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| Even when people turn they backs against you, God is always there with his arms open for you no matter what the situation is. Image: "Woodland: Bluebells" by Tim Blessed. Used by permission. Copyrighted and a beautiful photo! |
Yes, it's late. I'll dash this off and head off for bed. Good seeing you; thanks for your visits. I love having guests drop by.
Today was another unusual day. I'm being
tested on several fronts. Coming back home to this inn is good for me, too
My Gratitudes for Monday:
1. I appreciate the dialogue shared among us here.
2. I value the growth I experience as a result of service.
Lately, I've been helping others in areas that are related to struggles I'm having. I find what I share with others reminds me to conscientiously apply these very principles in my life. I usually do.
I work a strong program, overcoming scars from my past.
"Acting like a victim is a choice, not a destiny." Hope For Today, p. 189However, when I'm vulnerable, it certainly helps being reminded of principles that move me forward.
You might want to take a look at my previous post. Here it is: Hope For Dark Times, Part III. I substantially re-worked it before posting this. I love the quote under the caption. Here it is:
“Laugh, even when you feel too sick or too worn out or tired.
Smile, even when you're trying not to cry and
Smile, even when you're trying not to cry and
the tears are blurring your vision.
Sing, even when people stare at you
Sing, even when people stare at you
and tell you your voice is crappy.
Trust, even when your heart begs you not to.
Twirl, even when your mind makes no sense of what you see.
Frolic, even when you are made fun of.
Twirl, even when your mind makes no sense of what you see.
Frolic, even when you are made fun of.
Kiss, even when others are watching.
Sleep, even when you're afraid of what the dreams might bring.
Run, even when it feels like you can't run any more.
And, always, remember, even when the memories pinch your heart.
Run, even when it feels like you can't run any more.
And, always, remember, even when the memories pinch your heart.
Because the pain of all your experience is what makes you the person you are now. And without your experience--- you are
an empty page, a blank notebook, a missing lyric. What makes you brave is your willingness to live through your terrible life
and hold your head up high the next day. So don't live life in
fear. Because you are stronger now, after all the crap has hap-
pened, than you ever were back before it started.”
― Alysha Speer
This is where I find myself.
I've been incubating, nestling within the womb of God's steady and loving presence. I'm pondering, seeking guidance as to how He wants me to respond to demanding circumstances. It's a good place to be, since I'm lacking the strength to deal with several challenges.
Life is not all about me and my decisions. I've taken a path where I've turned over my will and life to the God of my understanding. In recovery, this is Step Three. Another part of this journey is using prayer and meditation to improve my relationship with my Higher Power, God as I know Him. That's Step 11.
I pray only for knowledge of His will and the power to carry it out. That means I don't tell God what to do, expecting Him to answer my prayer requests the way I want things to eventuate. That would be asking him to perform my will, not His. He's not my spiritual bellboy. For more about that, click here. It's one of the most popular posts, listed on the sidebar to your right.
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"Keep praying, it'll come true. It may not be in the exact package you wanted but it'll be what God thinks is best for you."**********************************
How I respond during difficult times can either be a monument to my past pain or, by relying on strength gotten through hard, personal growth and my relationship with God, it can reflect the healing and grace I now know and enjoy. Yes, life isn't always easy. Who ever said it was?
"Peace comes not from the absence of conflict but by our ability to cope with it."Life is more breathable when I place healthy principles above the weak or fearful portions of my personality. Leaning on God's breast of gracious, non-condemning love and the safe people he's given me----the incarnational ambassadors of His love---provides me with a power greater than myself during dark and trying times.
The dawn of hope is hastened when I rely upon these means.
3. I'm glad that tomorrow I'll connect with friends, asking for support. I can't live this life alone. I don't get my healing in isolation. I'm thankful for what Drs. Cloud and Townsend say about our needs.
"Shake hands with your needs. Welcome them. They are God's way of extruding us into relationships with healthy others." Safe People.
4. I look forward to riding my bike early tomorrow. It will help remove cobwebs from my soul.
5. I enjoyed being available for a friend on Monday.
6. I'm thankful that I'm mindful that I need to not only think of the dramatic needs of others, but I want to pay attention to what's alive within me, be it good or bad. I live an emotionally healthier life when I notice my behavior, feelings and needs.
