Our Family....

My Boys And I.....

It's Been A While....

It's been a while since my last post. I heard something on the radio yesterday, from one of the "morning crew", on the christian radio station that I listen to. He blogs also. But he said that he doesn't blog near as often as he'd like, becuase he wants his posts to be PERFECT, and if he doesn't have the time to write, what he finds to be a perfect post, than he'd rather not write at all that day. He said that he had recently learned that not every post has to be fully researched, and competely perfect. I suffer from exactly the same thoughts! So from now on, I am going to write when I want to write. There are so many times that I feel I have something important to say, but think I don't have the time to get it out into writing, perfectly. Today that changes! Expect some imperfect posts, but consistant posts! Love and Blessings to all! XOXO

Let Us Not Become Weary In Doing Good...

We go through many "seasons", or phases, in our lives. It would be nice if we didn't have to go through the tough ones, but the tough seasons in our lives are what allow us to grow... As a person, and in our relationship with God. Those tough times are when we learn very valuable lessons. We learn to pray, and we learn that God answers our prayers. We learn to put all of our trust in God, put all our problems and worries in His hands, and learn to have faith that He will get us through them, that He can, and will, work miracles. "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3
We learn that when all seems hopeless, and it seems everyone, and everything is working against us, that God will rescue us. We can't learn these things unless we face hard times, learn to lean on God, and watch Him work in our lives.
What is important to know, is that there ARE things that WE need to do also. We need to remain faithful to God, have a close relationship with Him, pray, read our Bible, and stay true to things it says. We have to remain obedient to God. Basically, we do our part, our very best, and He will pick up there, and do the rest.
Seem like lots of work, changes in your life, and a step of faith? Well, it is! But the rewards you will reap are amazing! "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." Nahum 1:7 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. You may grow tired and weary, and stumble and fall. But for those who trust in the Lord, He will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:29-31
We all go through hard times in our lives, difficult seasons that seem like they are never, ever going to change. But if we are living our life obedient and faithful to God, and doing our part, by staying strong and positive through it all, we can have complete faith, that God WILL turn it around. We also have to have patience. God doesn't change a situation, or move us into our new season in OUR timing - He does it in his perfect timing. We may grow weary, and think it is never going to happen, that things are never going to turn around and get better. But you have no idea of God's plans. Stay strong, faithful, and patient, and you never know... Your breakthrough could be right around the corner! Don't give up! If you do you will miss out on all the blessings and wonderful plans that God has in store for you. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a great harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
The most difficult seasons of my life, have become the most important and most pivotal times in my life. These times taught me so many valuable lessons. They taught me to give every problem or fear over to God, and that He CAN and WILL handle it all, and will keep me safe, and care for all my needs. Now, when troubling times come, I can look back at all He has brought me through, and know, without a doubt, that if He brought me through it THEN... He will bring me through it this time too, and every time after that. "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you, He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8
Don't give up during your difficult seasons, or you will miss out on the beautiful season to come.
"Happiness keeps you SWEET. Trials keep you STRONG. Failures keep you HUMBLE. Success keeps you GROWING. But only God keeps you GOING."
Keep your eyes on God, trust in Him, and wait, with patience, and see all that He has in store for your life! XOXO!

Thoughts On Turning 30....

