Yes, my day finally arrived. Yesterday was my last day of work with a company I have been employed at for 25 years, 10 months and 12 days. I arrived at this company on December 16, 1985 when the company was only six months old. I have watched her grow from being on one floor with about 50 employees to where we are now with our own building and many, many, employees working from home. I have made many friends, been involved with numerous potlucks, picnics, committees, cancer walks, leukemia walks, smoke alarm walks, arthritis walks, MS walks and many others. I have coordinated many blood drives and bone marrow donor drives. I have learned so much over the years.
I owe much to my co-worker these past two years. Without her amazing skills, patience, and knowledge, her willingness to teach me, I could not have survived in my last position. I will not identify her; if she reads this, she will know. Our bond and friendship was only in the office, but she has earned my highest respect. She is amazing. Thank you. I hope we again can work together. We make a great team.
Yesterday was a busy day as I tried to complete many tasks before I turned in my computer and closed this chapter in my life. I did as much as I could. Many people came by to say good bye and good luck. I leave knowing I have many friends who cherish our friendship as I do. I hope I see many of them again.
Today, being Saturday, seems like another day. When I tell myself that I do not need to go to work on Monday, it seems odd. I imagine that even next week, and the week after, it will seem as if I am on vacation. Soon, the reality will seep in. I am in the preview of my next chapter. What I do over the next few weeks will determine my steps, perhaps for the rest of my life.
What do I want to do? I want to make quilts, to bake, to cook, to can, to clean, to play - to do things I was always too busy to take much time to do. I want to spend more quality time daily with God. I want to serve. I want to volunteer. I want to walk. I want to learn to run. I want to spend quality time with those I love. I want to make lots of memories, for me, and for those who will remain when God calls me home. More than all this, I want to be available for whatever God wants me to do. I want to make a difference.
What about you? Are you retired, or are thinking about retirement? What about your life now? Is it what you always imagined it would be? Do you feel like something is missing? Do you feel abundantly blessed? Take time to evaluate where you are in life and where you want it to end. Don't blow this off and think 'I'll do it later' or 'I've got lots of time ahead of me'. You do not know how long you have on this earth. You do not know when you will be taken away from your loved ones.
It's like the story of 'The Dash'. From the year your were born, to the year you die, on the headstone is a dash. That dash is your life. What is your life going to show in that 'dash'? Think about it.
Blessings!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Waiting....
It has been an interesting week, one in which I will have to separate out what has been going on. Since I last mentioned prayer with fasting in my last post, I want to share God's goodness.
Monday I chose to give up food for breakfast and lunch, praying throughout the day and worshipping at His Throne of Grace, putting our questions at His feet. I ate fruit and vegetables for dinner. Tuesday, the same. Wednesday, the same. Some times it was difficult to get some time alone as I was still working as well, but He provided for me the opportunities to spend time with Him. I told no one other than you, my readers, about this fast time.
Thursday morning I again gave up morning food, spending time praying and bringing my requests before Him. About 11AM a co-worker came by and said that they were having a luncheon for a couple people who were retiring and invited me to join them. She commented she would come get me when the food was ready. I began praying for God to show me if I was to give up the fast at this point, or continue, either not going to the luncheon where I would have to say why I wasn't eating, or eat. A little after noon my co-worker comes back and says "Ok, it is time to break fast and come have lunch." Now THAT got my attention! Why would she say that but that God had put it in her mouth? I had no intention of eating prior to that point, but when she used the exact words "break fast", I felt it was God telling me He had heard my prayers and I could stop my fast.
Some of you may wonder what fasting is all about. It is giving up something that you enjoy for something far greater. Giving it up, not exchanging it for something else. For example, you don't give up going to the movies for a month then spend that time sitting in front of the TV watching movies.
