It's easy to talk the talk of faith when things go well. When things are going the way they "should", and all is "well" (by my standards), a positive attitude is easier to find...at least for me. Yet when things get tough, when unexpected pressures hit, when good people are sick, or someone is mean or selfish...when things get really difficult and you can't believe what is going on...well that is the time when knowing God is there makes a difference! In those moments I am called upon to "Let Go! And Let God!"
I love the line in the movie Rudy when Rudy is talking to a priest and says, "What else should I do?" Father Cavenaugh says back to Rudy, "Son, there are two things I know for sure. There is a God. And I am not Him!"
I don't always get how God works...in fact I often do not get how God works. I can look at a situation and wonder..."Well...what will He do with THIS one??"
What I know for sure is that there is a God, He loves me, and He is here in the midst of it ALL!
As Maya Angelou loves to say, "God is where you are!"
Last night I got a phone call. Long story short...someone who now owns Ortners Island at Diamond Lake has built (on the sly) a HUGE bridge/dock.with no thought to how this impacts all of the people at the Lake. He has threatened to do this before. He was stopped by the county. When everyone left the lake, he built it anyway. I am beyond shocked at his selfishness.
There were dozens of phone calls...with Diamond Lake residents, a message to the prosecutor, and messages to the Planning Department. We will not be bullied into accepting this situation.
Personally, I felt very stressed. I kept saying "How could he do this? How could he be so mean!" I wondered how I would get sleep and let this go...at least for now.
I said a prayer before going to bed and asked God to be in charge of this.
This morning when I woke up to have my prayer time surprisingly I was very much at peace. I turned in my book Come Away My Beloved to a passage on Be Not Afraid. It said...
Oh my child, rest in Me.
Yes quietly settle in my care, as a bird settles in a nest.
For I am watching over you, and in Love will I care for you.
There is no danger with which I am unable to cope.
There is no enemy too formidable for me to handle.
I am able to carry out all My purposes and to keep you at the same time.
Be not afraid!
Do not allow terror to strike at your heart.
My power is at your disposal.
My presence stands around about you
and nothing can harm you so long as you are in MY care...
and that is forever!
What a wonderful message. And as if that wasn't enough...when I opened the book an old photograph fell out. I had forgotten it was there. I suppose I had used it as a bookmark. It is a wonderful photo of my Dad holding me at age 5 months and looking at me with love and adoration! Wow!
I love the line in the movie Rudy when Rudy is talking to a priest and says, "What else should I do?" Father Cavenaugh says back to Rudy, "Son, there are two things I know for sure. There is a God. And I am not Him!"
I don't always get how God works...in fact I often do not get how God works. I can look at a situation and wonder..."Well...what will He do with THIS one??"
What I know for sure is that there is a God, He loves me, and He is here in the midst of it ALL!
As Maya Angelou loves to say, "God is where you are!"
Last night I got a phone call. Long story short...someone who now owns Ortners Island at Diamond Lake has built (on the sly) a HUGE bridge/dock.with no thought to how this impacts all of the people at the Lake. He has threatened to do this before. He was stopped by the county. When everyone left the lake, he built it anyway. I am beyond shocked at his selfishness.
There were dozens of phone calls...with Diamond Lake residents, a message to the prosecutor, and messages to the Planning Department. We will not be bullied into accepting this situation.
Personally, I felt very stressed. I kept saying "How could he do this? How could he be so mean!" I wondered how I would get sleep and let this go...at least for now.
I said a prayer before going to bed and asked God to be in charge of this.
This morning when I woke up to have my prayer time surprisingly I was very much at peace. I turned in my book Come Away My Beloved to a passage on Be Not Afraid. It said...
Oh my child, rest in Me.
Yes quietly settle in my care, as a bird settles in a nest.
For I am watching over you, and in Love will I care for you.
There is no danger with which I am unable to cope.
There is no enemy too formidable for me to handle.
I am able to carry out all My purposes and to keep you at the same time.
Be not afraid!
Do not allow terror to strike at your heart.
My power is at your disposal.
My presence stands around about you
and nothing can harm you so long as you are in MY care...
and that is forever!
What a wonderful message. And as if that wasn't enough...when I opened the book an old photograph fell out. I had forgotten it was there. I suppose I had used it as a bookmark. It is a wonderful photo of my Dad holding me at age 5 months and looking at me with love and adoration! Wow!
So today I am reminded that God loves me. My Heavenly Father is here with me. He will not leave when things get complicated or tough.
And I am reminded that my earthly father loved me too! It just doesn't get much better than that!
So...whatever curves life sends your way...and there will be curves...may YOU also know God's peace and deep love. It doesn't change the circumstances, but it allows you to have peace and serenity in the midst of it all! It's all a gift even when some of it doesn't look gift wrapped!
God Bless! Love and hugs to all who read this! Linda
A New Note as of Tuesday night at 5 pm- The county planning commission is involved, has talked to this man, and the dock does not now hurt our access to the water! What a relief!
3 comments:
Linda:
Thank you for this very personal post. The whole "God" thing is still very confusing to me. . . but lately I have beginning to feel His strength and love. . . surprisingly. It tells me my heart must be softened and opened.
It is difficult to try to understand the "whys" of things. I found most of my life I would ask that question. . . "Why would he do that to me?" "Why is he so mean?" Some questions you were asking. Cancer has taught me that not everything has a Why and not everything needs a why. With specific to this man. . . . We just have to acknowledge it is "his" stuff and "his" karma. Trust that things will work out. Worrying and fussing just hurts us. It isn't hurting him. I do agree with not letting him bully you though. There is a difference in standing up for yourself and having anger that only affect you and those your love.
Thank you for your comments on my blog. Quite frankly, been a little tough lately. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
L.
I hope that the man who owns the island will realize his selfishness. Whenever I go through hard time or a good time I always thank God and praise him for countless things. It really helps you focus on something different if you don't want to think about the bad thing! Or you can just praise for the heck of it! All I can say about the owner of the island is just to pray for him. I love you all tons!
Love,
Kayla
Great post mom, I love how you changed your focus and perspective so that it doesn't consume you. XOXO
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