Lessons From These Months

Ever find yourself in the middle of a really tough period of life? The last few months have been that for me. There are many reasons ---- some you've read about here, others haven't been shared. Through it all, I am learning and re-learning many things. Here they are, in no particular order:

• When it seems like all hope is gone, God reveals a glimpse of Himself. Sometimes it's really small like a piece of glitter glistening in the light. Other times it hits you like a full moon on a cloudless night.
• We are not equipped to walk through hard times on our own. We will not make it and need not fool ourselves into thinking we will.
• It's okay to admit how you're really feeling to yourself and others.
• A good friend is a rare treasure.
• Past hurts damage our ability to trust again.
• I will not and should not listen to every voice that speaks. (Okay, that sounds like I'm hearing voices but what I mean is that everything some people say to you is not necessarily good or right. It may only be their misguided opinion or agenda and does not have validity.)
• Family should be treasured and not get leftovers. (I'm not talking about food here.)
• Traveling thousands of miles in the car with people is a great way to get to know them.
• I am so thankful for the fact that I get to be involved in every stage of life with people in ministry. It really is a gift.
• Walking for exercise is not only good for the body but what it does for the mind is even better.
• I love chocolate milkshakes. (Don't you love my train of thought here?)
• Three thanksgiving dinners is much better than only one or two.
• I love reading God's Word and hearing it speak to my heart. There have been so many verses over these months that I could have written. The promises such as Psalm 55:22 are so true: "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." (From the New Living Translation)
• God can still use weak, broken, hurting vessels.
• When we have nothing else to give, He steps in and fills us up. As painful as it is in that place, I know that's where He wants me to be --- totally and completely dependent on Him alone.
• I can trust Him completely, totally, without fear of failure or being disappointed.
• My stress and anxiety is self-induced.
• The King of Glory is in control and He's more than able. That means I don't have to worry about what if. I don't have to have a back-up plan. I don't have to try and figure out what I'll do in this situation or that.
• I simply must continue to trust Him, keep walking in faith, and be faithful to the call he has given me as husband, father, friend, pastor, son, mentor, etc......
• God brought me a true friend when I really needed it. I thank Him for that.
• I will boast in the Lord for He alone is worthy. So Gloria a Dios!