Turning 30...
Wow... How in the world am I 30 already! Time sure does fly! I would be okay with the big 30, except for the fact that I am not at all in the place in my life that I thought I would be in at 30... If someone would have told me when I was 25, a housewife, with a nearly perfect marriage, and four beautiful little boys, that I would go into my 30's a single momma, with my marriage of 10 years having failed, and I would be working towards starting a career, and would be supporting my family, on my own.... I would have laughed, and said they were CRAZY! But this is how I find myself at 30... Which is what made turning 30 pretty hard.
Of course, that's on the outside... On the inside, I have learned a lot in my 30 years, and through the mistakes of the past, a failed marriage, etc. I have grown into a strong, confident, wise, stronger woman of God. I have successfully managed to provide for myself and the boys on my own. I have a great job, and will soon have my Certified Nursing Assistant license. I have learned that I don't need a man in my life to be happy. That was a BIG lesson that I had to learn! I learned that you have to create your own happiness, within yourself, not rely on someone else to make you happy. That leads to getting let down - big time. Never count on someone else to provide your happiness, let your happiness come from within you, and the happiness and peace that God gives.
I have learned so much through the mistakes I have made. I have definitely used them as learning experiences, and used them to make lots of changes in my life, and within myself. I have become very confident in my strengths and abilities, and confident within myself. I have learned to fully trust God, in EVERYTHING. He has never let me down! My mistakes, and learning through each and every one of them, have made me a better christian, a better mother, and a better person.
I am definitely not where I thought I would be at 30... But I also know that God has great plans in store for this new phase in my life, and I am working very hard to accomplish all the goals that I have set for myself. And with God's help, I WILL accomplish them ALL!
So... here's to turning 30, and becoming a new and improved ME! :) XOXO!

Mother's Day....

OK, so I'm a little late on the Mother's Day post! That goes to show ya how much free time a momma has!
Mother's Day.... Well, being a single momma, gone are the days of sleeping in, and daddy taking over all of the responsibility for the day! I got woken up at 6am to, "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy! Oh... mommy, I peed in my bed...." Nice....!
I made the boys pancakes, and refereed some fights. Than I took a shower in record time, because of banging and crying at my door! I got us all packed up, to go to Tampa, to spend the rest of the day with MY MOMMA, and made the drive, which was mostly peaceful! My time with my mom was SO GREAT. We had an amazing day, precious time together as a family, and the kids behaved very well. They all made me and their Mimi, (my mom), sweet cards and letters. One of the boys, my 8 year old, wrote a letter that said, "I love you so much, with my Godly heart", it was so precious!
In all of the responsibility, crying, fighting, etc., we sometimes forget how blessed we are to be a mother. We have had these precious lives placed in our hands, to teach, mold, guide, care for, and give unconditional love to. Each and every moment with our children, is a precious gift. Sometimes, especially as single mothers (or single fathers), we get so caught up in the everyday "grind", that we don't take the time to stop, and just ENJOY our children... Enjoy being a parent. "Hurry up and eat your dinner..." "Come on, get in the bath... No I said get in the bath now!" "Let's go... bedtime..." "You didn't do your HOMEWORK! Get over here, and get it done, it's BEDTIME!" (At my house, we have from 5:30, which is when we get home from work/daycare, til 7:00, which is bedtime. Not a lot of time there!) We need to make sure that with all the responsibility, and for single parents, lack of time at night, etc., that we take the time to have some fun, and enjoy the precious moments with our children, even if just for 15 minutes a night. Have a little fun, or quality time. Plan something special each weekend. Enjoy this precious time, which passes way to fast. We won't have these young years with them forever... Cherish each and every second. ENJOY being a mom... Enjoy your children, even in the stressful or trying times.
I love my boys so much. I am so blessed to be their mother. I feel so honored that God trusted ME, with these precious lives. I work hard, everyday, to do my very best as a mother to them, and as a person, to be a good example for them to follow. My boys are my most precious gift...
On another subject, it had been way too long since I had seen my mother, before Mother's Day. Life moves fast, there is so much going on to keep up with... the kids, work, and running a household on my own. But always make sure you take time out of your schedule, no matter what, to spend time with your loved ones.
I love you, my precious baby boys. Thank you for always trying your best, loving God, and being the best sons a mother could ever ask for. To my momma... I love you, my wonderful mom. Thank you for always loving me, unconditionally, being an awesome mother, and an example to me of how a mother should love and cherish her children.
Happy (late) Mother's Day! XOXO

What You Put In, Is What You'll Get Out....

