God's Bouquet...

This week has been tough for many reasons. Life isn't always easy and it really is that simple. God never said it would be easy. He just promised to be there.


Well, I've certainly learned much. Why is it when we are down, we get our most spiritual? Probably, because we are at the end of our rope and the only joy we can find comes from the Lord. When we feel blue, we tend to take the time to "stop and smell God's roses." But here is the thing, I don't want to pick flowers of blessings only when I'm down and out. I want to have a beautiful bouquet, from the Lord, everyday.


I have been convicted to "MAKE" time to seek out my Heavenly Father more. I can't help but think about how sad I would be if my children never talked to me except when they wanted something or needed my help. I am reminded that my Heavenly Father desires my day to day conversation. He loves me and wants to spend time with me, not just on the rainy days when I don't feel like going outside to play.


Now that I put that all out there, I am tired of the "down in the mouth" attitude. I am still a very blessed lady. Sometimes it takes the hard situations to figure that out. And when I weigh out the issues I've been dealt...well, a lot worse things could have happened. I've got to learn not to let the "little" things build up, and effect my mood. I tend to be a worrywart, sensitive and a self defeating personality sometimes. This is something God is showing me and working on.



What I am about to say, is kind of scary, but I think it needs to be said. It is now Friday and when I look back at my week in review, I see the good, the bad and even the ugly. Yet, I think I'm almost thankful I went through a little fire. For out of it, I can also see the growth. I see the little miracles that happened along the way, too. I can see God's presence at every turn, even in those moments I felt alone. They say hindsight is 20/20, and I believe it to be true. When your are frustrated, hurt, overwhelmed, and feel like God hasn't heard your cries, it is a true test of faith. Yet, as I now look back at my week, I realize at every turn God was there giving me "hugs" in His own time and way. He talked to me through His word, His people and His world. He was constant, even when I put my self made blinders on. He is AWESOME like that.



I know I have been vague about my week. Issues at church, work and my family for now need to remain quiet, but I appreciate you all hanging in there with me. Truth is, I'm smiling today. The peace of the Lord has worked it's magic on me. Some issues are resolved, some aren't, but as I said before, that is just life. The life we lead will never be perfect. It is how we look at the problems and handle them that shows our true character.

As a little word of advice, something I'm still learning to take hold of... When the going gets tough, take the time to smell God's roses. Pick a bouquet of His beautiful blessings. Allow Him to bring a little beauty in your "ugly" moments of life. And if He allows the thorns to prick as you pick, just know it is worth it, to gain the flower.