Fasting turns your attention towards God. It gives you focused attention upon Him. When I give up food, my thoughts turn to God and reminds me to bring my requests before Him. When my stomach begins to feel empty, and growls, it reminds me to look to God and His Word for my food. I become more sensitive to His leading. His Word comes alive for me. I can more easily hear His voice when I quiet myself and spend time with Him. I just want to worship. To be silent. To be still in His Presence. Father, there is none like You! Your love embraces and surrounds me. You gather me into your arms, and hold me. I praise You, Father! You are my God! There is nothing I keep from You or put before You! I bow down and worship. Hallelujah! Praise you, Jesus! Bless Your Holy Name!
Fasting can also cause you to lose yourself. Can you even imagine losing yourself in the Presence of God? How precious it is! What a delight!
Fasting can consist of many things. It can be giving up a meal, or more. It can be giving up desserts or sweet things for an extended period. (no, not dieting intentionally) It can be giving up the TV, or movies, time on the computer, or something else you enjoy doing. It can be giving up sleep by getting up early in the mornings to spend alone time with God, or by staying up late to focus upon Him. If you are thinking about fasting, ask God what He wants you to give up. If you still are not sure, Elmer Towns has a great book called 'Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough" that gives you several fasts from the Bible.
Don't fast because you think you want something and you want God to provide it for you. Those are wrong motives. Examine why you want to fast, and what you want God to do. Remember, He sees your heart and no matter what you say, He knows what the reasons are. Don't let others know you are fasting if you can keep from it. It isn't to make you greater, it is to make you smaller. Humble yourself by fasting and seek God, and see what He will do in and through you and for you.
What is it that you need to lay down at His feet? Do you have a habit you are struggling with? Every time you struggle, pray for strength to get through it. More than anything else, believe that when you ask in Jesus' name, fasting and praying, and coming to God with a clean heart, He will answer you. True, it may not be the answer you want, but He will answer.
In the meantime, while you wait for Him to work, spend time with Him and tell Him how much you love Him. He likes that.
Blessings!
Monday I chose to give up food for breakfast and lunch, praying throughout the day and worshipping at His Throne of Grace, putting our questions at His feet. I ate fruit and vegetables for dinner. Tuesday, the same. Wednesday, the same. Some times it was difficult to get some time alone as I was still working as well, but He provided for me the opportunities to spend time with Him. I told no one other than you, my readers, about this fast time.
Thursday morning I again gave up morning food, spending time praying and bringing my requests before Him. About 11AM a co-worker came by and said that they were having a luncheon for a couple people who were retiring and invited me to join them. She commented she would come get me when the food was ready. I began praying for God to show me if I was to give up the fast at this point, or continue, either not going to the luncheon where I would have to say why I wasn't eating, or eat. A little after noon my co-worker comes back and says "Ok, it is time to break fast and come have lunch." Now THAT got my attention! Why would she say that but that God had put it in her mouth? I had no intention of eating prior to that point, but when she used the exact words "break fast", I felt it was God telling me He had heard my prayers and I could stop my fast.
Some of you may wonder what fasting is all about. It is giving up something that you enjoy for something far greater. Giving it up, not exchanging it for something else. For example, you don't give up going to the movies for a month then spend that time sitting in front of the TV watching movies.
Fasting turns your attention towards God. It gives you focused attention upon Him. When I give up food, my thoughts turn to God and reminds me to bring my requests before Him. When my stomach begins to feel empty, and growls, it reminds me to look to God and His Word for my food. I become more sensitive to His leading. His Word comes alive for me. I can more easily hear His voice when I quiet myself and spend time with Him. I just want to worship. To be silent. To be still in His Presence. Father, there is none like You! Your love embraces and surrounds me. You gather me into your arms, and hold me. I praise You, Father! You are my God! There is nothing I keep from You or put before You! I bow down and worship. Hallelujah! Praise you, Jesus! Bless Your Holy Name!
Fasting can also cause you to lose yourself. Can you even imagine losing yourself in the Presence of God? How precious it is! What a delight!
Fasting can consist of many things. It can be giving up a meal, or more. It can be giving up desserts or sweet things for an extended period. (no, not dieting intentionally) It can be giving up the TV, or movies, time on the computer, or something else you enjoy doing. It can be giving up sleep by getting up early in the mornings to spend alone time with God, or by staying up late to focus upon Him. If you are thinking about fasting, ask God what He wants you to give up. If you still are not sure, Elmer Towns has a great book called 'Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough" that gives you several fasts from the Bible.