Without recovery, I'd be a fantastic, professional co-dependent----doing everything for others, neglecting my needs. You've heard the joke about the co-dependent who was on his death bed, right? As he lay dying, not his life, but the life of another passed before him. lol
I don't care to be sick with the disease of ignoring my needs.
7. I'm glad for those who love me. Their strength becomes mine, due to the braided relationship we share with each other.
"A three-fold cord is not quickly snapped." Ecclesiastes, chapter fourHow About You?
1. What challenges are you facing?
2. What provides you strength, in your time of need? I can always learn from you, and I do.
3. Can you share any principles that help you manage the demands of life?
4. What are your feelings after reading this post? I love it when we experience community here. It makes the work I do as the innkeeper worthwhile. :)
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6 comments:
Gratitudes for yesterday.
Seeing myself through my auntie's eyes. She sees such a wonderful person.
Having a caring roomate who took me to yoga to help keep my anxieties at bay.
Realizing that many of my accomplishments have happened in this past challenging year.
Gratitudes for Tues. 7-17-12
grateful that my car is still running.
grateful to have had enough strength to be in the presence of someone whose intensitity today was in need of more support than I could actually give.
grateful for a brief rain today which removed some of the dust, dirt and bird droppings from my car.
time to study - have a good day!
Vanessa,
Thank you, for sharing your gratitudes. I love it, when you do! With practice, it gets easier.
I appreciate your honesty, it is such a gift for this inn. I'm humbled when you are transparent like you are,here, with this post. You have my support and I'm sure the support of others who drop by here, too.
What a great exercise, seeing ourselves in the positive way that our loved ones view us!
Kudos to you! It helps our soul when we remember the treasures in our lives, including our accomplishments when we were severely tried or vulnerable.
I'm rooting in your corner. I have the pleated skirt on. I haven't shaved my legs yet. lol :>
I love it when you drop by! Wishing you a great and grateful Wednesday.
The guy from the Left Coast
Hello Aileen,
Thank you for your honesty. Did you do anything to release the tension you felt today, being with that intense person? I hope so.
I so appreciate your visits. You have my prayers. Wishing you the best with your studies!
Hello Pablo, Thank you for this post. While tired at the end of a long day, I felt compelled to contribute after reading.
Challenges; those near me who fret, worry, ponder drama and trauma that hasn't even happened yet, and obsess over outcomes they have no control or power over. I love the "Let go and let God!" slogan (for goodness sake!) But then, I need to step back, and let folks come to that on their own; mind my own business. I also love the expression; "Worrying is like praying for something bad to happen."
Sources of strength; My faith; principles I try to live by that give me hope for a better tomorrow, or even a better next hour.
My gratitudes for today;
Finding some new video's to send to The Innkeeper, which he can us as he wishes.
Home-made plum and apple pie my #4 son made tonight, that i can smell, and hear them all eating in the kitchen, while I pen this (something is calling to me, even though its way too late in the evening - 11PM, to be eating such decadent concoctions!)
Looking forward to cycling exercise, cool fresh bay breezes, quality time with a mentor over home-style Mexican food, and meaningful fellowship with kindred souls and fellow-travelers on this zig-zag, uphill/downhill journey that is life on this plane.
PIE, here I come!
Hello Innkeeper - what a refreshing and life-affirming post Part IV is! It inspired me to settle down tonight and share a comment about it.
One of my principle challenges is keeping my actions on the same pace as my promises (Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak...). I am grateful for my incredible support network as they share with me, individually, their observations of how I operate in the world. They are brutally yet lovingly honest. Sometimes it is hard to hear. But when I let go and let God, I can see myself the way others do. I see there is LOTS of room for improvement. I am thankful for this realization and am inspired to improve the connection between what I promise and what I do. The follow up is crucial for a balanced recovery from an early life of emotional scarring.
During an earlier comment I had committed to visiting and commenting here at the Inn three times per week - my intention was good but we all know where a good intention can lead! My follow up is intermittent at best - but I do strive to achieve the pace I targeted. Progress not perfection is one of the sayings - I am thankful for that slogan as it keeps me from beating myself up (before someone else does it!) and propels me forward into principle above personality. Right now my personality has an upper hand - I am grateful I have the energy to continue to focus on a treasured balance.
Thank you Innkeeper for Hope and Strength for Dark Times, Part IV. I'm prepared for Part V! Lowry
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