Let Go, Let God! {Random Journal Day}

Seems like lately it's either a physical struggle

                     an emotional struggle

                                            or  a relational struggle...

We've all had days,

                          weeks,

                                 sometimes months

that we just seem to struggle with one thing or another.

I know struggles are supposed to strengthen us...

                                                       bring us closer to God.

So often, though, we fight and struggle even more to be free of these struggles...what a crazy cycle of actions and reactions.

That's why I'm sharing this entry from my journal today.{for Random Journal Day blog hop} It describes how I've been struggling and trying not to fight against that struggle, but instead, seek God daily.

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Thursday, November 16th, 2012:

O.K., Lord, take these anxious feelings away from me! My emotions are on edge this morning, as I got 2 phone calls from my mom, saying my brother(in the hospital) isn't doing well. Been also feeling anxious about Tyler(my son). I just want peace and no more drama. Still wishing we could get away for a few days, but can't afford it right now. Been trying to listen to what the Lord's trying to tell me...all week a theme has been coming up in my devotions:

Let Go - Don't hang on to the yucky stuff  in life: worry, resentment, frustration, negativity

Let God - Fill me, instead, with good stuff: Joy, gratitude, love, peace.

Lord, it seems like I'm struggling with having a positive outlook, lately. My passion for life is barely flickering, some days. Help me to find that passion again, for You and for my life! Amen

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 "There are times in life when you finally have to surrender your own wants and perceived needs to the loving direction of God. When you let go of your expectations or your need to control a situation, you will receive more good than you could ever imagine. Then, let God guide the outcome of any situation. " (source)

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Music is one of my favorite ways to seek God's presence in my life. This Audrey Assad song has really touched my heart during this time of struggle...

"Carry Me" by Audrey Assad:

Pain is a forest we all get lost in
Between the branches hope can be so hard to see
And in the darkness we've all got questions
We're all just trying to make sense out of suffering but
You say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, You'll carry me
Help me believe it

Fear is a current we all get caught in
And in its motion faith can be so hard to find
And we all falter 'cause we're all broken
We're all just trying to turn the shadows into light but
You get glory in the midst of this
And You're walking with me
And you say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, You'll carry me

And I know Your promises are faithful
And God, I've seen Your goodness in my life
And oh, I've found Your mercy is a river
Your love is an ocean wide

You say I am blessed because of this
You get glory in the midst of this
And You're walking with me

And You say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, as I carry this cross
'Cause as I carry this cross, You'll carry me

You'll carry me, God
You'll carry me
And Your love is an ocean wide

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I also desire to make this post an opportunity to give the Lord thanks for all He continues to bless me with, in spite of (hopefully, as I learn from) these struggles in my life....sharing the gifts He has bestowed upon me every new day through the Joy Dare.

3 gifts of traditions:
1,115 - A new tradition with my hubby and son...to just take off in the car and end up where we end up on Thanksgiving weekend!
1,116 - Having a meal together with my siblings and parents.
1,117 - Attending church together on Sunday mornings, followed by eating out for lunch.

3 gifts family:
1,118 - Spending a few hours with my son and hubby at Lake Michigan on Thanksgiving Day.
1,119 -Talking and laughing at the table, after our family meal together.
1,120 - Trusting that the Lord watches over family members who can't be with us at the family Thanksgiving meal.

A gift grateful:
1,121 - Oh! How can I list only one thing that I'm grateful for? Today, it most definitely is God's presence in my life, through the Holy Spirit!

3 gifts only in Christ:
1,122 - Forgiveness of sins through the blood He spilled for me!
1,123 - Hope for eternity with Him someday in paradise!
1,124 - The power of His great love!!!



3 gifts humble:
1,125 - Becoming less, so He becomes more!
1,126  - Giving my time, energy, and heart to serving my family and those who are in need.
1,127 - In prayer, on bended knee, seeking God's will in all things.

3 gifts ugly-beautiful:
1,128 - Looking to God for hope and healing, especially when loved ones are suffering.
1,129 - Seeking the Lord's will, when things don't make sense in this world and in our lives.
1,130 - When the waves of life splash on us, knowing Christ carries us through.