Don't fast because you think you want something and you want God to provide it for you. Those are wrong motives. Examine why you want to fast, and what you want God to do. Remember, He sees your heart and no matter what you say, He knows what the reasons are. Don't let others know you are fasting if you can keep from it. It isn't to make you greater, it is to make you smaller. Humble yourself by fasting and seek God, and see what He will do in and through you and for you.
What is it that you need to lay down at His feet? Do you have a habit you are struggling with? Every time you struggle, pray for strength to get through it. More than anything else, believe that when you ask in Jesus' name, fasting and praying, and coming to God with a clean heart, He will answer you. True, it may not be the answer you want, but He will answer.
In the meantime, while you wait for Him to work, spend time with Him and tell Him how much you love Him. He likes that.
Blessings!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Indecision....
I love the times I have to sit and wait on God. I tried to use other words for 'love', but felt that 'love' was a much better word to use. :-) Waiting. Indecision. God, I need an answer! Father, please guide me and direct my path! What? Where? Why? Say what?!! Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is waiting upon You.
All these thoughts run through my head, even yet today. I so desperately want to hear from God and know what direction He is taking us.
Every time Tom and I come to a decision, we feel guilty in some ways, and unsure. Why can't God just speak up and say "GO" or "STAY, I'm working in this"? The past couple weeks things seemed to fall into place and we felt the assurance of 'go'. Because we love people, it is hard to go, and we wonder if we are to 'stay'. Is God putting the obstacles in our path to draw us to where He wants us to go? Or is our love for some of the people going to prevail? I don't know!
So we have decided to fast with our prayers. We are going to focus our time and energy upon this decision and seek God for an answer. We both have agreed to give up some things that we enjoy to pray and seek God's answers. We covet your prayers that we can hear God and understand what we are to do.
All we want to do is love God's people and shepherd them, teach them about Jesus, disciple them, help them develop a loving relationship with Jesus. Help them to find their way in this world of contempt and confusion. The enemy is doing all he can to keep us from serving as we feel we are called to serve. So we are laying it all down. Holding nothing back. If we are to serve, we are asking God to open doors of opportunity, where we are to serve, what He wants us to do. After all, to want people to know about Jesus, we need to tell them about Him. He is more than a 'tag' at the end of a prayer. He is real. He is ALIVE. We need to be telling others about Jesus and how to abide in Him and He in us. We are to be leading by example how to live. If we are not to serve, then we ask that God shut the doors of opportunity and allow us to receive food for our souls.
I am trusting in His sovereignty to hear my heart, and answer. Lord, please help me to be quiet and listen for Your still, quiet, voice. Your Word says that You have plans for me. I wait for You. I love you.
Are you going through something that you just can't get an answer on? Try fasting with your prayers. Jesus said that some things require fasting as well as prayer. It does require commitment and discipline. Commit to even one day to start. Choose how and what you want to fast. Spend your meal times in prayer. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. Fasting is not a guarantee the answer will be what you want it to be - it helps you to focus on what IS important - your relationship with an All-Loving, All-Knowing God.
Blessings!!
All these thoughts run through my head, even yet today. I so desperately want to hear from God and know what direction He is taking us.
Every time Tom and I come to a decision, we feel guilty in some ways, and unsure. Why can't God just speak up and say "GO" or "STAY, I'm working in this"? The past couple weeks things seemed to fall into place and we felt the assurance of 'go'. Because we love people, it is hard to go, and we wonder if we are to 'stay'. Is God putting the obstacles in our path to draw us to where He wants us to go? Or is our love for some of the people going to prevail? I don't know!
So we have decided to fast with our prayers. We are going to focus our time and energy upon this decision and seek God for an answer. We both have agreed to give up some things that we enjoy to pray and seek God's answers. We covet your prayers that we can hear God and understand what we are to do.
