It's All Good ...

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Don't You Care?

"Lord, don't you care?"

Martha said it...  when all the demands started to make her feel overwhelmed. The long to-do list of running a household, taking care of her family, entertaining guests.   "But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10.40)

The disciples said it... when the storm felt too big, too strong, and they feared they would be overtaken. "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?'" (Mark 4.37-38)

And most of us at some point or another have probably said it.  When all the demands press down on us. When the storm raged around us.  When we feel buried under our worries.  Leaving us overwhelmed, tired, confused.

"Lord, don't you care?"

photo - publicdomainpictures.net

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5.7)

Yes, He cares.

Even when you feel lost and alone.  He's there. When it feels hopeless. He's working it out for good.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8.28)

Take your eyes off the circumstances.  Stop focusing on the many things. Stay focused on the One thing that matters.  The One who can quiet the storms.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups
 The Dwelling Tree: Let's Be Friends
Cornerstone Confessions: Titus 2 Tuesday
Rich Faith Rising: Unite!
Growing Home: Growing Homemakers
Yesterfood: Treasure Box Tuesday
 Juana Mickels: Wednesday's Prayer Girls
WholeHearted Home: Wholehearted Wednesdays Linkup
We Are THAT Family: Works For Me Wednesdays
Woman to Woman: Word-filled Wednesday
A Little R & R: A Little R&R Wednesdays
Joy Dare Blog: Capture Your Journey Link Up 
My Daily Walk in His Grace: Winsome Wednesday 
So Much at Home Linkup Party 
Holley Gerth: Coffee for Your Heart 
Adorned From Above: Wednesday Link Party
Mom's Morning Coffee: Coffee & Conversation 

So Much More

God doesn't mean for me to just exist.  Not merely to survive.

He promises that he can give me more than I can ever dream or imagine.  (Ephesians 3:20)

I want to thrive.  I want to soak up every good thing God has for me.  

I want to drink His Living Water until I am full to bursting and then to pour it back out for others. 

I want to not just hope for good things, but to expect them.  To live knowing for a fact that they are right around the corner and heading this way.  

To live each moment as if it is the best it can possible be and as if the next will be even better.  

To stop expecting disappointment or struggles, but to grab onto God's promise that all things will be worked for good and claim it as my own. (Romans 8:28)

To thrive.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Juana Mickels: Wednesday's Prayer Girls

WholeHearted Home: Wholehearted Wednesdays Linkup
We Are THAT Family: Works For Me Wednesdays
Woman to Woman: Word-filled Wednesday
A Little R & R: A Little R&R Wednesdays
Joy Dare Blog: Capture Your Journey Link Up 
My Daily Walk in His Grace: Winsome Wednesday 
So Much at Home Linkup Party 
Holley Gerth: Coffee for Your Heart 
Adorned From Above: Wednesday Link Party
Mom's Morning Coffee: Coffee & Conversation 

Jonah Beyond The Whale (repost)

This week I am linking up with SheReadsTruthcom for #SheSharesTruth. 

Every Monday during Lent, SheReadsTruth assigns a portion of Scripture to study and write about. Friday is the day we share what we’ve learned by writing in our own spaces and linking to that here. This weeks assignment was: 

Jonah 3 & 4.  

 Jonah Beyond The Whale was originally posted to My Really Real Reality on November 14, 2012. But I felt it was worth sharing again as it reflected my thoughts and feelings about these chapters.

Most of us know the story of Jonah.  The fellow God calls to "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me"(Jonah 1:2).  But Jonah doesn't feel up to the task God has placed before him, and runs away.  What does this act of disobedience earn him?  Three days in the stomach of a whale!  That's what!

But the story doesn't end there.

After three days of prayer, and after having been vomited up by a big ol' fish, Jonah follows God's command and heads to Nineveh to let them know they have stirred the wrath of God and will be destroyed in 40 days.  The king dresses himself in sackcloth, sits in the dust, and orders the entire city to do the same and to fast. God sees how they have turned from their evil ways and has compassion upon them.

And what does Jonah do at that point?  Does he give thanks to God for his mercy on Nineveh?  Nope!  He got his old Testament panties all up in a twist, went out into the desert and had a good ol' pout about all of it.

publicdomainpictures.net

Isn't that what so many of us do when God doesn't do exactly what we wanted or expected of him?  We pout.  We complain.  We get angry at God.  We separate ourselves from Him and place ourselves into a spiritual desert.  All the while blaming Him for what is our reaction.

God doesn't deny us things to disappoint us.  If he doesn't give us what we wanted or do what we expected it is because while we only see what is in front of us at the time - He sees the bigger picture.  He has a plan for all eternity which we can't begin to understand.

Scripture tells us in Romans 8:28 that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 

Did you catch that?  "In all things"  Not just in some things.  Not just in the things we want.  All things.  Even in our disappointments.  Even when it's not what we expected.  It's still for our good. 

I don't want to be Jonah.  Not in the whale after trying to run and hide.  Not in the desert under the worm eaten vine exposed to the scorching sun and wind. I want to be the one to "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)  The one who has learned "be content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:12)


**many MANY thanks to Falen at Upward Not Inward whose Jonah post got me thinking about all of this in the first place and originally inspired this post**
 

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Reality Rewind: I Could Be Happy If...

Revisiting a favorite post from my past... Enjoy!

I COULD BE HAPPY IF...

We've all heard that old saying about how money can't buy happiness.  And we know that's not entirely true, is it?  After all, money may not buy happiness - but it buys stuff.  And stuff makes us happy, right?

On the surface there is nothing wrong with wanting things.  We've all been there.  I've been there.    I want things.  New things. Pretty things.  Shiny things.

