Traumatic Events Aside; My Faith Endured - Part 4

That was quite a list of traumatic events, right?

Yeah, even when I look at it, and having lived it, still can't believe how much has happened. And, those are the "MAJOR" events. God walked and does walk with me. I am certain of it.

I had always considered myself a conscientious person. Like Job, I felt that I was ethical, feared God, and avoided evil. Somehow, in the back of my mind, I knew that there was a reason I was born and a purpose for my being put here on earth.

Although, for the life of me, I couldn't figure it out. And, nothing used to trouble me more than not being able to figure something out.

Through it all, I've never, ever lost my faith in God. No matter what, even during suicide attempts, I prayed that something would intervene, as I wanted to live; yet I wanted to die. I know I have angels that protect me. 









I am a Child of God, through and through. His faithful servant, using his wonderful gifts to serve my family, friends, neighbors, community near and far, and church.

 I am not afraid of my future, my destiny, or God's plans. I go where He leads. He is my light. He is my Heavenly Father.

I know this is probably way more information than you'd ever want, but I really wanted you to understand how deep and how strong my faith has been through my life. No matter what anyone or anything has ever done to me, I knew I would survive. I knew God had plans for me. I knew that whoever traumatized my life, me, my children, would eventually have to face the only judge that mattered – God.

Although the wait for justice might seem unbearable, God one day will restore any one who may have suffered without cause.

Our suffering was a link to Jesus Christ. Because Jesus lived in our world and now lives within all believers, He shared the pains, the sorrows and the frustrations we feel. (Hebrews 4:15) He joins with us in our suffering and – even more encouraging – also offers us comfort.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:2-7, that as we comfort one another, our comfort abounds through Christ. At times we may have difficulty feeling Christ’s comfort, but others can encourage us with their physical presence, sharing our pain and offering comfort in tangible, practical ways. Their spiritual strength can flow into our lives not as off-hand answers, but as genuine grace. As part of our lives, their sympathy, confidence and hope in Christ lift us. Christians may go through some tough times, but they do not have to go through them alone.

Jesus Christ promised.

It wasn't my job to make sure that all the evil of the world was recognized and punished. My heart carried so much resentment and self-pity, that I wasn't able to see the good that I had in my life. I wasn't able to see the good I would have in the future. I just wasn't able to see the good in the real me.

I am content in knowing that I don't need an answer for every question right now. I understand that there isn't always going to be a reason that makes sense. Only the knowledge that there are answers and maybe in time, I will discover them. And, if I don't, then I have to trust God enough to understand that He knows.

Like Job, I no longer curse the day I was born. I don't demand that God tell me why I must go through what I have and will continue to experience in the future.

Now, I ask Him to be with me as I travel from day to day situations and provide me with guidance and wisdom to know Him. Like most lessons, I had to be broken before God could build me up. 

Challenges are God's way of making me trust Him. 

 I am grateful for God, thankful for His presence, and trust Him. That is enough for me. I am truly blessed.

And, in return, my promise to God is that I will try to listen more and complain less so that I can hear His gentle prompts and be prepared to let go of what I can't control.

I welcome God's tests because I know that He is proud of me and wants to show others how proud He is of me.

God's will, not my will. A mantra I say daily, as well as, 

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

So, I tell you, don't think you are alone. God is with you always. Others have been through the same traumas you have. Don't be ashamed. Don't hide away. Speak up. I'll listen.

I know not if tomorrow’s way be steep or rough; but when Christ’s hand is guiding me, that is enough. - unknown

Living a Humble Life is Good for You

PsyBlog recently came up with eight psychological benefits of being humble.  As a God-fearing, Christian woman I am well aware of how important it is to live a life of humility.

Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

As well in Proverbs 15:33 “The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom and humility comes before honor.”

God guides us with his words in Titus 3:2 “to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”

We will be rewarded for our humility, according to Matthew 23:12 “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

God made a promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

In Proverbs 3:34, “He mocks proud mockers, but gives grace to the humble.”

I believe in God’s promises and I hope that I can lead a life of humility that He is proud of and celebrates my life.

Current society does not celebrate a humble person. They seek those who are over confident and exuberant.  It is the excitement and drama of reality TV that catches the world’s attention, not that of a middle aged woman who wants to help other writers become successful in any way she can.

But, even with God’s grace, I can gain psychological benefits of being humble.

1.     Humble people are better able to cope with anxiety about their mortality.

2.     Humble leaders are not only better liked, but are more effective leaders.

3.     Having high self-control is one key to a successful life.

4.     The humble not only make better managers, but make better employees.

5.     Being humble may make you better in school.

6.     Humble people don’t think they are entitled.

7.     Humble people are more helpful.

8.     Humble people have better relationships because they are better at accepting people for who they are.

Dictionary.com defines “humble”

  

hum·ble [huhm-buhl, uhm-] 

adjective, hum·bler, hum·blest.

1.

not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful.

2.

having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.: In the presence of so many world-famous writers I felt very humble.

3.

low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; lowly: of humble origin; a humble home.

4.

courteously respectful: In my humble opinion you are wrong.

5.

low in height, level, etc.; small in size: a humble member of the galaxy.

I am not a proud or arrogant woman. I am a humble woman who wants to please my God and help others. That is how I live my life.

Keeping the Trust Strong in your Relationship

Trust.

It's just a little word.

But, it means so much.

I'm sure it means something different to everyone, as well.

Trust is elusive.

If you lose trust, how do you regain it?

So, we can all agree that trust is vital, right?

What about the relationship between a woman and her husband? It's VERY important to have trust, wouldn't you say?

Every woman wants her husband to trust her, to rely upon her as faithful and true. However, that kind of trust doesn't come easy.

Here are a few ideas on how a woman can become trusted by the one who is her closest companion.

1. She keeps her word. When she makes a promise, she fulfills it. Always. That way, her husband knows her word is good.

2. She is there when he needs her. When her husband is hurting, she is ready to listen as long as it takes and she is ready to comfort him. When he's in trouble, she defends him. She is his ally.

3. She can be counted on. She would never brush him off.

Do your best to keep the trust strong in your relationship. Then you'll enjoy one of God's greatest blessings on earth - a great marital relationship.

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain." Proverbs 31:10-11

Resource: 100 Favorite Bible Verses for Women 

Image credit: eastnine / 123RF Stock Photo

God's Promise to Parents

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him?" - Matthew 7:11

Though many family dynamics aren't perfect, the love a parent has for a child can be the most giving, sacrificial relationship that exists.

What would you do for your children?

What do you do for your child?

Mothers and fathers pour out time, energy and money to care for their children. They'd give their lives to protect their children. Ideal parents deal with each of their children on a personalized level, catering teaching and training to the style that most effectively helps each child.

Do you help your child dream?

Do you want the best for your child?

You also want your child to be happy, don't you?

As parents you want to love your children. You make yourselves available to comfort them, encourage them and simply have a good time with them.

The parental relationship is the basis of all earthly relationships.

Think about this: As much as you, a parent, loves your child, it's truly staggering to realize that God loves His children even more than the most perfect parents on earth.

God makes Himself available to love you, comfort you, and encourage you. He's glad to be your divine Father. Relish the closeness you can have with your heavenly Father.

Scripture from God to parents:

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12

"Fathers do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." Colossians 3:21

"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart: you shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:6-9