This Thing Called LIFE

I've learned a lot while journeying through this thing called life.  I find myself discovering something new, learning a new lesson, or unlearning something unhealthy for me.  Whether it be spiritually, emotionally, or physically, it's a never ending process.  I've gotten to the point to where as long as it causes me to grow, keeps me going (in the right direction) and pushes me forward, I deem it a necessary part of life.  Now I didn't say it was all easy or a simple walk in the park lol.  Some days hurt... A LOT.  Some days there were tears... A LOT of them.  Some days I had to unlearn what I thought I knew, because I found out that I really had no idea, and that's ok too!

What are some key takeaways to share from my experiences?  I think knowing the following will catapult you ahead in life, and put you in one of the best positions possible.

A Few Key Takeaways:

"My ______ is NOT the responsibility of others."

• Happiness

• Peace

• Joy

• Growth

• Love

• Security

• Future

• *Whatever applies to you specifically

When you take the responsibility of achieving those things away from others, that you unknowingly put them in charge of, it:

• Takes away the expectation of them meeting, and (inadvertently) failing to meet your goal/need.

• It puts you in a place to not be disappointed and upset with anyone or anything that did not happen.

Giving others the power to make those things happen for you:

• Sets you up for failure.

• Creates a displaced dependency.

• Puts a chip on your shoulder because they didn't "come through and produce" like you thought they should.

Most importantly... The BIGGEST key takeaway would be to TRUST GOD with all the details of your life.  He always has your best interest at heart.  He knows exactly what you need, when you need it, and how to get it to you. He had these things mapped out long before you were even out of the womb!

I could go on and on about any point above, but I'll stop with a prayer for you and your journey. I pray that you are in a position to let your guard down and fully trust God to meet every need in your life, the way He chooses to bless you. I pray He'll come through exceedingly, abundantly, and above anything you could ever ask or think. (Eph. 3:20).  I know and believe He will, because that's just who He is!

Love & Blessings!

-Danielle

KEEP CALM AND BE STILL

Sometimes being still is one of the absolute hardest things to do! Human nature alone keeps you trying to keep up with any and everyone else around you. When you need to rest, you always manage to find "something" that pulls you in, and causes you to act or react. Even life's problems can lead you on a wild goose chase to find a solution for something that's completely out of your control.

Sometimes, the answer is simply to just not move or do anything at all, and just BE STILL. 

BENEFITS OF BEING STILL:

-You'll find rest.

-You'll have peace knowing that God is in control.

-You'll have the assurance of your safety in His care.

-You'll be able to trust His response after you place all of your cares, concerns, and worries in His hands. (He has an impeccable track record!)

-You'll have the confidence of knowing He has your best interest at heart.

-You'll be able to watch God work everything (good and bad) out for your good. 

“Be still and know that I am God.”

— Psalm 46:10

Regardless of what you're going through or having a tough time facing, TRUST GOD. He cares too much for you to let you handle things on your own. If it feels like you just have to do something to "fix" a problem or find a solution, then look for your most comfortable spot, BE STILL, and let God handle it.

I pray that you'll go forward and be still long enough for God to do what He does best. He doesn't need your help. He needs you to trust Him.

Much love and blessings to you!

-Danielle W.

I've Got It!

I am a wife and mother of 4.  I have an almost 14 year old, a 12 year old, and almost 10 year old twins. There's not too much that goes on, that I don't know about.  Recently, one of my twins had an issue with an older silbling.  She did not like the way she had been treated, so she ran to me to let me know the situation, which I was already aware of (I'm mom!).  I told her good job for letting me know, and that I would handle it. She left with a big smile on her face, knowing mom was going to take care of the situation.  A little bit of time has passed and she sees her sibling again, in what seems to be a happy state, while she is still upset with them.  At this point she is frustrated!  In her mind, mom is too busy to take care of the situation, so I'll take care of it myself.  Now we've got commotion and arguing going on!  The situation has officially escalated, because my daughter decided to take matters into her own hands.  I told her I would take care of the situation!

Now, how many times have we taken situations to God, only to go back to Him, pick up the situation, and tell Him no worries, you'll handle this one?  You feel like maybe He's too busy to handle your situation in a timely manner that satisfies your soul.  Or maybe you feel like you can take care of it better than He can? Well, I believe we all have been there at one point in time (or several) and God looks at us like..."Didn't I say I got it?"  It's all too easy to lack the trust that God has everything under control.  It takes working your faith to trust and believe that He's got it and will handle it.  Here's a few things I've realized as I relate my relationship with my children, to my relationship with God (being His child):

-God is not oblivious to what's going on in your life.  He wants you to recognize that He has the power to turn things around and make them good, right, justified, vindicated or what ever the answer maybe. HE'S GOT IT and He's more than capable of handling it.

-His timing is everything.  He may not take care of the situation right at the very second you would like for Him to, but He always takes care of it on time.

-His ways are much more effective, and carry a lot more weight than anything we could ever do or say. Our ways could lead to situations getting worse or putting us back at square 1 of a lesson being learned. You just never know!

Take time to put it ALL in his hands and actually leave it there.  He has it under control, whether it seems like it or not.  Your best interest is always kept at heart.  He knows what's best for you and what your future holds. You don't have to know how or when He's going to move, but know that He will.

My prayer for you is that you will have a bold confidence, a strong belief and trust in God when He tells you "I've got it!".  Smile and rest in knowing just that!

Be Blessed!

-Danielle W.