Stuggling with the Brick Wall

I try to keep my blog upbeat.  I try to focus on all the things I have to be grateful for in my life.  I try to be positive.  I don't want to drag everyone down by being one of those blogs that's a big ol' whine-fest of things that bother me.  Full of negativity.

But can I be really, really real with y'all for a minute?  Cause, truth is - right now I am struggling a little bit.

I have been working on certain projects in my life. (namely my Etsy shop and my writing)  Things I was sure were part of God's plan for me.  A place where He had brought me.   But recently, I have had new things tossed on to my plate which complicate the process of trying to do what I am doing.  I find myself feeling as if I running into a brick wall over and over again.

photo: publicdomainpictures.net

It seems as though at every turn all I am getting is frustration and disappointments.

This leaves me wondering about the path I am on - which I was sure was God's plan - is right. Are the challenges I am facing the enemy trying to distract me from my goals, or is this God correcting some missteps?

I've prayed about it.  I've cried over it. I have vented to the Man of the House about it.   And (I'm not proud to admit this - it wasn't my finest moment) I've even had some very angry words with God about it. 

And still no answers.  Still I struggle. Still I cry. 

Still I pray.

I haven't given up on my dreams yet.  Although there was one day very recently when I was ready to just pack it up, label it "failed experiment", and move on. Burn my bridges behind me.  But, I didn't.  I couldn't. 

I held on, braced myself, and started forward again.  

It's not easy.

I try to stay focused on the positives.  The silver linings.  The glimmers of hope.

photo: publicdomainpictures.net

Waiting to find the opening in the wall. Or a ladder.

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

Weary

Friends, the past few days have been some real doozies.   There has been parent-child squabbles, family drama, a painful infected tooth, an allergic rash, etc.  All those things, one after another, start  to make your soul feel weary. 

The enemy always knows when we are weak.  When we are feeling tired.  Or when our hormones are raging away.  He knows where the cracks are, and he will use them as a finger hold to grab on and start pick, pick, picking at your soul. Dropping seeds of self doubt.  Telling you that the burden is too heavy and that you are not enough for all of this.

It's these times when I know I need to get deep into God's word more than ever.  The only thing that can drown out all the lies being whispered into my soul are the solid walls of Truth. 

"for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13

The day to day frustrations and trials are going to happen.  They are temporary.  And I don't have to go through them alone.