This subject is on a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves....
Is is wrong to watch that movie with questionable scenes in it? Is is wrong to listen to the music you listen to? Is it wrong to watch those reality shows on MTV, that you love? (OK... I was talking about myself there!! I love those shows!) Is it wrong to hang out with the friends that you do? How about drinking? Is it wrong to drink, and how much drinking is acceptable? Sex... We all know that sex before marriage is wrong, but what about other sexual things? Where do you draw the line on right and wrong?
These are questions that only you can answer for yourself, based on your convictions, and what these things produce in your life.
What I have come to learn, and this is only MY opinion, is that some of these things aren't wrong, in themselves... I don't believe that I'm going to hell, because I spend a lazy day on Saturday, watching reruns of the reality shows on MTV. But the question is, what do these things produce in your life? Do they bring you closer to God? Do they keep you encouraged, when you're having a hard day? Do they help you in making the right decisions? Some of these things, again, in my opinion, aren't necessarily sins, but they don't help you towards your goal, of staying on the path God has for you. What I mean by this is spending your free time in the Bible, in church, listening to church service CD's or christian music in the car, is putting good things in, that keep your focus on God. Than when you face a hard time, a decision you have to make, a temptation, you are already built up, and filled with the things of God, and can draw from the good, positive things you have put in. Having spent your drive to work listening to Lil Wayne (my temptation!), is not going to help you, when you all of the sudden are having a bad day at work! On the other hand, if you had spent that drive to work listening to your favorite pastor speak, you'll have the strength and peace of the word of God to draw from, when facing that hard day. Does that make sense?
Watching a movie with a question scene in it... How will putting that into your mind effect how you will handle the temptations of staying pure, sexually? Having friends that aren't christians, is not a sin... But the amount of time you spend around those that don't believe as you do, you're eventually going to fall into the place where you start to become numb to the characteristics of these friends, and start to maybe compromise your values, little by little. What you surround yourself with, is what you will eventually become.
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8
It's not "wrong" to listen to a song on the radio, or a show on TV, etc. But just watch out for what you put into your mind, on a constant, daily basis. Try to surround yourself with things that are good, and pure, and help you to stay positive, at peace, and strengthened, because life is hard. There is a constant fight going on, to bring you down, and keep you down. Filling yourself with the things of God will give you weapons to pull from, when fighting this fight. Just something to think about! XOXO!

So You've Made A Mistake.... What Next?

I have addressed the subject of mistakes earlier in my blog, but I wanted to come at it from a different angle this time...

Mistakes... We all make them. I have made many of them! When we make mistakes, we sometimes, or often, get into a "stuck" place. What I mean by this, is that we don't know what to do next, we feel guilty, we are upset we have made yet, another mistake. What usually happens, is that we seem to separate ourselves from God. We feel guilty, and know we have done something to disappoint Him, and so we kind of disconnect from God. Not turn away from him necessarily, just disconnect. Sometimes we just don't know what to do next... How to redeem ourselves. So we close ourselves off from God, maybe a little, maybe a lot.
From experience... It is really a lot simpler than we make it out to be. We never have to turn away from God. He loves us. Tune into Him, instead of tuning Him out. Realize your mistake, and ask forgiveness from God. Take responsibility for your mistake, and if there is a deeper root, to why this mistake was made, figure that out, and work to change it. Spend time with God, reading His word, praying for strength, peace, and help, to not repeat your mistakes. The more you tune in to God, and focus on Him, and the things that glorify Him, the more you will yearn to be like Him, and do things that will please Him.
Prayer is our communication with God. I pray ALL DAY! Keeping the lines of communication open between you and God, will help you in your decision making, hopefully avoiding future mistakes, or bad decisions. If you've made as many mistakes as I have in my life, you'll eventually start to catch yourself, before making a bad decision. And if you're tuned in to God, and have a close relationship with Him, you will get that "uneasy feeling", telling you, "That is not such a good idea!" Always listen to this feeling! When you ignore it, and make a mistake, you will feel really stupid, for lack of better words, knowing that God warned you, and you didn't listen! So always keep your ears open to hear God... He does speak to you!
Mistakes are all a part of life. It's how we learn, and how we grow, as a person, and in our relationship with Him. Just make sure you don't turn away from God, turn TO Him, and learn from each and every one of your mistakes. XOXO!

