Hey sweet friends, I know it's been a long time since I've shared some time with you. For that, I apologize.
Ido find it funny how God calls us to do things at the most unexpected and inconvenient(to me of course) times.

Today, I've been fighting an absolutely horrible headache... the kind that is throbbing all over your head, into your neck. You know the kind that makes your body, skin hurt all over? Also, a little insecure about the few pounds I've put on (seriously, it's only a few, but you ladies know exactly what I'm talking about). So all together, just not my best day! So the tv is on and the kids are watching Wreck It Ralph. Now we all know that we don't all agree on types of movies. But I really do love animated movies... I would likely pick a Disney Movie or the old fashioned Looney Tunes cartoons over many shows that are on tv or even out on DVD, Netflix, etc. But this isn't doing it for me today. Also, the sound is just making my head hurt worse. But I wanted to spend time with the family and not ruin their movie time. So I sat down to watch it with them when I heard this quiet voice say "go grab that Bible you got." So I went and grabbed that Bible that came instead of the book I actually ordered. See, I thought I was ordering 365 days of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, but when it came in the mail, I actually received was Jesus Calling Devotional Bible. I was disappointed because, it wasn't even the translation I read or wanted. So I went and grabbed it not knowing what was coming next. I wasn't even sure where I was supposed to read. As I started flipping through the books of the bible. I heard go to Colossians. See, my hubby and I had read through Colossians last month together. Honestly, I struggled to find how it applied to us. It's amusing NOW how it might have been a different conversation between my hubby and I. If I had been in this Bible I would have seen this prayer she inserted in the book of Colossians 3.

 "Why does life have to be so hard? I'd love to rise above my circumstances; live victoriously for You, God. But my troubles drag me down every time. Sometimes I blame my circumstances for my problems; more often I blame others; and occasionally I blame You. But the underlying question is always: "Why Me?"

I need a new attitude. A fresh outlook. What's not clear is how I can be a winner in this ongoing struggle. I'd like to know, because I really don't want to live this way anymore!

 A long time ago_back when I first began walking with you_my faith appeared to be a lot stronger. Now it seems to have vanished underneath an avalanche of worries and negativity. I need Your guidance for each step I take. I'm asking now, God. I desperately need Your Spirit to strengthen me in the journey. Feed me with Your Word. Increase my faith. Hold me up. Fix my mind on Your blessings and give me a grateful heart. Empower me to live the life You designed for me to live." 

                                                                                      Signed, You and Me

Do these words sound familiar? Are they similar to your heart's cry? Have you felt these words? I have; more times than I could count. In fact, I literally cried out to God words extremely close to these just a few weeks ago. We've faced several difficult situations that wore us out physically, mentally, and spiritually. I know, you know exactly what I'm talking about because, you have faced a trial that has left you in the same state. Right?

I think many times we may get overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding us and  we fall stagnant as we walk through the horrible situations that lay around us. These times seem to last forever, but when we are able to gain perspective (usually within hind-site) we see that the days, months or even years that we have to walk those paths were only a blink of God's eye. If we set our eyes on Him, it will then become a blink of an eye in our own story. If we take our eyes off of Him then, it becomes the equivalent of the Israelite's 40 years in the desert.

My point is, don't lose site of God. I know how hard it is. But, ask God what He wants you to learn as you are walking out this difficult time and then listen closely for Him. We all hear Him differently. For me, I am so grateful it is a quiet voice that aligns with Philippians 4:8-9. It is always pure in motive. I have spent many years questioning this voice and not always listening the first time, but I'm learning to listen and hear it the first time. I'm hoping you will learn the same and find joy in these trials that we are ALL destined to face.

Praying for you,
Wendi