Day Twenty-Three- A Sunday Scripture

Things I Learned During the Month of February

I am becoming very familiar with the grieving process.

When I first learned about the stages of grief back in college, I had absolutely no idea how many times I would go through that process in the years to come. Just within the last 18 months I have lost seven family members and friends. It certainly hasn’t gotten any easier; however, I now recognize it for what it is. I’ve noticed that there is an ebb and flow to grief. At this point in my life, I am more comfortable with embracing the process and “riding the wave.”

God is faithful to give us what we need, often before we even realize that we need it.

Back in October, when I was writing about “Letting Go,” I knew that this was something I was also going to teach on in the Moms group that I lead. Each week as I have prepared to teach, I have noticed that each lesson is as much for me now as it is for the rest of the group (maybe even more). God knew exactly what I would need. He’s cool like that.

Self-awareness can be a tricky process.

You just cannot believe all of the stuff that I have learned about myself in the last few weeks. I’ve learned that my perfect occupation is writer (woo hoo), that I am an “effortlessly cool parent”, and that I should really live in the state of Mississippi. If I were a Disney princess, I would be Belle. I’ve always fancied myself to be more like Snow White, so I’m glad we got that cleared up. I am also most like the character Belle from the show “Once Upon a Time.” Consistency is good. However, my perfect Disney couple is Cinderella and Prince Charming. Hmmm…

If I were a Muppet, I would be Beaker. I am the most like Hawkeye from the Avengers. I should have majored in Eco Science (too late, the Psych degree will have to do). The European country I should live in is Malta. This one seems completely reasonable to me. I think I would do very nicely in the Mediterranean. Finally, if I were a kind of potato, I would be tater tots! This one is very important and revealing for a girl who is a native Idahoan. Apparently tater tots are the life of the party. So why don’t I go to more parties?! Oh yeah, because I’m an introvert and a highly sensitive person. Parties are quite draining for me, so I might not go. But if you don’t invite me, then I will be really hurt!

Real lesson learned: I’ve spent wayyy too much time taking BuzzFeed quizzes!!!

The best way to respond in challenging times- TRUST GOD.

I encountered some difficult situations during the month of February. All too often my response is to basically freak out and proclaim that the world is coming to an end. Overly- dramatic? Well, it is what it is. Anyway, I have been really working on changing that response to one of trusting God and resting in His peace. I am happy to report that I was actually able to do this more often in February. Guess what happened when I did? It all worked out okay and I was able to maintain my composure and live in peace. TRUST. Just. Do. It.

A little bit of hope goes a long way.

As I was walking to my mailbox last week, I noticed a little something that immediately gave me hope. Little green shoots, pushing their way through the mulch.

Spring is coming! Just seeing that little sign of life gave me such a jolt of energy and encouragement. A couple of days later I found the first crocus blooms.

 

Well Helloooo Gorgeous!!! I was instantly reminded that a little bit of hope is all it takes to keep us going.

“It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”  ~Mark Twain

 

2010 Hope Renewed

Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? Isaiah 43:19

A new year. A new decade. A fresh start. A blank page just waiting for this season of my life to be written on. I'm so thankful that 2010 has arrived.

Last year was a difficult year for me. A storm was brewing, but I failed to notice the weather change until the rains began to fall. As the flood waters began to rise, I clung to the Rock with all of my strength. But the waves increased in frequency and intensity; I lost my grip and slipped into the water.

At first I attempted to fight my way to the surface. If only I could catch my breath! Soon I grew weary and started to sink into the depths where there was no light, no warmth, no hope. "I'm drowning!" I realized. My strength gone, I was suspended in the darkness for what seemed like an eternity.

Suddenly, one particularly strong wave pushed me up to the surface for a brief moment. Just long enough for me to cry out for help. Almost in an instant a life boat appeared. The responders rescued me from the depths and helped me to breath easy once again. They took me to shelter where I could rest and recover while the storm passes. Thankfully, the dark clouds are drifting away and the flood waters are subsiding.

During this time of respite I've discovered a renewed sense of hope. I am growing healthier, stronger, and more energetic with each new day.

I'm so thankful for those responders, my friends who love me, pray for me, and support me. My favorite definition of a friend: A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you've forgotten the words. I not only forgot the words, I almost forgot that there was even a song. I'm starting to hum the tune again...

2010 My year to hope, dream, and simply embrace life!!!

"Once you choose hope, anything's possible." - Christopher Reeve