Depression sucks. Anxiety can sometimes suck even worse than that. Depression & Anxiety at the same time? Definitely NOT a good combo! Today is a prime example of my usual "fight or flight syndrome" as I call it. Life gets to be a bit too much (whatever the reasons) and my perspective gets knocked off center and thus the roller coaster ride of emotions begins again.
This is where my stubbornness pays off though (yes, a diva would be one who would be able to find a positive benefit out of stubbornness)! I'm determined to not allow satan to keep me down for long ... after all, it always boils down to a matter of perspective. And I'm choosing to rest in His promise from Psalms 30:5 "... weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." I'm not in the best mood as I type, but I can tell you I'm doing my best to get my perspective back centered on Christ and not on my current circumstances. Definitely easier said than done at times!
My birthday is coming up later this month (I usually get really excited about my birthdays, but for some reason this year - not so much). At first I thought it would be a great birthday present for myself if I could sit down and write out 43 attributes about myself that I love. And well ... I'm still working on conquering the low-self esteem monster so I've poo-pooed that idea entirely. Sad to admit I can't think of 5 things much less 43 in honor of my birthday but hey - c'est la vie. That'll be another challenge I'll tackle later - God willing, that is.
So instead, to help myself out of this funk and to focus on positive things I've decided to compile a list of 43 things that cheer me up. Things that make my heart smile, or put a special twinkle in my eye, so to speak. Those things that can sometimes just make me say "Awwww!" and helps restore my faith - even if only for a little while - in the good of mankind. Soon as I get my list together, I'll be back on here to share it with you. In the meantime, allow me the privilege to leave you with some powerful truths from God's Holy Word that may also help encourage you on one of you "not-so-good-days":
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
21Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; Lamentations 3: 21-25
May you feel God's loving arms around you, lifting you up!
Vicky Dawn
A Simple Sinner Saved by Grace!
Vicky Dawn McCray
Friday, January 17, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
SIMPLIFY
Well now let's see ... it's been way too long since my last post, and considering today's topic title it's a bit laugable to me hee hee!
Anywho ... around new years you may have heard along with me big buzz about choosing ONE WORD to focus on the entire year (versus making resolutions that would probably already be broken by now). I did give this some thought because I really wanted the word to serve as a critical focal point for me this year. I feel like I'm on a precipice most of the time trying to juggle so much, and better yet trying to just REMEMBER everything I'm supposed to remember LOL - and to take a POSITIVE step towards a more secure footing, I chose the word SIMPLIFY.
Webster's defines simplify as: to make (something) easier to do or understand. And boy howdy do I need to make things in my life EASIER - don't you as well?? It also means to reduce to basic essentials -- you ever heard the phrase Back to Basics! (as in Get back to)?? I have spent far too much time trying to exercise my inner-ostrich skills (you know what I'm talking about - sticking my head in the sand and just hoping "X" problem magically goes away on it's own?) and I must admit it has NOT set me up for success at all.
Those who know me well can attest I can typically give out GREAT advice - BUT I totally suck at taking it myself and applying it to my own life. Well that's all part of the changes I am incorporating into my life in 2014. I am on a strict discretionary spending freeze so I can get my medical bills paid off. I am also cutting back on social activities (which limits the need to spend extra money I really don't have in the first place) so I can be a better steward of my time. I am in the Word of GOD much more already and really enjoying my devotions; I want to dig deeper and grow my relationship with my Lord. I want my focus to be on Him and all that He continually blesses me with each day ... I want to give Him more this year than I ever have. Afterall, it's all due Him anyway :) I am also trying to strictly limit negative influences in my life - that includes people, situations, music, books, TV shows and on & on. So as to not get overwhelmed with all of these changes and lose momentum, I'm tackling little nuggets at a time. As I can - when I can. To keep moving FORWARD and never stop claiming the VICTORY in my life I have because I am a child of the ONE TRUE KING!
Instead of just talking about it, 2014 means I'm putting ACTION behind my words and BEING ABOUT IT! Will I slip, possibly stumble as I seek to make all of the necessary changes in my life this year? Yes, I'm fallible. I know my God is there to pick me back up and dust me off. I also pray my true friends (you know who you are) will be there with me every step of the way! (And, honestly, I know you already will be!!)
Sooooo .... what's your one word for 2014? If you don't already have one, maybe consider the journey to SIMPLIFY with me!
