Well another week has gone by and I still am in the dark concerning my immediate and long term future. My life changed two years ago as I've stated already in prior blogs. I am experiencing the greatest challenge of my life which is affecting me physically, emotionally and spiritually.
I have no idea what my future holds. There are some days when I am more optomistic than other days, but I know that whatever I am going through right now is part of God's divine plan for my life. Sometimes, God just doesn't make any sense and when that happens, FAITH has to take over.
I must say that since my mini stroke on August 13th and subsequent medical leave for the past 6 months, (not physically able to hold down a job due to extreme fatigue), God has stood in the gap and in miraculous ways provided for us financially and in other ways. It is nothing short of an ongoing miracle. One day, when I look back over these past few years and reflect upon God's involvement in our lives and situation, I will need to write down an accurate account of God's provision which has quadrupled my faith. My hope is that all who will read that account will be blessed and that their faith would be strengthened to know that God cares and is still very involved in the lives of those who are Christ followers and put their faith and trust in God.
My life verse has a much greater meaning for me these days than ever before. That verse is Proverbs 3: 5,6 which states:
(KJV) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding, but in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.." .
I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but this I DO know, that my God is faithful and will perform His will in my life whatever that may be. In the meantime, I'm learning to REST in Him even when He doesn't make any sense.
How about you? Are you going through a difficult time in your live today? Are you wondering where God is in the midst of your struggles? God is ever present during the good times and not so good times. Remember, when God doesn't make any sense and all seems hopeless, that is where FAITH comes in. TRUST him with all your heart. God is faithful and will not let you down. He will provide for you in His own way and in His own time.
One of my favorite songs is titled Through It All and part of the lyrics reads:
"I thank God for the mountains, and I thank Him for the valleys, I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through; for if I never had a problem, I wouldn't know that He could solve them, I wouldn't know what faith in God could do".
Amen and Amen!!!!!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
A PRAYER OF PRAISE AND SUPPLICATION
Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me.
Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.
I know that when I can't pray, you listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those that don't believe. But I thank you that I believe. I believe that God changes people and God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.
I pray this in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
AMEN.
(Author Unknown)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
God Will Make A Way
As I was checking my email today a good friend of mine said and I quote:
"I DON'T KNOW WHY AND I WILL NOT QUESTION! I WAS THINKING OF YOU ..... AND THIS WAS WAITING ON ME. LIKE I SAID, HE WORKS IN MISTERIOUS WAYS!"
Now, I hadn't talked with this individual for quite some time and we talked for the first time the other day for a short while and today I get this link in my email from this person to open up and listen to. It was EXACTLY what I needed at the moment. I truly believe this was a message sent by God to me through my friend. I suggest you click on this link and listen for yourself..... make sure you have your volume turned up, you won't want to miss out on this very important truth!! God is awesome!!
"I DON'T KNOW WHY AND I WILL NOT QUESTION! I WAS THINKING OF YOU ..... AND THIS WAS WAITING ON ME. LIKE I SAID, HE WORKS IN MISTERIOUS WAYS!"
Now, I hadn't talked with this individual for quite some time and we talked for the first time the other day for a short while and today I get this link in my email from this person to open up and listen to. It was EXACTLY what I needed at the moment. I truly believe this was a message sent by God to me through my friend. I suggest you click on this link and listen for yourself..... make sure you have your volume turned up, you won't want to miss out on this very important truth!! God is awesome!!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A Fresh Perspective On Life
The following story was emailed to me and I thought it was such a good illustration about life and all of it's uncertainties, I thought I would include it in this blog. I trust it will help you gain a different perspective as it did me.
Blessings,
John
"Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation!
A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.
Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."
"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers. "Yuck" says her daughter.
"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!"
To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!
God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance."
Blessings,
John
"Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation!
A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.
Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."
"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers. "Yuck" says her daughter.
"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!"
To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!
God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance."
