Saturday, August 13, 2011
Seeing Clearly
August 13, 2011
Thought for the day – THE SERENITY PRAYER – “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
I read The Glass Castle at the recommendation of my sister. It was powerful and moving and familiar, fortunately not to the extremes in the book. I have talked so much of the “NONREALTY” in my life before separation and divorce and how I couldn’t live it any more. It made me realize the majority of my father’s life has been that lived by that concept…”someday I will build that glass castle or someday things will be better.” It reaffirmed to me that I couldn’t wait for my husband of 21 years to change, he didn’t want to do so, so I had to…for me and my sons…for our emotional, financial and family future.
The book was a great portrayal of how alcoholics perceive their lives (through the glass castle that will never be) and what family members do to either cope or break free from that way of life. Some spouses or other family members choose to live or stay in the insanity and keep their relationships with the alcoholic no matter what the cost. Some don’t. I believe that is why not only does Alcoholics Anonymous teach alcoholics to live by the Serenity Prayer, but Alanon also teaches others the same concept. We as the family members of the alcoholics – have to decide what is best for us. Do we have the courage to change what is within our power? Do we have the strength to face reality at all costs and move on? The alcoholics live their lives for themselves first…why shouldn’t we? I understand it is a personal choice and should be and what is right for one person may not be for another.
I know now that all I have gone through in my entire life related to alcoholism, generations of it, I couldn’t hold out for the glass castle, I had to see clearly and rebuild myself and my life with something REAL…keep working hard to raise my sons as responsibly as I can. My reality is in my trust in God and in my faith, family and friends and the future of my sons.
Dear God, I continue to pray for my Dad, my brother, and the man I loved for nearly 25 years. I pray for all my family who has had to cope with alcoholism in their lifetime. I pray the generation of my sons can see beyond the glass castle and build strong lives of REALITY.
“You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy.” –Psalm 16:11
Friday, April 8, 2011
Happiness
April 8, 2011
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY –
“I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love.” Colossians 2:2.
I can’t even count the number of sad and tearful days I have had over the past few years. But I have made it because I put my faith where it belonged – IN GOD. I am a stronger person now for myself and my children because I trusted Him and because my faith, family and friends remain my greatest blessings. I kept praying to God that I would find happiness again one day and am amazed that it is exactly two years to the month of such a dark time in my life. What I didn’t realize is that God knew all along when I would be ready and He led me in the right direction and then guided someone toward me. I should have known God had my back!
Since early March, I have had steadfast joy in my step, a smile on my face, and hope in my heart. I have loved the “happiness anchored in my soul” and the excitement of all things that come in a NEW relationship with someone special. The true gift is all we find so similar in our daily lives...
Our sincere love for our kids…the high priority they have for each of us.
We are anxious to share them with one other when the timing is right.
Working hard…yet the freedom of an evening “all our own.”
Joy because our hearts, both hurt deeply, are now encouraged.
We look forward to seeing one another whenever our busy lives allow.
We long for togetherness and can’t help but dream of love?
We make each other laugh and especially smile…OFTEN.
We are savoring this time that God planned for US and knows we deserve.
Finding joy in living His plan for us for now…today…
simply – to make each other happy!
Hebrews 6:19
“We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.”
Dear God, I hold You in my highest regard. Thank you for Your AMAZING love and guidance, for my joy, and my sorrow, and the strength I gained. Thanks for helping me find my way back to happiness and hope. I will keep my trust in You every day of my life which is the greatest gift of all. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY –
“I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love.” Colossians 2:2.
I can’t even count the number of sad and tearful days I have had over the past few years. But I have made it because I put my faith where it belonged – IN GOD. I am a stronger person now for myself and my children because I trusted Him and because my faith, family and friends remain my greatest blessings. I kept praying to God that I would find happiness again one day and am amazed that it is exactly two years to the month of such a dark time in my life. What I didn’t realize is that God knew all along when I would be ready and He led me in the right direction and then guided someone toward me. I should have known God had my back!
Since early March, I have had steadfast joy in my step, a smile on my face, and hope in my heart. I have loved the “happiness anchored in my soul” and the excitement of all things that come in a NEW relationship with someone special. The true gift is all we find so similar in our daily lives...