Love & blessings to you all!
Vicky Dawn
Anywho ... around new years you may have heard along with me big buzz about choosing ONE WORD to focus on the entire year (versus making resolutions that would probably already be broken by now). I did give this some thought because I really wanted the word to serve as a critical focal point for me this year. I feel like I'm on a precipice most of the time trying to juggle so much, and better yet trying to just REMEMBER everything I'm supposed to remember LOL - and to take a POSITIVE step towards a more secure footing, I chose the word SIMPLIFY.
Webster's defines simplify as: to make (something) easier to do or understand. And boy howdy do I need to make things in my life EASIER - don't you as well?? It also means to reduce to basic essentials -- you ever heard the phrase Back to Basics! (as in Get back to)?? I have spent far too much time trying to exercise my inner-ostrich skills (you know what I'm talking about - sticking my head in the sand and just hoping "X" problem magically goes away on it's own?) and I must admit it has NOT set me up for success at all.
Those who know me well can attest I can typically give out GREAT advice - BUT I totally suck at taking it myself and applying it to my own life. Well that's all part of the changes I am incorporating into my life in 2014. I am on a strict discretionary spending freeze so I can get my medical bills paid off. I am also cutting back on social activities (which limits the need to spend extra money I really don't have in the first place) so I can be a better steward of my time. I am in the Word of GOD much more already and really enjoying my devotions; I want to dig deeper and grow my relationship with my Lord. I want my focus to be on Him and all that He continually blesses me with each day ... I want to give Him more this year than I ever have. Afterall, it's all due Him anyway :) I am also trying to strictly limit negative influences in my life - that includes people, situations, music, books, TV shows and on & on. So as to not get overwhelmed with all of these changes and lose momentum, I'm tackling little nuggets at a time. As I can - when I can. To keep moving FORWARD and never stop claiming the VICTORY in my life I have because I am a child of the ONE TRUE KING!
Instead of just talking about it, 2014 means I'm putting ACTION behind my words and BEING ABOUT IT! Will I slip, possibly stumble as I seek to make all of the necessary changes in my life this year? Yes, I'm fallible. I know my God is there to pick me back up and dust me off. I also pray my true friends (you know who you are) will be there with me every step of the way! (And, honestly, I know you already will be!!)
Sooooo .... what's your one word for 2014? If you don't already have one, maybe consider the journey to SIMPLIFY with me!
Love & blessings to you all!
Vicky Dawn
Friday, December 27, 2013
Reflection
Where has this year gone?! Many of us, I'm sure, are now thinking this as we approach the New Year's celebrations just around the corner. Seems like the older I get the more reflective I become LOL. Pretty natural inclination in life as we add more experiences to our history with each passing day. This holiday season (which I expand to include Thanksgiving through New Year's) has really been quite special for me actually. To be honest, that was a bit more of a surprise to me considering the tough year this has been for my family.
But it's because of those hard challenges and my deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that I do choose to see the positives inherent in every situation we face. It's true - even in the worst of circumstances there are many blessings for us to be thankful. It's all a matter of perspective. Now trust me here - I am NOT over-simplifying this because I do struggle with depression & anxiety -- some times much worse than others. And it's because of the dark places I've had to experience that I fight to see the good all around me. While oftentimes this is easier said than done, I do try very hard to keep my perspective focused on His abundant blessings in my life.
My Dad is still in the nursing home / rehabilitation facility. Wow is about the only way to sum up the past six months of our lives for how much he has been through. It's getting much harder emotionally for us all, but especially for him and my Momma. I have been a much deeper praying person since 2011 and, thankfully, it soothes my soul to talk to my Heavenly Father. He loves His children far deeper and more genuinely than any one else ever could. So as 2013 comes to a close, I will reflect on all of the good that is still happening in my life. I will praise Him for His grace, His mercy, His loving kindness, and His unending goodness towards me. I will show Him my thankfulness by living for Him everyday and doing what I can to reach others FOR HIM.
How will you use your times of reflection as you head into a new year?
Blessings!
Vicky Dawn
But it's because of those hard challenges and my deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that I do choose to see the positives inherent in every situation we face. It's true - even in the worst of circumstances there are many blessings for us to be thankful. It's all a matter of perspective. Now trust me here - I am NOT over-simplifying this because I do struggle with depression & anxiety -- some times much worse than others. And it's because of the dark places I've had to experience that I fight to see the good all around me. While oftentimes this is easier said than done, I do try very hard to keep my perspective focused on His abundant blessings in my life.
