Gifts from Above

I need a new computer, and for months (okay, maybe years) have been wanting a laptop.  I'm a bit picky, so instead of purchasing a cheaper non-Apple version, I'm holding out for a Mac.  Probably why I haven't gotten one yet.  But my desktop computer (also a Mac) is a year 2000 and there are pink streaks across the screen, giving me the feeling that the monitor is going.  Also, it keeps telling me there are "errors" and shutting down.  Since I'm working on "Riches" I decided to pray me up a computer.  God knows I need one, right?  So I've been praying for my Apple laptop. 

Amazingly, God sent me a computer.  It's free.  It's a Mac.  But it's happens to be a 2003 desktop computer. Guess God didn't think I was ready for that laptop....

But hey, it works, so I am rejoicing!  Isn't it fun that one happened to come along when I needed one?  Thank you, Lord!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above..."  James 1:17

Hidden Riches

I just finished reading "Unbroken."  Awesome book.  Very thought-provoking - at least it got me to thinking. Sometimes we ask for something that we think we really want, and God gives us something else - something better - instead.  But it may not look like it at the time.  Sometimes our hardships strengthen us and prepare us for an incredible future.  We just never know.  The apostle Paul says he learned to be content in all things.  Maybe he figured this nugget of wisdom out early in life.

Wealth

A friend shared Psalms 45 with me - wonderful images of kings and princesses.  I especially liked that the princess's robe was trimmed in gold, since I am focusing on the wealth of God this month.  I know that God owns it all, and that we don't need to worry about finances.  We had hoped to go to Florida this spring and take the kids to Disney World, but in the past month our water softener broke, a wind blew parts of our roof off and we need a new one, and two days ago my husband got in a car accident.  Hubby is okay, but the car is not.  So there goes all our "fun" money.  And more.  We are wondering where we're going to get the money for the roof - I'm excited to see what God will bring our way.  I'm trying to keep my chin up, because I know it all works out in the end, to the glory of God.  Sometimes it's just hard to go through!

Writing It All Down

Coming out of 2011, my year as a "Princess-in-training", I have to say I learned a LOT.  It all sounded like fun when I first started out, by it's also a challenge to live like the woman God wants me to be.  I started writing the book this month, and looking back over my notes, I'm happy to see my successes, but I also realize I have a long way to go.  Life is like that - we are constantly striving to become the person we want to be.  I realized, also, that this book isn't about self-improvement, really; it's more about self-realization.  We already are princesses - daughters to the King, in God's eyes.  He has equipped us and gifted us, and claimed us.  All I need to do is realize it and tap into it.  But it's not a task for the feint of heart!

Kingly Access

I was contemplating this whole princess-thing last night, and what I find most encouraging is that we have such open access to our King.  God WANTS to spend time with us - anytime, anywhere we seek Him.  We don't have to jump on our horse and seek passage into the castle:  instead, we can speak to Him right here where we are. I don't even have to get dressed in the morning or brush my teeth first! :-) 
          The Bible is full of scripture where God is encouraging us to come to Him. Our God is an awesome God and I feel blessed that I can enter into His holy presence, just as I am.

Almost Done!

Thank goodness this year of "Living Like A Princess" is almost over - it has nearly killed me!  From purple high-healed shoes to....okay, we won't go into it, but it ain't been easy.  This month is our last challenge.  Hang with me, girls!  We've got blessings in store!

Thankful

Today's topic isn't really on "self-control", but in way it is.  We do have control over our attitude, and we can usually find something to be thankful for, even if it's something small.

I am speaking in a few weeks at an advent service, and the topic I've been asked to talk about is our attitude.  How can our attitude affect our lives? 

            In light of the upcoming holiday season, with all of the stressors and emotions connected with it, I decided to take a good long look at my own attitude and where it's going.

            I certainly have a lot to be thankful for when I sit down to a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving.  But there is going to be an empty place at the table.  My grandma, who I've spent nearly every Thanksgiving with, won't be with us.  She's feasting at the table in Heaven this year.

            Her death has left a huge hole in our hearts.  Although she was ready to go when she passed away in April at the age of 91, we weren't ready to let her go.  I don't think you're ever ready to completely let go.   So my latest question has been how am I going to get through the holidays without her, and have an attitude of joy?

            Joy, as I have often said in my talks and writings, is different from happiness.  Joy is something that lies deep within us and that endures, even when our circumstances aren't happy.  Joy doesn't depend on your circumstances; instead, it can thrive despite your circumstances.

            Having joy in my heart doesn't mean I won't grieve.  It doesn't mean I'm going to put on a smile and a "happier than thou" attitude.  I won't fake my way through the day, or the weeks to come.  But through grief, I know deep down that while I may hurt now, there is hope.  I will see my grandma again.   I'll sit at the table with her some day, and feast.  Jesus is saving me a place.  And because of that, even though my heart is hurting, I am not filled with despair.

            God-willing, I will get up on Thanksgiving morning and watch the parade with my kids.  I'll prepare a few side dishes and take them to my parents, where we will sit down to a wonderful home-cooked meal.  When I see my grandma's place empty, I'll probably cry.  But at the same time, I'll be sitting across from my dad, who has been healed of cancer.  I'll be sitting next to my boys, who are the lights of my life. I will eat my mom's good home-cooked meal (prepared allergy-free, just for me) and toast my husband of 21 years.  I'll be able to look out the window at my very old, but very lively horse, and know that all is good.

            My grandma gave me memories.  She made me home-cooked meals.  She was the first to open up her farm to my horses, which became a big love of mine.  She taught me about family, and love, and life.  My grandma spent a lifetime loving me and nurturing me, and I would do her a disservice if I let my grief drown me.  Part of who I am and what I am, is because of her.

            So Nanny, in your honor, I'm all about attitude this November.  I'm going to rejoice and hug my family members, and eat a hearty meal.   I know you'll be smiling down at me.