Our sincere love for our kids…the high priority they have for each of us.
We are anxious to share them with one other when the timing is right.
Working hard…yet the freedom of an evening “all our own.”
Joy because our hearts, both hurt deeply, are now encouraged.
We look forward to seeing one another whenever our busy lives allow.
We long for togetherness and can’t help but dream of love?
We make each other laugh and especially smile…OFTEN.
We are savoring this time that God planned for US and knows we deserve.
Finding joy in living His plan for us for now…today…
simply – to make each other happy!
Hebrews 6:19
“We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.”
Dear God, I hold You in my highest regard. Thank you for Your AMAZING love and guidance, for my joy, and my sorrow, and the strength I gained. Thanks for helping me find my way back to happiness and hope. I will keep my trust in You every day of my life which is the greatest gift of all. Amen
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Power of the Tower
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY – Remember the power in the name of the Lord.
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Some days even though there are constantly people around me and my life is quite busy, I often feel so alone. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for my family, friends, my home and my job, but it doesn’t mean I always feel protected or strong. It doesn’t mean that I always know how to handle things well or which direction to run, or what tower of strength is best to lean on. When a marriage ends, loneliness is bound to set in, even so deep with my heart, it’s painful. But other days, the good Lord and his safety net, allow me that tower where I can hope for new love in my heart. Until then and always, it is a blessing to know I have the LORD protecting me, providing strength and safety, somewhere to turn.
Dear God, I love to think of you and your name as a tower of strength, providing a place for me to go whenever I need to feel safe. Keep your net wide across the mighty world, continue to keep my heart safe and continue to free it from loneliness. Amen
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Some days even though there are constantly people around me and my life is quite busy, I often feel so alone. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for my family, friends, my home and my job, but it doesn’t mean I always feel protected or strong. It doesn’t mean that I always know how to handle things well or which direction to run, or what tower of strength is best to lean on. When a marriage ends, loneliness is bound to set in, even so deep with my heart, it’s painful. But other days, the good Lord and his safety net, allow me that tower where I can hope for new love in my heart. Until then and always, it is a blessing to know I have the LORD protecting me, providing strength and safety, somewhere to turn.
Dear God, I love to think of you and your name as a tower of strength, providing a place for me to go whenever I need to feel safe. Keep your net wide across the mighty world, continue to keep my heart safe and continue to free it from loneliness. Amen
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Living in Peace
“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard against your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Thought for the day – Sometimes you have to go deep within yourself and open your heart to God to gain serenity.
I always thought The Serenity Prayer was for alcoholics but once I studied it, I learned it had meaning for me too and it truly helped bring me peace during my separation and divorce. Accepting what I couldn’t change in my marriage opened my heart to so much: reality, loss, fear and many changes. But the peace God granted me by doing so was well worth it all. While He guarded my heart and mind, I could gain the courage needed to keep moving forward through all of the difficult changes. I admit having the wisdom to know difference in what you can or cannot change is sometimes the hardest part. Especially because knowing the difference, may mean you may have to let something go to live in peace.
Dear God, Thank you for the peace you have given me, it did surpass my understanding, and I do feel so protected ever since I realized what I had to accept in my life.
Thought for the day – Sometimes you have to go deep within yourself and open your heart to God to gain serenity.
I always thought The Serenity Prayer was for alcoholics but once I studied it, I learned it had meaning for me too and it truly helped bring me peace during my separation and divorce. Accepting what I couldn’t change in my marriage opened my heart to so much: reality, loss, fear and many changes. But the peace God granted me by doing so was well worth it all. While He guarded my heart and mind, I could gain the courage needed to keep moving forward through all of the difficult changes. I admit having the wisdom to know difference in what you can or cannot change is sometimes the hardest part. Especially because knowing the difference, may mean you may have to let something go to live in peace.
Dear God, Thank you for the peace you have given me, it did surpass my understanding, and I do feel so protected ever since I realized what I had to accept in my life.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Living Courageously
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY – Trust God.