My Dad is still in the nursing home / rehabilitation facility. Wow is about the only way to sum up the past six months of our lives for how much he has been through. It's getting much harder emotionally for us all, but especially for him and my Momma. I have been a much deeper praying person since 2011 and, thankfully, it soothes my soul to talk to my Heavenly Father. He loves His children far deeper and more genuinely than any one else ever could. So as 2013 comes to a close, I will reflect on all of the good that is still happening in my life. I will praise Him for His grace, His mercy, His loving kindness, and His unending goodness towards me. I will show Him my thankfulness by living for Him everyday and doing what I can to reach others FOR HIM.
How will you use your times of reflection as you head into a new year?
Blessings!
Vicky Dawn
Monday, December 16, 2013
Facing My Fears Head On
Those who know me well can attest to my love for words - not only talking, but also my voracious appetite for reading and my love for writing. However, all the words in the world mean nothing if they are not validated by actions!
So, to that end ... today (12/15/13) marks a very important turning point in my life. I have an unfortunate long history with severe low self esteem. I have a past littered with painful experiences - those that grip me with an indescribable depth of fear. However, to be the type of Christian God has called me to be I need to DIG DEEP and find the solutions I need to soothe my soul. To claim the victory I have in Him because I am a victorious child of the King of Kings!
John 3:17 states "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him." I serve a wonderful Father who wants His best for me. He does not want me to bury the hurt, anger, and pain before I WORK THROUGH it. By facing my fears head on, I will be able to truly let it go and keep moving FORWARD with the life He has so richly blessed me!
I am so unbelievably blessed with a tight group of close, genuine friends. The type of friends who love me at my best, and stay with me through my worst - loving me every step of the way on my journey to healing. I have recently began dating a wonderful Christian man whose love for the Lord and his deep, strong faith give me such comfort, hope, and encouragement. For the first time in my adult life, I want to pursue a solid plan of action that will finally help me learn how to love myself AS I AM so my big heart God gave me can be more fully used and cherished in this life. No more hiding behind protective walls pain erected around my heart. I'm placing my trust in my Heavenly Father to take my hand and walk beside me during this time of "reconstruction".
So I ask any who may read this blog, to pray for me. Facing the pain of my past so I can release myself from this self-imposed prison will not be easy. But it is necessary. And I know He has sent someone special to willingly take this journey with me. Romans 8:28 - "We know that all things work together for good[a] for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." There is PURPOSE in everything we experience, and I CHOOSE to give Him His due glory no matter the difficulty. After all, in comparison to everything He suffered on the cross for my behalf, my pain is a mere raindrop in the ocean.
Blessings all & thank you for your prayers!
Vicky Dawn
So, to that end ... today (12/15/13) marks a very important turning point in my life. I have an unfortunate long history with severe low self esteem. I have a past littered with painful experiences - those that grip me with an indescribable depth of fear. However, to be the type of Christian God has called me to be I need to DIG DEEP and find the solutions I need to soothe my soul. To claim the victory I have in Him because I am a victorious child of the King of Kings!
John 3:17 states "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him." I serve a wonderful Father who wants His best for me. He does not want me to bury the hurt, anger, and pain before I WORK THROUGH it. By facing my fears head on, I will be able to truly let it go and keep moving FORWARD with the life He has so richly blessed me!
I am so unbelievably blessed with a tight group of close, genuine friends. The type of friends who love me at my best, and stay with me through my worst - loving me every step of the way on my journey to healing. I have recently began dating a wonderful Christian man whose love for the Lord and his deep, strong faith give me such comfort, hope, and encouragement. For the first time in my adult life, I want to pursue a solid plan of action that will finally help me learn how to love myself AS I AM so my big heart God gave me can be more fully used and cherished in this life. No more hiding behind protective walls pain erected around my heart. I'm placing my trust in my Heavenly Father to take my hand and walk beside me during this time of "reconstruction".
So I ask any who may read this blog, to pray for me. Facing the pain of my past so I can release myself from this self-imposed prison will not be easy. But it is necessary. And I know He has sent someone special to willingly take this journey with me. Romans 8:28 - "We know that all things work together for good[a] for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." There is PURPOSE in everything we experience, and I CHOOSE to give Him His due glory no matter the difficulty. After all, in comparison to everything He suffered on the cross for my behalf, my pain is a mere raindrop in the ocean.