It's All Going To Be Ok!

Lately, I have come in contact with SO MANY people, who are unhappy with their lives, and the situations they are in, or are going through hard times, and are really "down". This is a really hard place to be in. I know that "dark" place.
What I have learned to do, is to stay one step ahead of the enemy, who is going to try his best, to get you into that dark place... Whether it's reminding you of your past, and how you don't deserve to be happy, trying to make you hold on to guilt, from past decisions, and mistakes you've made, trying to convince you that your situation is hopeless, and you're never going to make it through, giving you a feeling like you are stuck, and never going to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or that you simply can't accomplish, whatever it is, that you are trying to accomplish... Just to name a few! I have learned to know that these thoughts are going to creep into my mind, and try to take me down, distracting me from focusing on what my goals are, and staying on the path God has for my life. If I can catch them when they first start to creep in, and have a plan of attack when they do, I can avoid getting stuck in the enemy's traps. I can overcome the lies of the enemy.
It is so hard to feel the things I listed above. If you dwell on these feelings, it can really be dangerous. Dangerous to your relationship with God, to you're ability to live life, work, take care of your children, etc. It can put you in a place where you become stuck in this deep hole, desperately wanting to get out of it, but not having any idea how. First, know that there IS hope! "But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; Yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from His sanctuary; my cry reached His ears." Psalm 18:8 "Don't be afraid, for I am with you, Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand...I am holding you by your right hand. I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, "Do not be afraid. I am here to help you. Despised though you are, don't be afraid, for I will help you. I am the LORD, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One." Isaiah 41:10-14
First thing, PRAY... Give all of your troubles, fears, guilt, and feelings of hopelessness over to God. Than LEAVE THEM THERE! That's the hard part, leaving it all there, in God's hands, and TRUSTING that He will do what He promises... take care of you... "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
After praying, leaving your troubles with God, and trusting in Him to take care of you, the next step is to be prepared for these feelings to creep in again! They creep up in me all the time. My strategy... Go directly to the Bible, and read, read, read! I read, pray, and spend time with God, reminding myself, that He has my worries covered. Than put it out of your mind, and move on, pressing forward toward your goals. I used to think that "putting it out of my mind" was just going into denial about my problems. Denial used to be my strategy, in the past, when facing hard times. But then I realized that I was no longer going into denial mode, I was simply putting my faith and trust in God, and letting Him work in my life. Not worrying, shows your faith in God.
The last thing... Do your very best, try your hardest, and continue to press forward and stay on the path God has for your life, and He WILL do all the rest! We work hard, have faith, and God picks up there... Working everything for good, to those who love and have faith in Him.
Times are hard, it seems for a lot of people right now, myself included, but if we learn how to handle these difficult times, have a plan of attack, for when those thoughts of hopelessness creep in, and work our hardest to overcome them, God will be there holding our hand, leading us to the place that He has for our lives... And we will have come out of these times, having learned so many valuable lessons, about life, ourselves, and God's faithfulness in times of trouble.
Bottom line... It's all going to be OK! XOXO!

It's Our Responsibility, As Parents....