All we want to do is love God's people and shepherd them, teach them about Jesus, disciple them, help them develop a loving relationship with Jesus. Help them to find their way in this world of contempt and confusion. The enemy is doing all he can to keep us from serving as we feel we are called to serve. So we are laying it all down. Holding nothing back. If we are to serve, we are asking God to open doors of opportunity, where we are to serve, what He wants us to do. After all, to want people to know about Jesus, we need to tell them about Him. He is more than a 'tag' at the end of a prayer. He is real. He is ALIVE. We need to be telling others about Jesus and how to abide in Him and He in us. We are to be leading by example how to live. If we are not to serve, then we ask that God shut the doors of opportunity and allow us to receive food for our souls.
I am trusting in His sovereignty to hear my heart, and answer. Lord, please help me to be quiet and listen for Your still, quiet, voice. Your Word says that You have plans for me. I wait for You. I love you.
Are you going through something that you just can't get an answer on? Try fasting with your prayers. Jesus said that some things require fasting as well as prayer. It does require commitment and discipline. Commit to even one day to start. Choose how and what you want to fast. Spend your meal times in prayer. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. Fasting is not a guarantee the answer will be what you want it to be - it helps you to focus on what IS important - your relationship with an All-Loving, All-Knowing God.
Blessings!!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Short-timer!
My time with my company is getting very short now. As of today, I have 8 working days, of which 2 of those days are in Sedona at a Board Retreat. And I have 6 vacation days. I have a lot to do in those work days! I have started putting down what meetings I am in charge of and who is invited to them. I have sent out meeting invites to some meetings through the end of the year just so that they are 'done'. I still have other things to write down so that whoever follows me can complete them. And they haven't started interviewing yet. I understand that the posting was up only a few days and they got so many in (THAT many people want my job?) such a short time, they pulled the posting. So how do I feel about all this process?
Not sure. I know, that is a vague answer. Part of me is sad, for I do enjoy most of the people I work with. The work isn't hard, but you can get stressed. It feels funny thinking about it for I don't know what it will feel like to not have a job to go to.....yet. I have had people come to me today and tell me I can't leave, they need me here. I tell them to 'make me an offer I can't refuse'. LOL
I am looking forward to just a little 'me' time. No, I'm not being selfish. I love having extended quiet times with God, and I am really looking forward to that. I'm looking forward to getting control of my life, working out at the gym, taking long walks, and getting a dog! Yep - we decided we would get one after vacation so will begin seriously looking when we get back. I want a dog I can walk with - like a Doberman. I love dobermans, just can't afford them. But, would like one to walk with me so that I can go walking whenever I want. And alone if I want, knowing my dog will take care of me.
I'm also looking forward to getting to do a lot of cooking again. Tom does a good job at it, but I love to cook and over the past 4-5 years I have not had much opportunity due to work. I love to experiment and try new recipes. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my kids, and my grandchildren. Tom, don't get upset, you have me all the time. :-) I want to renew relationships. I had to work when my children were growing up - I'd like to get to know them better.
I do need to look for another job, one with medical benefits, before the end of the year. I have asked God to prepare one for me, and I am trusting Him to do just that. I want to be with people, I want to have fun, I want to enjoy what I do. I know what my ideal job is - but don't see that happening. God may have other plans, so that option is always open. I tell people I may end up at Starbucks - don't you think that would be such fun?! I want to LIVE. I want to LAUGH. I want to LOVE. I want to have FUN the rest of my life. I think I can look forward to retirement.... at least for a little while. I can't wait to see what God has planned for me!
Sad news today brings it all "home" as to taking early retirement. I got word this morning via an office email that a friend at work, near my own age, died unexpectedly last Friday. She hadn't been sick, that I know of. I just talked with her a couple weeks ago. She never got the opportunity to retire. She never had the opportunity to not go to work. I feel so sad for her family. My prayer is they have memories to hold on to during this time of sorrow. My prayers are with them.