Blessings all & thank you for your prayers!
Vicky Dawn
Thursday, December 12, 2013
For God So Loved ...
My loving, heavenly Father speaks to His children in so many different ways ... it is up to us to choose whether we listen to Him. That's at the very heart of the definition of Free Will. He loves each precious life so incredibly deeply - John 3:16 says "For God so loves the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Some of us have read, heard, and recited this verse so many times that we may have unknowingly diminished the true Power & Strength of this critical Truth! Go back and re-read the verse again - only this time read it with the knowledge that God not only sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross as the only pathway to eternal life with Him for ALL of mankind, but He also would have sent Jesus to die JUST FOR YOU ALONE! Wow! Now how powerful is that Truth in your heart?!
Jeremiah 29:11 assures us "For I know the plans have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." Our judgment can become very clouded with doubt, pain, and confusion in this sin-sick world we live ... we often cry out and ask the age-old, one-word question of all times Why??? Oftentimes this question is blurted out rhetorically at our weakest moments. Moments exacerbated by satan himself because that is what he does - he manipulates our weaknesses and twists reality into warped delusions shrouded in a veil of lies and deceit.
In the midst of the harshest chaos of our lives, God still speaks to us! Do you hold fast to the many promises in His Truth? Hebrews 13:5 provides great comfort and peace when the Lord says "... I will never leave nor forsake you." We are again reassured of God's genuine love for us in 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your burdens (anxieties) upon Him, because He cares for you." Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." On down in verse 7 "... for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." But oh the encouragement we find in verse 9 "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."
So the question is ... how will you CHOOSE to honor God's love for you? Will you trust and believe in His promises or will you allow satan to win in stealing your joy? I want to honor God by my life and for Him to receive all the glory. Oh what joy it will be if I get to hear those seven most precious words from God one day "Well done, thy good and faithful servant."
Love God Fiercely in Return!
Blessings always -
Vicky Dawn
Jeremiah 29:11 assures us "For I know the plans have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." Our judgment can become very clouded with doubt, pain, and confusion in this sin-sick world we live ... we often cry out and ask the age-old, one-word question of all times Why??? Oftentimes this question is blurted out rhetorically at our weakest moments. Moments exacerbated by satan himself because that is what he does - he manipulates our weaknesses and twists reality into warped delusions shrouded in a veil of lies and deceit.
In the midst of the harshest chaos of our lives, God still speaks to us! Do you hold fast to the many promises in His Truth? Hebrews 13:5 provides great comfort and peace when the Lord says "... I will never leave nor forsake you." We are again reassured of God's genuine love for us in 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your burdens (anxieties) upon Him, because He cares for you." Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." On down in verse 7 "... for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." But oh the encouragement we find in verse 9 "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."
So the question is ... how will you CHOOSE to honor God's love for you? Will you trust and believe in His promises or will you allow satan to win in stealing your joy? I want to honor God by my life and for Him to receive all the glory. Oh what joy it will be if I get to hear those seven most precious words from God one day "Well done, thy good and faithful servant."
Love God Fiercely in Return!
Blessings always -
Vicky Dawn
Thursday, December 5, 2013
What Can I Do?
Hmmmm ... seems like a pretty simple question doesn't it? But you must be thinking "What can I do about what?" First you must accept the possibilities are endless when you make up your mind to actually DO something that will move your life FORWARD with PURPOSE!
We have all - at one time or another - pondered the importance of our mere existence in this world. The vastness of the universe can be quite the daunting thought indeed. We find ourselves often at one of life's very many different crossroads, contemplating which path to traverse next - ever so cautious of decisions made that have brought us to this very important part of our lives. Sometimes our paths are littered with growing opportunities birthed from broken relationships and shattered dreams. But we must at those darkest moments realize that all Hope is NOT lost! We can have a new future bursting with promise as long as we CHOOSE to take that first step forward.
