Heart Choices: 2014-04-06 -->

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Brokenness Can Lead to Blessing


Broken can be the best place to be.  I would never have written those words several years ago. But after going through incredible life changing experiences, I'm at a point in my life when I can acknowledge this fact.

I don't want to stay broken. But it's the place where I got out of the way and allowed God to work in me and through me to ...impact others.

I'm fairly competent in myself. After all, I am blessed with good health, a good mind and a desire to work hard.  I prided myself on the fact that I took care of my health through regular exercise and I choose what I ate wisely. I kept my weight steady. I love to read and can sit for hours devouring great books.  I worked as a cardiovascular nurse specialist for 25 years.  I love people.  I love children but was unable to have my own.  I loved creating a nurturing home environment.



I lived in the house of my dreams for 12 years. I spent months with a designer as we picked out every fabric and piece of furniture. I volunteered two days a week teaching little children in a national Bible study organization. I served on the Leadership team for my church as we planned and organized a yearly women's conference bringing in speakers like Lysa TerKeurst, Beth Moore, Liz Curtis Higgs and Jennifer Rothschild. I enjoyed my friends and going to lunch. I loved frequent visits back east to visit my family. I loved taking vacations in Europe. 


But life happens and not always as I planned.  My circumstances changed drastically in 2010.  Suddenly, I had to return to work.  We had to move.  It was survival and no longer self actualization.  I began to indulge a bit more in sweets. I didn't have easy access to a treadmill.  I became depressed and felt shock and denial.  What was I doing wrong? Why was this happening?  I had appreciated all I had and not taken it for granted. So why was it all gone?  What was I to do now?

I had reached the end of myself. I felt broken. Living far from familiar surroundings with little hope of recovery, I turned to the One I always told others to turn.  To Jesus.  He is my hope and source of love and encouragement. But I continued to try to understand the why of it all. I prayed and asked the Lord to show me. Was I doing something wrong?  I prayed that He would reveal that to me but no answer ...

I realized we can't always choose our circumstances but we can choose our response to those circumstances.


Fast forward to today; 2014.  I'm not living in my dream home but I am living several miles from my former neighborhood. I'm creating a nurturing environment in a much smaller place. I have a job working with preschool children. I realize that the Lord answered my heart's desire for children in a way I wouldn't have anticipated. I get to love them and teach them and then send them home to mommy and daddy.


I'm exercising once again on my treadmill each morning and starting to lose the extra pounds I gained during this difficult time. My husband discovered the main cause of our upheaval and now he's starting another company.  Such is life with an entrepreneur!

These Scriptures have become so real to me through my journey.

Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV):
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

God is so good.  God is so faithful. He's taught me that material possessions can be easily taken away. I'm learning to be content in all circumstances. Counting my every day blessings has been so helpful for me to focus on what's good and right in my life. My eyes have been opened to life in a new way and ...I have joy in my heart. He's showing me the plans He has for my life and they are good.

I'm linking up with Bonnie of Faith Faith Barista for this Faith Jam Thursday as we lead up to Easter.


Blessings and love,


QuickEdit

Beautiful Weather Blessings


When you choose to live a thankful life, you begin to notice many blessings all around. I've found this to be so true in my life.  I pray that God will continue to give me eyes to see.

I'm enjoying the beautiful weather in Phoenix. Sunny and in the 70's is my kind of weather.  Soon enough it will be triple digits so I'm taking advantage of this season and getting outside.

I was able to take a walk to the semi-annual parking lot sale that is close to where I live. So many vendors displayed their goods including vintage, antiques and lots more. I always enjoy looking and getting out in the fresh air.
One of the vendors just happens to be my next door neighbor Caroline. She specializes in vintage and everything Marilyn Monroe.  She is always a welcome sight with her sweet smile.
It was perfect weather for our school's annual Spring Show. The children have been practicing for many weeks and they did a fabulous job with their song "Walk Don't Run in the Hallway".  We were so proud of them.

They looked so cute with their beanie hats that were spinning on top with the wind. It was such a fun day to see so many children with their parents and other relatives.

#1058 Simply beautiful weather
#1059 Starting to lose weight
#1060 Enjoying the feeling of walking easily
#1061 Having the gift of a Christian neighbor
#1062 A fabulous spring show
#1063 Seeing the smiles on the children's faces
#1064 Crowds of families having fun
#1065 A wonderful sermon at my church
#1066 Remembering that God is so faithful
#1067 Singing some hymns in preparation for Easter

I'm linking up with Charlotte for Spiritual Sundays.
Spiritual Sundays

I'm also linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays.




Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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