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
CABIN ON THE LAKE
Dear Readers,
I am a pilgrim who's on a journey through this life with God leading the way. My life suffered a drastic change about 2 1/2 years ago. Since then there have been many twists and turns. The following true account I am using as my first post because it was at that moment that my perspective on life and indeed my life itself changed forever!! Here is that account:
I am a pilgrim who's on a journey through this life with God leading the way. My life suffered a drastic change about 2 1/2 years ago. Since then there have been many twists and turns. The following true account I am using as my first post because it was at that moment that my perspective on life and indeed my life itself changed forever!! Here is that account:
CABIN ON THE LAKE
AN ACTUAL VISION:
MY PERSONAL ACCOUNT
John C. Edwards 1-27-07
I was in a cabin on a large lake. The cabin was one of those that had a row of windows on one side facing the lake. All of the windows were open with screens exposed.
A gentle breeze was flowing through the open windows, very comfortable and serene. My family and close friends were with me as we were enjoying one another’s company.
We were all gathered together in the family room overlooking the lake when the breeze became noticeably stronger. Then suddenly the sirens began to sound so we turned on the TV to find that a storm warning had indeed been issued and that everyone should seek cover immediately.
The reporter said there was a disturbance traveling directly toward us across the lake. It was producing straight line winds of 70-80 MPH. The announcement said “Seek Safety Immediately”.
The breeze became a wind growing in intensity with every passing moment. We had no basement. I became concerned for the safety of those around me and proceeded to help them find safety so they could withstand the approaching wind. All the while, the wind continued to grow in intensity. My sole concern was for their safety. Once safely secured, each of them implored me to seek shelter and secure myself before it became too late.
However, I was convinced that I’d be ok and that I was strong enough to withstand the storm. I continued being more concerned for their safety. The wind continued to grow in strength and it was becoming more difficult to buck the wind.
I stood fast and began to face the wind head on, being only able to move inches at a time. With my head bowed, I stubbornly tried to advance against the wind.
By this time everyone was screaming “John, you can’t stand up against this storm, please find cover!” Suddenly, the wind lifted me off the ground and transported me into the adjoining room – slamming me against the wall. With my back firmly against the wall, I feared that the wall would give way and I would enter the point of no return.
Therefore, I had no choice but to seek cover. Looking across the room, I noticed I was in the kitchen and saw a work table next to the stove. I slowly and with every ounce of strength made my way across the room to the table, crawled underneath firmly secured under the table with my back against the stove.
Not long after I found shelter, the storm passed, the wind died down and became a gentle breeze once again. I then left my place of safety to find that everyone I was so concerned for were indeed safe and sound.
I then woke up and began reflecting upon this dream. I looked at the clock and saw it was 2:10 am. Shortly thereafter, the interpretation came to me.
INTERPRETATION:
The cabin represents my personal environment
John C. Edwards 1-27-07
I was in a cabin on a large lake. The cabin was one of those that had a row of windows on one side facing the lake. All of the windows were open with screens exposed.
A gentle breeze was flowing through the open windows, very comfortable and serene. My family and close friends were with me as we were enjoying one another’s company.
We were all gathered together in the family room overlooking the lake when the breeze became noticeably stronger. Then suddenly the sirens began to sound so we turned on the TV to find that a storm warning had indeed been issued and that everyone should seek cover immediately.
The reporter said there was a disturbance traveling directly toward us across the lake. It was producing straight line winds of 70-80 MPH. The announcement said “Seek Safety Immediately”.
The breeze became a wind growing in intensity with every passing moment. We had no basement. I became concerned for the safety of those around me and proceeded to help them find safety so they could withstand the approaching wind. All the while, the wind continued to grow in intensity. My sole concern was for their safety. Once safely secured, each of them implored me to seek shelter and secure myself before it became too late.
However, I was convinced that I’d be ok and that I was strong enough to withstand the storm. I continued being more concerned for their safety. The wind continued to grow in strength and it was becoming more difficult to buck the wind.
