Tag: inspiration

He Knows What We Need

God knew what I needed before I did.

I was feeling quite down after returning from my psychiatrist appointment. Although our talk went okay, there was a problem with paperwork that he filled out for me – incorrectly – when I really needed for it to be accurate. And then I got stuck in traffic on the way home, which didn’t help…but I gained a new sense of appreciation for my husband, who deals with bad traffic every single day going to and from his job.

Anyways, I got home and made dinner (tacos) and tried to do a few chores. I did a little laundry, a few dishes, and then sat down at the computer to try to write. But I just couldn’t. Normally I enjoy writing, but I was so down that I didn’t even have the energy to do that. I also had a headache. At my whit’s end, I got down on my knees and prayed. I prayed that God would give me wisdom to know how I should spend the time He had given me, and the strength to carry it out. And do you know what? He answered! 🙂

I felt a nudge to go out for a walk. I didn’t really feel like it, as I had no strength and I had already been out for a walk with our dog, Daisy, earlier in the day. Plus it was quite warm outside, and I’m not a fan of the heat. But I slid on my sandals, grabbed my keys, and hit the sidewalk. It wasn’t too warm, there was a nice breeze, and the sun was peeking through the trees. I wish I would have brought my camera, because there were some beautiful trees in bloom. But it was okay – I took pictures with my eyes!

When I returned from the walk, I felt significantly better. I guess the sunshine and the air and the exercise was what I needed. And God knew that – I just had to ask.

So when you’re feeling depressed or anxious, go straight to God. You may not know what is the best thing to help, but He is aware of exactly what you (and I) need – He’s just waiting for us to turn to Him in prayer. ❤

Photo Credit: Redd Angelo

Thankful Thursday (episode 5)

Well, another week is coming to a close…and I have a lot to be thankful for. 🙂 After the past several weeks of not doing so well with recording my blessings, I found that I was able to keep track of them better this week. I think God is answering my prayers by helping me to focus on the positives and on the blessings that He bestows on me.

So here is my list of things that I am grateful for!

  • Getting me through the work week
  • A nice visit with the Hubby on his break at Target
  • An engrossing new book to read, called “Hush, Hush” by Becca Fitzpatrick
  • The opportunity to sleep in
  • Yummy breakfast sandwiches from Dunkin’ Donuts
  • A nice time with family at our nephew’s birthday party
  • Strength to clean up the house when I didn’t feel like it
  • An iced mocha latte from Dunkin’
  • Visiting a new park with the Hubby
  • My eyesight! I take it for granted so often.
  • A delicious taco dinner with all the fix-in’s
  • That I was able to take Daisy on a walk to my in-law’s house and then sit and talk with them for a bit
  • Being told that I am my boss’ most reliable worker 😀
  • For a tasty stromboli dinner, especially since someone else made it and all we had to do was heat it up!
  • The Hubby and I got to watch several good episodes of NCIS together
  • My boss told me that my job will continue until the end of May or the beginning of June, when I thought it was going to end sooner
  • A productive day at work
  • A beautiful sunset

Thanks for reading! I hope that my list has been encouraging, and that maybe it sparks in you the desire to keep track of your blessings – if you’re not already. 😉 Doing so has really helped to change my perspective on life…for the better! ❤

P.S. Here are links to my previous Thankful Thursdays! Thankful Thursday (episode 1), Thankful Thursday (episode 2), Thankful Thursday (episode 3), and Thankful Thursday (episode 4).

Giving Grace

“I did it again!” I cried, as my mind started to spin in all directions. I had just indulged in that bad habit I was struggling with. Instead of talking to God and receiving His forgiveness, I fell into a pit of despair.

I admit, I struggle with believing that God has given me grace. When I fall short for the umpteenth time during the day, I feel like I should be punished. I feel like something bad will happen to me. And I feel like I just don’t deserve the love that God offers. Maybe you have felt the same way.

But what about giving grace? What about sharing that grace – which we can so easily receive from the Father – with others who hurt us in some way?

I struggle with this, as well. And sometimes, it’s not even when someone does something horrible to me (which is extremely difficult). Sometimes it can just be dealing with the imperfections of everyday life.

For example…have you ever gotten upset when someone cuts you off on the road? I have. What about when they pass you in a no-pass zone, or drive 25 MPH in a 45…or 45 in a 25, for that matter? What about when they ride your bumper so close that you’re afraid to make any sudden stops or turns? Yep. Bothers me too. And this is one area where God is showing me that I need to give grace.

Is it right? Do they deserve the grace? No. But the thing is, grace isn’t about getting what we deserve. If we got what we deserve…we’d all be separated from God. But He gives us grace! And we need to be willing to share that grace with those around us.

Another area where I struggle to give grace is when I’m on the phone. You know what calls I’m talking about, don’t you? The calls that you have to make about a bill that is incorrect, or to your insurance company, or something of that nature. You make the call, wait on hold for way too long, and then are connected to a representative who is not able to assist you with your problem? Yeah…I struggle with those calls.

But the representatives I’m talking about are people, too. They make mistakes like all of us do. So what would it take to show a little grace? It would probably help them a lot…and it might even help us to feel better about the frustrating situation.

So the next time you are struggling with impatience…the next time you are annoyed or offended by someone…and the next time time things don’t work out quite the way you want – remember, God has given us grace. And we need to be willing to give that grace to others! ❤