3 gifts preparing:
1,131 - Preparing my heart to receive great things that the Lord is going to do in my life and the lives of those I love.
1,132 - Preparing food for family time together.
1,133 - Preparing for the cold, winter weather that will soon be here.

To let go is to fear less, and love more.

When you are in troubled and worried and sick at heart 
and your plans are upset and your world falls apart,
 remember God's ready and waiting to share 

The burden you find much too heavy to bear. 
So with faith, Let Go and Let GOD lead your way 

into a brighter and less troubled day!

When the cares of my heart are many,
    your consolations cheer my soul.

Psalm 94:19

  

Linking over at these blog parties:

 Sharing His Beauty (Beauty In His Grip) 
Multitude on Mondays (A Holy Experience) 
On Your Heart Tuesdays(A Pause in the Path)
Loving Our Children Tuesday(Teaching What Is Good)
Winsome Wednesday(My Daily Walk in His Grace)
Soli Deo Gloria (Finding Heaven) 
Heart Reflected(State of the Heart)
God-Bumps & God-Incidences(Getting Down With Jesus)
Random Journal Day (Beneath the Surface)

Random Journal Day: "Thanksgiving Precedes the Miracle"

 Today, I'm sharing from my journal writings and from my heart. I'll be linking over at "Be"neath The Surface: Breath of Faith: Random Journal Day Link Up"

as well as several other great blog hops (listed at the bottom of this post)

Thank you, Dawn, for providing this great link-up!

click on picture to go to her site.

On Wednesday, I shared a little bit about what is currently happening in my life. I've copied and pasted it here, just in case you didn't happen to read that post:

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This week has been a bit of an intense week for me and the hubs. We have been waiting patiently for about 9 months or so to complete the sale of our house and move to a lake cottage nearby. We've come close a few times, but something always has fallen through at the last minute. We have been in constant prayer over whether this is the path God is calling us to or if He has another. I have asked the Lord for some kind of confirmation that, even though we have waited patiently, that He will complete this process soon. A few weeks ago, I read in Ann Voskamp's list for the April (specifically on the 26th) JoyDare that I am to write down 3 gifts from God that are moving! I honestly am not one to test God or read into things, but I have felt that God was speaking to me about our move. Well, He's making me trust right up to the day! Tomorrow is the 26th. I'm trusting God to come through for me!! Won't you also pray for Him to receive glory and our faith to become sight? Whatever happens, tomorrow, I will be praising God for 3 gifts that are moving!!

To read all of that day's post, go here

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It seems like all week God has been working in my heart on this subject. I'm also sharing from yesterday's writing in my journal, since it is so fresh on my mind and in my heart.

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 Thursday, April 26, 2012

Today is the day I have felt that God was is going to do something very special in my life - the gifts of 3 things moving. Yesterday, I think the devil was trying his hardest to oppress me. Ken finally talked to our realtor, who had no good news about the buyers who are still trying to sell their house first and she actually tryed to work us to consider dropping our price again on our house(so that they can drop their house price), even though we have already worked out an agreed offer. By the end of the day, both Ken and I were feeling down in the dumps, feeling like there is very little chance that this will work out. 
Been reading Ann Voskamp's book again and I'm reminded, when she writes,  

"Eucharisteo -thanksgiving- precedes the miracle. I humbly give God thanks for the gifts He gives. And in that place of humble thanks, God exalts and gives more gifts and more of Himself."  

All week, I've been reminded of my need to be meek and humble before God. Oh, this is not easy, to lower myself of my will and to fill myself with God alone! His love - I can trust, let go, surrender all - and give thanks for what is given - JOY! I will give thanks, no matter what is given, because God IS my joy! 

Oh, Jesus, in Your mercy and love for me, bring me to my knees in EVERY circumstance! Show me joy for YOUR gifts today - this is Your day to me!!

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Even though the 26th has passed, with no new news to give, I will still trust and praise God! I've had this song in my head all week. We sang it in church and I just keep finding myself singing it over and over.

 

Linking over at these Blog Hops:

Winsome Wednesday (My Daily Walk in His Grace)

Grace Cafe' (Reflections of His Grace)

 Heartfelt Hallelujahs (Heartprints of God) 

Faith Filled Friday (Beholding Glory)