Oh I'm sure I know what you might be thinking at this moment. Much easier said than done Vicky (am I close or what?!) And that is so very true indeed. But character-shaping moments are always much more effective when they are accompanied by hardship and heartache. For it is in these moments where we have two choices: to either DIG IN or GIVE UP. I'm not going to sugar-coat this blog post -- I have been at that most critical moment in my life in the fall of 2011. I sincerely thought I was ready to give up ... I was beyond tired of the pain so rampant in my life that my focus got so very terribly clouded for awhile. Thankfully and not but for the Grace of God, He carried me while I found my way back to Him. To His Love that never stopped, but only continued to grow for me. I trust in the truth of His Word when the Lord says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11. I will never be able to find the words adequate enough to convey the peace and strength this one verse continually gave to me on my journey to healing. For in Philippians 4:7 God says - ... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. It cannot be explained, it just IS and He freely gives us His Peace, Comfort, Love, Strength, Support, & Encouragement just when we need it the very most! Praise His Holy Name!
I shared all of this to say YOU DO matter in this life - God has DESIGNED your very life with His exquisitely Divine Plan! What difference can you make in this world for Him? Limitless possibilities! What can you do to further His Will for your life? It all starts with that very first step ... to TRUST in Him all over again and FOLLOW after Him in obedience. Use His Power to help you use your experiences to bring Honor & Glory to Him! Live your witness every day in every way you possibly can. God will NEVER fail you and Hebrews 13:5 gives us His Promise that He will never leave or forsake you. EVER. Your mission field starts at your very own feet in your very own home ... may you seek Him in all things as you strive to do all you can to make an eternal difference in this life He has given you!
Blessings -
Vicky Dawn
We have all - at one time or another - pondered the importance of our mere existence in this world. The vastness of the universe can be quite the daunting thought indeed. We find ourselves often at one of life's very many different crossroads, contemplating which path to traverse next - ever so cautious of decisions made that have brought us to this very important part of our lives. Sometimes our paths are littered with growing opportunities birthed from broken relationships and shattered dreams. But we must at those darkest moments realize that all Hope is NOT lost! We can have a new future bursting with promise as long as we CHOOSE to take that first step forward.
Oh I'm sure I know what you might be thinking at this moment. Much easier said than done Vicky (am I close or what?!) And that is so very true indeed. But character-shaping moments are always much more effective when they are accompanied by hardship and heartache. For it is in these moments where we have two choices: to either DIG IN or GIVE UP. I'm not going to sugar-coat this blog post -- I have been at that most critical moment in my life in the fall of 2011. I sincerely thought I was ready to give up ... I was beyond tired of the pain so rampant in my life that my focus got so very terribly clouded for awhile. Thankfully and not but for the Grace of God, He carried me while I found my way back to Him. To His Love that never stopped, but only continued to grow for me. I trust in the truth of His Word when the Lord says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11. I will never be able to find the words adequate enough to convey the peace and strength this one verse continually gave to me on my journey to healing. For in Philippians 4:7 God says - ... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. It cannot be explained, it just IS and He freely gives us His Peace, Comfort, Love, Strength, Support, & Encouragement just when we need it the very most! Praise His Holy Name!
I shared all of this to say YOU DO matter in this life - God has DESIGNED your very life with His exquisitely Divine Plan! What difference can you make in this world for Him? Limitless possibilities! What can you do to further His Will for your life? It all starts with that very first step ... to TRUST in Him all over again and FOLLOW after Him in obedience. Use His Power to help you use your experiences to bring Honor & Glory to Him! Live your witness every day in every way you possibly can. God will NEVER fail you and Hebrews 13:5 gives us His Promise that He will never leave or forsake you. EVER. Your mission field starts at your very own feet in your very own home ... may you seek Him in all things as you strive to do all you can to make an eternal difference in this life He has given you!
Blessings -
Vicky Dawn
Friday, November 29, 2013
Moments to Treasure
Life just has a funny way of happening all around us now doesn't it?! I mean - it seems like such a basic principle right? It's certainly NOT like any sporting event where we can just call a "Time Out" and take some much needed time to catch our collective breaths. Oh how we may wish at times to have a chance to regroup and gain a more level-headed perspective when we feel out-matched & vulnerable to the inevitable hard hits life has a funny way of delivering!
On an intellectual level we totally understand the importance of taking downtime for ourselves - even if that means we have to actually schedule it into our calendars LOL. Unfortunately, all too often, we don't put "putting ourselves first" into practice enough to make it second nature to us. But when we do stop - sometimes in the midst of pure chaos even - how sweet it is to take a look at our lives through a healthier lens of perspective!