Here's the problem:  Happiness from stuff is temporary. 

You're happy for a short time with your shiny new thing.  And then you start craving and aching for that next, newer, better thing. It's a never ending chase.  A constant cycle of ups and downs.  Always seeking what you believe will bring happiness, only to soon feel empty and need something else to fill the void.

For some people it's not only things.  It's a belief that if circumstances were different, they could finally be happy.  A better job.  Moving to a different home/city/state.  Having a boy/girlfriend, finding a spouse, or getting a divorce.  Having a child.  Losing weight. 

And what happens if we don't get that item or circumstances we believe will bring us joy? We find ourselves feeling angry, resentful, frustrated, and lost.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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." ~ Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)

Paul had  "learned the secret".  True happiness isn't found in stuff.  Or based on the circumstances we are in.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Real, lasting happiness comes in knowing the grace and glory of God and accepting all the treasures and gifts He has in store for those willing to accept it. 

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18

Not to say that as Christ followers we don't know sadness, difficulties, or times of trouble.  But during those times there is a faithful, eternal, loving God watching over us, comforting us, and ready to bring us back to a place of joy and happiness.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)

God wants good things for us.  He wants us to know joy.  He wants our happiness.  We just have to place our trust in him.  And look to Him for our joy.  Once we manage to start doing that, we will find an even deeper happiness in the things, people and circumstances in our life.


Originally posted on October 17, 2012: http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com/2012/10/i-could-be-happy-if.html

Outside My Comfort Zone

Insecurity.

Self doubt.

I don't like to fail.  You could probably say I have a "fear of failure".  In fact, I try to avoid it when ever possible.  To the point that if I think I might fail at something, I either a) give it up quickly or b) never try to begin with.

I have thought "Oh, I could never do that!" about so many things in my life.

Staying safely tucked into my comfort zone.  Making excuses.

"I could never do that!" 

But scripture tells us: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ~ Philippians 4:13

What's the old saying?  About how if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it?

If God calls me to do something - I can do it!  He gives me the strength of Christ to help me through anything he sets before me. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28

God never sets us up for failure!  I need to stop doubting myself.  And start trusting God.

Jonah Beyond The Whale

Most of us know the story of Jonah.  The fellow God calls to "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me"(Jonah 1:2).  But Jonah doesn't feel up to the task God has placed before him, and runs away.  What does this act of disobedience earn him?  Three days in the stomach of a whale!  That's what!

But the story doesn't end there.

After three days of prayer, and after having been vomited up by a big ol' fish, Jonah follows God's command and heads to Nineveh to let them know they have stirred the wrath of God and will be destroyed in 40 days.  The king dresses himself in sackcloth, sits in the dust, and orders the entire city to do the same and to fast. God sees how they have turned from their evil ways and has compassion upon them.

And what does Jonah do at that point?  Does he give thanks to God for his mercy on Nineveh?  Nope!  He got his old testament panties all up in a twist, went out into the desert and had a good ol' pout about all of it.

Isn't that what so many of us do when God doesn't do exactly what we wanted or expected of him?  We pout.  We complain.  We get angry at God.  We separate ourselves from Him and place ourselves into a spiritual desert.  All the while blaming Him for what is our reaction.

God doesn't deny us things to disappoint us.  If he doesn't give us what we wanted or do what we expected it is because while we only see what is in front of us at the time - He sees the bigger picture.  He has a plan for all eternity which we can't begin to understand.

Scripture tells us in Romans 8:28 that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 

Did you catch that?  "In all things"  Not just in some things.  Not just in the things we want.  All things.  Even in our disappointments.  Even when it's not what we expected.  It's still for our good. 

I don't want to be Jonah.  Not in the whale after trying to run and hide.  Not in the desert under the worm eaten vine exposed to the scorching sun and wind.

I want to be the one to "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)  The one who has learned "be content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:12)

**many MANY thanks to Falen at Upward Not Inward whose Jonah post got me thinking about all of this in the first place and inspired this post**

I Could Be Happy If ...

We've all heard that old saying about how money can't buy happiness.  And we know that's not entirely true, is it?  After all, money may not buy happiness - but it buys stuff.  And stuff makes us happy, right?

On the surface there is nothing wrong with wanting things.  We've all been there.  I've been there.    I want things.  New things. Pretty things.  Shiny things.

Here's the problem:  Happiness from stuff is temporary. 

You're happy for a short time with your shiny new thing.  And then you start craving and aching for that next, newer, better thing. It's a never ending chase.  A constant cycle of ups and downs.  Always seeking what you believe will bring happiness, only to soon feel empty and need something else to fill the void.

For some people it's not only things.  It's a belief that if circumstances were different, they could finally be happy.  A better job.  Moving to a different home/city/state.  Having a boy/girlfriend, finding a spouse, or getting a divorce.  Having a child.  Losing weight. 

And what happens if we don't get that item or circumstances we believe will bring us joy? We find ourselves feeling angry, resentful, frustrated, and lost.


I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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." ~ Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)

Paul had  "learned the secret".  True happiness isn't found in stuff.  Or based on the circumstances we are in.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Real, lasting happiness comes in knowing the grace and glory of God and accepting all the treasures and gifts He has in store for those willing to accept it. 

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18

Not to say that as Christ followers we don't know sadness, difficulties, or times of trouble.  But during those times there is a faithful, eternal, loving God watching over us, comforting us, and ready to bring us back to a place of joy and happiness.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)


God wants good things for us.  He wants us to know joy.  He wants our happiness.  We just have to place our trust in him.  And look to Him for our joy.  Once we manage to start doing that, we will find an even deeper happiness in the things, people and circumstances in our life.