Wow... The world sure is changing. We, as parents, have to open our eyes, and pay attention to this fact, and make sure we aren't being naive, or even worse, in denial.
The big story in the news... A 13 year old boy, arrested for selling cocaine, marijuana, and ground up pills, to students at his middle school! This had apparently been going on for quite some time, before he got caught. A local radio station had middle school students call in to the radio station yesterday, not give their names, or the school they went to, but tell us what they see going on in their middle schools. The info from these students was shocking. They spoke very matter of factly, all of them saying that yes, there are drug dealers, who are students at their school, yes, they knew who they were, yes, it was easy to get just about any kind of drug that you want, AT SCHOOL, and yes, a lot of their friends did drugs - at school! They were asked if they knew where the students get these drugs, they said "from larger drug dealers", but also said that a lot of people they know, got them from their parents, and some do drugs WITH their parents, and have friends over who participate with them! They said it is common to see someone at school doing drugs, and that the peer pressure is very high to participate. These were not answers from ONE student, who just goes to a bad school, this was call after call, of about 20 students, from different schools in the area, all saying basically the same things.
We HAVE to keep ourselves informed on what is going on these days, and what our children are being exposed to, at such an early age. If we are not aware, and informed, how can we educate our children? It is our responsibility, as parents, to know what our children are doing, what is going on at school and in their lives, and to educate them on how to handle these things, when faced with it. One of the other subjects I've heard addressed lately, is sex in school bathrooms, sexual acts on the school bus, and children having sex at age 11! We can't pretend that these things aren't going on. We have to have open conversations with our children, even if it's an uncomfortable subject. Once the lines of communication are open, they will feel more comfortable coming to you with things that they may have not felt comfortable discussing before. We are responsible for teaching, guiding, and molding our children. It's no one else's responsibility but ours. We can't let the things of the "world" mold them, we have to take whatever steps necessary to not just protect them from these things, but inform them. We can't keep them in a little bubble forever... They have to know what's out there, and what to do when faced with it. We have to inform them BEFORE they come in contact with these things, tell them how to handle these situations, and explain WHY they should be handled that way. Our children need to have a plan of attack, BEFORE they are faced with these things, so that when they are, they will know what to do. We need to stay in constant communication with our children, and be involved their lives. Don't assume, "that won't happen to my child". The "that won't happen to me" mentality, is pure denial!
We have a huge responsibility as parents, we have precious lives in our hands. Maybe if parents start stepping up, there will be less stories like this. And just a side note... Pray, pray, pray, for your children... Everyday! There is nothing like the prayers of a parent, for their child. XOXO!

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff!

We have to stop sweating the small stuff... We let so many things effect our day, our lives, and our happiness. We need to get in the habit of starting our day in faith, that we are going to have a happy, great day!
We lose our peace so quickly, over such minor things... Someone cuts you off while driving, someone isn't so nice to you, you're running late, and your car won't start, your child spilled their juice on the carpet... things just aren't going your way... Don't lose your peace over minor things, inconveniences, or other people. When you let yourself allow those things to effect you, and steal your peace, it takes your mind off of God... Off of the will of God for your life. You start to become "out of tune" with God.
Something I heard recently... Categorize your problems. Is this a 5 minute, 5 hour, or 5 year problem? If you think it through, and categorize your problems, you'll find that most of them are small, 5 minute, or 5 hour problems, that won't matter tomorrow.
Problems, frustrations, and inconveniences WILL happen! Pray that God will give you strength to handle them, and peace that only He can give, even through your troubles. "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2. "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." 2 Samuel 22:33.
There WILL be challenges, heartache, and situations, that we cannot control. When we look at the big picture, and keep our eyes on the big picture - the will of God for our lives - we will not worry about situations, and blow them out of proportion. God orders all of our steps. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2. So things aren't working out your way... Big deal! Categorize the problem, realize that in the long term, this really doesn't matter. Move past it, focus on God, and walking in the path He has for your life. Don't let minor inconveniences distract you from your main goal - to press forward, on the path God has for you... to the plan He has for your life. Give it over to God, and feel the release, freedom, and peace, that only He can give.
No matter what comes your way, if you put it in God's very capable hands, and do not dwell on it, you will have the peace, and clear mind, to focus on the big picture - fulfilling the will of God for your life. That's what it's all about, isn't it? Our purpose for being here? Don't let minor things - or even the big things, for that matter, distract you from your goal, and your purpose in life! XOXO!

From Housewife... To Divorce... To Successful!

