thwarted plans

"Every time something thwarts your plans or desires, use that as a reminder to communicate with Me... disappointments, instead of dragging you down, are transformed into opportunities for good... When you re-frame setbacks as opportunities, you find you gain more than you have lost." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.

Philippians 3:7-8 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things , and count them but rubbish that I may gain Christ.

*****

Disappointments are part of this life. God doesn't ask us not to feel disappointment or to gloss over loss. He asks us to come to Him, to communicate with Him about what we are feeling and why. He understands our disappointment over things that have not happened as we had hoped. He will share His heart with us--often letting us see His better plan. No this doesn't always happen immediately, but with time and trust we will see the gain of His plan.

one thousand gifts

269. yummy broccoli soup on a rainy day

270. a warm dry home

271. God's better plan for my life

weakness to strength

"Grow strong in the Light of My Presence. Your weakness does not repel Me. On the contrary, it attracts My Power, which is always available to flow into a yielded heart...Yielding yourself to My will is ultimately an act of trust. In quietness and trust is your strength." Jesus Calling

Isaiah 30:15 For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel has said, "In repentance and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and trust is your strength." But you were not willing.

*****

"But you were not willing." Such sad words. God must get very tired of his people not trusting Him. How often does God wait with strength and the answer for my problems, but I don't go to Him in my weakness and trust Him to take care of me.

Today, I want to take all my weaknesses (physical, mental, spiritual) to Jesus and with a yielded heart trust Him to give me strength and care for me.

one thousand gifts

266. my nurse Tom

267. sunshine

268. rest and recuperation

don't be discouraged

"Don not be discouraged by the difficulty of keeping your focus on Me. I know that your heart's desire is to be aware of My Presence continually... I am delighted by your deep desire to walk closely with Me through your life. I am pleased each time you initiate communication with Me. In addition, I notice the progress you have made since you first resolved to live in My Presence."

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Hebrews 4:14-16 Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

*****

It is so easy to get discouraged on this journey called life. It is my hearts desire to keep my focus on Jesus, but I often am focused on everything but Him. Thank You, God, for Your mercy and grace.

one thousand gifts

262. sweet little cowgirl Amelia

263. Kelly's time of delivery coming soon

264. talking to Matt

265. mercy and grace