facebook...a young lady quoted "Where you go, God will be with you there" and "God has an excellent plan and you have to "be still and quiet" to hear it". I know I have lots of humor in my conversations and sometimes a few "choice" words slip out a time or two but I have always remained spiritual and cognizant of my Southern religious roots and right now, I am hanging onto them dearly. Now don't get me wrong, I am very, and continue to be, excited about my upcoming venture, but I am seeing the "realness" of it everyday. To those who are reading this blog, if you are facing a decision that might impact your life, career, relationships etc., I hope that my words can show you that you are not the first nor the last to face this challenge. It has been hard and as "doors begin to close", I have found that it's more of a bittersweet feeling than exhiliration. I think the hardest decisions can be the ones we choose ourselves. They are the ones where you are in a "safe and predictable" place in life but you choose expand yourself because you know it's right. Believe that God doesn't let anything happen that you will not be able to handle. He never promised it would be easy, fun, or any of those things but he promises strength and His grace to follow along our journeys. Maybe I am not writing this to inspire anyone else right now but to inspire me. I need to hear God more than ever these days! Please continue to keep me, my family, and my friends in your thoughts and prayers.
The countdown begins...6 weeks until August!
Well, God truly works in His time. Today is July 19, 2012, as you see your post was made some time ago. Why am I reading it for the first time today? It's the right time. Yes, it is an inspiration to me. During the last two weeks we have faced near mishaps with 6 of my 7 grandchildren that could have very easily ended in tragedy. Yesterday, last night, and this morning I found myself questioning my life, my life choices,where I'm going and why. Then I open Ms. Dula's page and read the message sent through her. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteI am putting you permanately on my prayer list and will be lifting you up daily. My prayer will be not only for your safety and happiness but also for your relationship with the Lord to grow stronger and for you to be an amazing witness for him.
Your friend,
Diane Osborne
Hi Diane! I am so glad that I could speak some encouraging words for you! Please continue to pray for me and my family. Hopefully soon I will be posting a lot more so stay tuned. Good luck with the upcoming school year!
ReplyDelete