A friend recently passed on a great story of how he went on mission trip and saw young kids at an orphanage with barely anything reciting by memory this verse. Here they were living it out…trusting God. My friend thinks I have lived it too, through my separation and divorce. It’s hard to not get discouraged, but trusting God is a way to gain strength and keep battling. Sometimes just realizing you are better off than others gives you that added boost. I gained strength following the story of a courageous mother battling pancreatic cancer the same months as my darkest days. It helped me realize that even with all I was losing, I still had so much to be thankful for. She amazingly lived by these same two words, trust God. I was so sad when she passed away last fall that I wrote to her family. And even with all the heartache they had endured, her mother wrote me back a note of encouragement and appreciation.
Dear God, Thank you for putting these reminders in our daily lives that help us see, even though we are afraid, all we have to do is trust YOU! It’s obvious these angels (my friend and those less fortunate children, a dying woman and her thoughtful mother) give us courage and are working to bring us assurance that You are with us wherever we go.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY – Trust God.
A friend recently passed on a great story of how he went on mission trip and saw young kids at an orphanage with barely anything reciting by memory this verse. Here they were living it out…trusting God. My friend thinks I have lived it too, through my separation and divorce. It’s hard to not get discouraged, but trusting God is a way to gain strength and keep battling. Sometimes just realizing you are better off than others gives you that added boost. I gained strength following the story of a courageous mother battling pancreatic cancer the same months as my darkest days. It helped me realize that even with all I was losing, I still had so much to be thankful for. She amazingly lived by these same two words, trust God. I was so sad when she passed away last fall that I wrote to her family. And even with all the heartache they had endured, her mother wrote me back a note of encouragement and appreciation.
Dear God, Thank you for putting these reminders in our daily lives that help us see, even though we are afraid, all we have to do is trust YOU! It’s obvious these angels (my friend and those less fortunate children, a dying woman and her thoughtful mother) give us courage and are working to bring us assurance that You are with us wherever we go.
Living by Example
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want, He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 (Read on in verses 4-6).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY – In order to live in happiness, always be true to yourself.
Why is it so hard for some people to just do the “right thing?” I am trying the make the best life I can for myself and my sons. That is one of the biggest reasons I stood up to all the irresponsibility from alcoholism in my marriage and moved forward with separation and divorce. How could our sons learn by example when their parents were pretending everything was fine but they had truly lost their way in their marriage, in their financial situation, and in their role to responsibly raise a family? I just wanted a “manageable” life. It is what I need to teach my sons – how to live responsibly or in a way they can manage. That’s actually how I need to live in order to be happy and the best person I can be. I don’t miss tossing and turning at night wondering when my husband will be home, how we will pay the months’ bills, or how I will have the energy to keep pretending everything will be OK. I still find myself begging my ex to live more responsibly for himself, our kids, and me but I still doubt him seeing any of it as being the right thing to do, which saddens me.
Dear God, thank you for helping me find my way back to a more manageable life, one where I can be my true self. I feel more responsible and happier working to restore my soul and living by the example I would want my kids to follow. Please help us all to live righteously in truth and happiness.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY – In order to live in happiness, always be true to yourself.
Why is it so hard for some people to just do the “right thing?” I am trying the make the best life I can for myself and my sons. That is one of the biggest reasons I stood up to all the irresponsibility from alcoholism in my marriage and moved forward with separation and divorce. How could our sons learn by example when their parents were pretending everything was fine but they had truly lost their way in their marriage, in their financial situation, and in their role to responsibly raise a family? I just wanted a “manageable” life. It is what I need to teach my sons – how to live responsibly or in a way they can manage. That’s actually how I need to live in order to be happy and the best person I can be. I don’t miss tossing and turning at night wondering when my husband will be home, how we will pay the months’ bills, or how I will have the energy to keep pretending everything will be OK. I still find myself begging my ex to live more responsibly for himself, our kids, and me but I still doubt him seeing any of it as being the right thing to do, which saddens me.
Dear God, thank you for helping me find my way back to a more manageable life, one where I can be my true self. I feel more responsible and happier working to restore my soul and living by the example I would want my kids to follow. Please help us all to live righteously in truth and happiness.
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