This might not be the most interesting post, but necessary, to know a little bit about where I have been, to make sense of the posts that will follow! :)

I got married to my now ex-husband, in 1998, when I was 18. We had our first child pretty quickly... A little boy. We decided 6 months later, that it was time for the next baby! So when our little one was 15 months old, I gave birth to our second son. Soon to follow, in the next 2 1/2 years, were our third, and forth son! Yup! Four little boys! And all planned! People like to assume that we were irresponsible with birth control, or that we "kept going" to try for a girl... Nope! We planned all four, and are so blessed to have them.
I was a stay at home mom, from the time my first child was born. I was SO blessed to be able to be at home with them. My husband worked very hard, to allow me to do that. That time is so important, for them to be able to stay home with their mother. I loved every minute of it. I was as close I could get, to the "perfect housewife"... Making homemade baby food, cooking, keeping the house clean (or as clean as I could, with children!), "homeschooling" them as soon as they could speak, and caring for my husband and children. I LOVED it! It was everything I had ever dreamed of for my life.
My husband and I were very happy, and we had a wonderful marriage. A wonderful family. Through a series of events (which I will explain at some point, when I'm comfortable), things started to fall apart about 8 years into our marriage. We got divorced just short of our 10 year anniversary. (The events surrounding the divorce are, again, something I will explain when comfortable doing so.)
So skip to post divorce... I now find myself alone, and needing a job, which was quite scary after being a housewife my whole adult life! What made the most sense, and was the quickest option, was going back to Publix, where I worked before I was married. Through a total miracle, I got hired very quickly by Publix, and FULL TIME... Which is nearly impossible, to walk in off the street and get. I stayed with my parents for 6 months or so, while I worked, and saved, to be able to get on my feet, and be able to support myself and the boys. And I did it! God provided me with a beautiful apartment, and even things to fill it with! What a great feeling of accomplishment that was!
Currently, on the subject of career... I am still at Publix. I have gone to school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, and have passed the written exam, and will be taking the clinical exam soon! I want to work at a nursing home. I think, well I KNOW, that there is such a need in that area. I think I could really make a difference in the lives of the people there, and it's something that's always been on my heart to do. So I'm excited about this next chapter in my life.
So, single mama... Working hard to provide for my family, my precious boys and I. Starting another chapter in my life. I have goals in place, things I want to accomplish, and WILL! I am a strong, independent, confident woman. I stay in a close relationship with God, and He guides me through my days, and along the path He has for my life. Without Him, I couldn't have accomplished the things I have, and I wouldn't have the peace and confidence to know that I WILL accomplish all that I have yet to accomplish! All in all... Life is good. Looking ahead to the future now... XOXO!

Mistakes... How to make them worth something!

I guess the way I'll end up doing this, is to post about my journey, currently going on in my life, and words of wisdom, that God has revealed to me through the years. And sprinkled throughout, will be posts that are a look into my past, my journey through that, and finally coming out the other side...

Mistakes... We ALL make them! Some worse than others... Unfortunately, it seems that for me to learn a lesson, God has to drop a brick on my head most of the time! Although, with all the mistakes I have made in the past, I am pretty quick to recognize when I have made a mistake now, and correct it quickly. Or sometimes, thank God, I can catch myself now, before I make a mistake.
Mistakes are never good, happy, or something we would choose to do, if we had a flash forward into the future! But they do happen, and sometimes we mess up bad. I know that I have. Some things I can say about that are, first of all, God is so good. He forgives, He redeems, and He restores. Second, it's what you do with the knowledge you have learned from your mistakes that makes all the difference. The only way to make your mistakes worth something, is to LEARN from them. If you don't, you will keep repeating the same mistakes, until you finally do learn! Take your mistakes, and turn them into learning and growing experiences. Experiences that will help you to learn lessons that will make you grow as a person, and make you stronger, within yourself and your relationship with God, and just wiser, in general. This will turn something that was meant for bad, into something good. Turn what was going to be a stumbling block, into a stepping stone, taking you into the place in your life that you are meant to be in, and help you to become the person you are meant to be.
Use your mistakes for good also, by sharing them. Share with people going through the same thing, who might feel stuck, like they are never going to be able to pull themselves out of the pit they are in. Share your mistakes, your journey, and your testimony of being able to make it through. And not just make it through, but come out strong, confident, and a better person than you were before. No one can help someone going through a situation, like someone who's been there!
There are so many lessons I have learned through my journey, which I will continue to share more of, in time. But the most important thing I can say on the subject of mistakes, is learn from them, use them to make you the person you are meant to be. To take you to the destiny that God has for you, His will for your life, and DON'T repeat them! That makes even the worst mistakes, mean something! "And we know that in all things, God works for the good, for those who love him." Romans 8:28 XOXO!