I stood fast and began to face the wind head on, being only able to move inches at a time. With my head bowed, I stubbornly tried to advance against the wind.
By this time everyone was screaming “John, you can’t stand up against this storm, please find cover!” Suddenly, the wind lifted me off the ground and transported me into the adjoining room – slamming me against the wall. With my back firmly against the wall, I feared that the wall would give way and I would enter the point of no return.
Therefore, I had no choice but to seek cover. Looking across the room, I noticed I was in the kitchen and saw a work table next to the stove. I slowly and with every ounce of strength made my way across the room to the table, crawled underneath firmly secured under the table with my back against the stove.
Not long after I found shelter, the storm passed, the wind died down and became a gentle breeze once again. I then left my place of safety to find that everyone I was so concerned for were indeed safe and sound.
I then woke up and began reflecting upon this dream. I looked at the clock and saw it was 2:10 am. Shortly thereafter, the interpretation came to me.
INTERPRETATION:
The cabin represents my personal environment
(Home, Family, Friends, etc..).
The windstorm represents the pressures of life and the excessive amounts of stress related to work conditions.
The table and stove represent a place of safety (in this case, the Hospital).
Before being admitted to the hospital, I was facing an equivalent to a 70-80 MPH straight line wind. People warned me of endangering my health and personal well being if I continued to face the storm head on (my workload was too much for one person to handle). They urged me to find shelter (change of pace – even a different line of work if necessary), but I failed to heed their advice. I stubbornly continued to face the storm head on. As a result, I indeed found myself with my back slammed against the wall.
With my back against the wall, I finally realized that I need to accept my limitations and that I cannot fix everyone’s problem. Nor could I continue to work as though I was some super human invincible. So, I agreed to seek shelter and help (Hospital). I realized that if I continued to face the stresses of work and pressures of life without help, I could very well end up physically and psychologically at a point of no return.
Therefore, on January 24th, 2007 I reluctantly agreed to enter the hospital for necessary medical attention and counsel so that one day soon, I would be able to leave this place of safety and venture out once again to lead a productive and a more balanced life.
By that time, the windstorm will have passed and I could once again enjoy the gentle breeze with my family and friends.
I was released from the hospital on January 31st, 2007.
With God’s help, I am beginning to write a new chapter in my life while seeking a proper balance between my Mind, Body and Spirit.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
"O God, you are our refuge......when we are exhausted by life's efforts; when we are bewildered by life's problems; when we are wounded by life's sorrows.....we come for refuge to you. Amen." — William Barclay---
The windstorm represents the pressures of life and the excessive amounts of stress related to work conditions.
The table and stove represent a place of safety (in this case, the Hospital).
Before being admitted to the hospital, I was facing an equivalent to a 70-80 MPH straight line wind. People warned me of endangering my health and personal well being if I continued to face the storm head on (my workload was too much for one person to handle). They urged me to find shelter (change of pace – even a different line of work if necessary), but I failed to heed their advice. I stubbornly continued to face the storm head on. As a result, I indeed found myself with my back slammed against the wall.
With my back against the wall, I finally realized that I need to accept my limitations and that I cannot fix everyone’s problem. Nor could I continue to work as though I was some super human invincible. So, I agreed to seek shelter and help (Hospital). I realized that if I continued to face the stresses of work and pressures of life without help, I could very well end up physically and psychologically at a point of no return.
Therefore, on January 24th, 2007 I reluctantly agreed to enter the hospital for necessary medical attention and counsel so that one day soon, I would be able to leave this place of safety and venture out once again to lead a productive and a more balanced life.
By that time, the windstorm will have passed and I could once again enjoy the gentle breeze with my family and friends.
I was released from the hospital on January 31st, 2007.
With God’s help, I am beginning to write a new chapter in my life while seeking a proper balance between my Mind, Body and Spirit.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
"O God, you are our refuge......when we are exhausted by life's efforts; when we are bewildered by life's problems; when we are wounded by life's sorrows.....we come for refuge to you. Amen." — William Barclay---
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