Sometimes God uses events to shape and change us. I won't blame God for this, but I am profoundly changed by what occurred this morning. Our next door neighbor's Adult Foster Care Facility was completely devastated by fire this morning. Thank God all 8 people + 2 dogs got out alive. Thank God no one was seriously hurt. A firefighter's shoulder was hurt when a ceiling collapsed on him. The challenged elderly residents had been practicing fire drills recently, and each were brought out safely. Thank God.
I complain about my circumstances, at times, as you all know. But today, I think I will not complain at all. I thank God no one was hurt and lives were spared. I thank God my home and husband and son did not perish. I thank God I did not move my Mom into that situation. I think I'll think about this every time I look out my windows, walk or drive by. And when I want to complain about something, I think I'll just count my blessings, instead. I pray you'll count your blessings, today, as well. And while you're at it, please pray for those in need, including your own, thanking God for all the good he gives you each day.
I am so happy for you. It gives me hope that there are answers out there that really work! Give your dad a hug from us!
Linda
Linda
Three daughters. How fortunate you are. I have one; we call her the " Limited Edition". If I was sure the next child was also a girl, I would have had another one. No offense people, but I saw the mess mom made out of my brother, and knew I needed a daughter to have as a support throughout my life. She is just that. She is my best friend and I miss her so much. Now if I could get my husband to move to Texas, my life would be so much better.
Glad you had a good trip. I leave for one this weekend. We are now going to schedule one every 3 months. Call it the Sanity Break!!!
Linda
Carol
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.
Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was
disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.
Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.
My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with
the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.
An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over
your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!
God determines who walks into your life ......it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.'
I'm counting my blessings my dad is healthy, physically, at the moment. His healthcare coverage issue has been a nightmare, and made me crack today. Can't explain all the details, too long. I just got off the phone in tears after the benefits center for his retirement said to me "believe me, we understand". I cried into the phone, "no you don't!". My father is 74yrs old right now with no health care benefits (trying for over three months, to get coverage) did everything I was told to do, and still no answers whether or not his coverage will be in place July 1st. Please pray for dad and I. Michele, after reading about your mom, I totally realized how critical this situation is, and totally lost it with these people over the phone. My dear husband seeing me in tears, spent an hour on the phone with the same people, and was told that Monday, we would receive a call back with info. "Yeah right!". OOps, this is venting. Back to blessings, dad is okay today, but what about 5min from now, or tomorrow?
My prayers are with you and your family for your loss. You have been an inspiration to all of us and our thoughts are with you now and forever. Take care dear friend.
I am going to write on your wall.... and please know that my heart in all sincerity is with you. Be comforted my friend....
Blessings,
Carol