Personally my life has been on a full-steam ahead, oftentimes out-of-control locomotive since late summer of 2011. The details at this point are not as important as the lessons I've learned along this part of my life's journey. One of those critical lessons is to keep my eyes focused on the Lord Jesus Christ and NOT my circumstances! For it is when I do that where I can feel the Lord's re-assuring strength and calm envelope me in His loving warmth. Since July 2, 2013 my father has been on a medical roller coaster that seems to know no end in sight. And though things with his recovery have not always gone according "to plan" I know with absolute assurance that God is STILL in control! I hold tight to his promise in Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. God can & will use ALL things in this life FOR HIS GLORY!
You see, it all boils down to your faith and the strength of your relationship with the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. We cannot control every event that occurs in our lives, or what others may say or do in a particular situation, but we CAN control our responses and reactions! Do we hit it right out of the ballpark each and every time? No! Why? Quite simply, because we are not perfect people (FAR from it actually!). But as we commit to deepening our faith in Him and growing closer in our relationship with Jesus, we can see this decision to look for the good in every situation become easier over time!
I spent this Thanksgiving 2013 without my sons for the first time in their lives. I spent this Thanksgiving having a blessed lunch with my Mom and Dad in my Dad's nursing home room - and not at home as we originally had hoped nor in the dining hall as planned. Why? Daddy wasn't having the best of his "feel good" days so we CHOSE to make the best of a not so ideal situation. For all that truly matters is that we were TOGETHER and so very richly blessed the Lord gave us another Thanksgiving together! I had a slumber party with Mom afterwards and it was like old times - we had great talks and made more happy memories together! And, I even created a new tradition for myself - to watch comedies and laugh so satan wouldn't win in taking away the precious moments we had right in front of us to treasure!
I am grateful - I am blessed - and I am ever so humble the Lord has chosen for me to still have both of my parents here with me to continue making cherished memories!
In Him ... blessings to you & yours this Thanksgiving!
Vicky Dawn
On an intellectual level we totally understand the importance of taking downtime for ourselves - even if that means we have to actually schedule it into our calendars LOL. Unfortunately, all too often, we don't put "putting ourselves first" into practice enough to make it second nature to us. But when we do stop - sometimes in the midst of pure chaos even - how sweet it is to take a look at our lives through a healthier lens of perspective!
Personally my life has been on a full-steam ahead, oftentimes out-of-control locomotive since late summer of 2011. The details at this point are not as important as the lessons I've learned along this part of my life's journey. One of those critical lessons is to keep my eyes focused on the Lord Jesus Christ and NOT my circumstances! For it is when I do that where I can feel the Lord's re-assuring strength and calm envelope me in His loving warmth. Since July 2, 2013 my father has been on a medical roller coaster that seems to know no end in sight. And though things with his recovery have not always gone according "to plan" I know with absolute assurance that God is STILL in control! I hold tight to his promise in Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. God can & will use ALL things in this life FOR HIS GLORY!
You see, it all boils down to your faith and the strength of your relationship with the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. We cannot control every event that occurs in our lives, or what others may say or do in a particular situation, but we CAN control our responses and reactions! Do we hit it right out of the ballpark each and every time? No! Why? Quite simply, because we are not perfect people (FAR from it actually!). But as we commit to deepening our faith in Him and growing closer in our relationship with Jesus, we can see this decision to look for the good in every situation become easier over time!
I spent this Thanksgiving 2013 without my sons for the first time in their lives. I spent this Thanksgiving having a blessed lunch with my Mom and Dad in my Dad's nursing home room - and not at home as we originally had hoped nor in the dining hall as planned. Why? Daddy wasn't having the best of his "feel good" days so we CHOSE to make the best of a not so ideal situation. For all that truly matters is that we were TOGETHER and so very richly blessed the Lord gave us another Thanksgiving together! I had a slumber party with Mom afterwards and it was like old times - we had great talks and made more happy memories together! And, I even created a new tradition for myself - to watch comedies and laugh so satan wouldn't win in taking away the precious moments we had right in front of us to treasure!
I am grateful - I am blessed - and I am ever so humble the Lord has chosen for me to still have both of my parents here with me to continue making cherished memories!
In Him ... blessings to you & yours this Thanksgiving!
Vicky Dawn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)