Is it possible to have peace, in bad circumstances?

Is it possible to have complete peace, when you are facing bad circumstances?
People look for peace in all kinds of places... money, other people, relationships, sex, etc. People look for peace in their circumstances. "If I get this job, I'll have more money, that will bring me peace..." "As long as I have this relationship, I'll have peace..." And the list goes on, and on. Circumstances, are not where you will find peace, it's where you will lose it. As long as you rely on your circumstances to bring you peace, you are never going to find it, or it won't be a lasting peace.
The answer to a true, and lasting peace, is through Jesus. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." John 14:1 "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11.
There is a difference in peace in God, and peace with God. If you want to have peace in God, you must first make peace with God. Sin separates us from God. "Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:1-2. The conditions of being separated from God are that you are not under his covering, you are separated from Him. If you are going to have continuing peace in God, you first have to make peace with God.
What is it, in your life, that is keeping you from being "one with God"? If you don't have peace, than there is SOMETHING in your life that is separating you from God, keeping that peace away. Being "one with God" = Walking in agreement with the will of God for your life, and the word of the Lord.
Once you have made peace with God, removed sin from your life, and are a forgiven child of God, you are under His covering. Where you can experience an everlasting peace that the world can't give.
Peace with God is a one time decision... Peace in God, is a continued decision. One that you choose daily, to either let your circumstances take your peace, or to have trust and faith in God that He has got those circumstances in His hands. You can't control your circumstances... You can control whether or not you receive the peace of God. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2
Without God, how are you going to find a continuous peace? Try to control your circumstances? You have no control over circumstances. When you give your life, and your circumstances, over to God, He gives you perfect peace.
God doesn't promise that things will always go our way. He does promise that because He is in you, no matter what happens, or how bad things look, that He will give you a peace, and strength to handle it. He will remind you that whatever is going on, that it will turn out for good, and that He will bring you through it. "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. Trust in Him, to do what He says He will do. Get your focus on the source of peace, not the source of your frustration, sadness, or worries.
Our responsibilities... To get right with God. To make a daily decision to walk in the truth of His word, yield to Him, and remain on the path He has for our lives. Get our focus right... On God - He is your peace. Claim what is yours.
It may not be easy... But it is simple... :)

Why??

Why start a blog? My mother always told me, "Don't write ANYTHING down, that you don't want the world to read!" I guess this goes completely against that great advice! Although, I do follow mostly all of her advice...! What I have learned though, is that there are many purposes to sharing my life... To be able to free myself, not allowing thoughts, fears, and experiences to become bottled up inside, and to share these things, with the hope that someone who has, or is, going through some of the same things, will read, and be encouraged. We all think that we are the only one going through, what we're going through... It is encouraging to know that you're not alone. So many people go through so much, some make it through - and some do not. I have been through so much, and through God's forgiveness and grace, have come out the other side, a stronger woman, a better mommy, and confidnt woman of God. There's so many things that I have to share... mistakes I have made, lessons I have learned, the journey I am on now, and words of wisdom that God has revealed to me... Life... Through My Eyes, I guess...

Me...