What are you doing with your life? Are you in a job that you just go to? Are you wishing you could do something you really enjoy and want to do? What is keeping you from it? Start taking online classes while you decide. Make your mind up to have fun and learn. Maybe you just need to make a change. Ask God to help you find your way. He is just waiting for you to ask Him. He will never pressure you nor push you into something - He is just waiting for you. Will you ask Him? I will.
Blessings!
Not sure. I know, that is a vague answer. Part of me is sad, for I do enjoy most of the people I work with. The work isn't hard, but you can get stressed. It feels funny thinking about it for I don't know what it will feel like to not have a job to go to.....yet. I have had people come to me today and tell me I can't leave, they need me here. I tell them to 'make me an offer I can't refuse'. LOL
I am looking forward to just a little 'me' time. No, I'm not being selfish. I love having extended quiet times with God, and I am really looking forward to that. I'm looking forward to getting control of my life, working out at the gym, taking long walks, and getting a dog! Yep - we decided we would get one after vacation so will begin seriously looking when we get back. I want a dog I can walk with - like a Doberman. I love dobermans, just can't afford them. But, would like one to walk with me so that I can go walking whenever I want. And alone if I want, knowing my dog will take care of me.
I'm also looking forward to getting to do a lot of cooking again. Tom does a good job at it, but I love to cook and over the past 4-5 years I have not had much opportunity due to work. I love to experiment and try new recipes. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my kids, and my grandchildren. Tom, don't get upset, you have me all the time. :-) I want to renew relationships. I had to work when my children were growing up - I'd like to get to know them better.
I do need to look for another job, one with medical benefits, before the end of the year. I have asked God to prepare one for me, and I am trusting Him to do just that. I want to be with people, I want to have fun, I want to enjoy what I do. I know what my ideal job is - but don't see that happening. God may have other plans, so that option is always open. I tell people I may end up at Starbucks - don't you think that would be such fun?! I want to LIVE. I want to LAUGH. I want to LOVE. I want to have FUN the rest of my life. I think I can look forward to retirement.... at least for a little while. I can't wait to see what God has planned for me!
Sad news today brings it all "home" as to taking early retirement. I got word this morning via an office email that a friend at work, near my own age, died unexpectedly last Friday. She hadn't been sick, that I know of. I just talked with her a couple weeks ago. She never got the opportunity to retire. She never had the opportunity to not go to work. I feel so sad for her family. My prayer is they have memories to hold on to during this time of sorrow. My prayers are with them.
What are you doing with your life? Are you in a job that you just go to? Are you wishing you could do something you really enjoy and want to do? What is keeping you from it? Start taking online classes while you decide. Make your mind up to have fun and learn. Maybe you just need to make a change. Ask God to help you find your way. He is just waiting for you to ask Him. He will never pressure you nor push you into something - He is just waiting for you. Will you ask Him? I will.
Blessings!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
But, God, we are NEEDED.......
so we think. And we very well may be. But what if the NEED is NOT to be fulfilled by me - or by us? Figuring that out is the tough part.
As I was in my quiet time this morning, reading my Bible, reading in a devotional of Andrew Murray's works and also some from Beth Moore, some things kind of stood out to me.
Acts 18:19-21
19 They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. 20 They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21 As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later,[a] God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
The Jews wanted Paul to stay in Ephesus and share with them. But, Paul wouldn't stay. He wanted so much for the Jews to learn of Jesus and yet, he left them. The fact that a need existed (Jews to learn of Jesus) did not mean Paul was the one to share it with them. It was Apollo who followed God's leading to share with the Jews in Ephesus at that time, not Paul. So what does that tell me?
The fact that a need exists does not mean God has called me to meet that need. Wow, what a novel thought! I am not the one to always step in and do something. Sometimes I am to say 'no' and step back. Why?
Because when we can't say no, even when God does not give His approval, two unfortunate repercussions often result: we don't do a good job and we don't leave an openings for God's chosen person to fill.
We need to be wise and trust God when He seems to be leading us contrary to those things we want to do - or those things we think we are 'needing' to do. He may not want us leading that class, for He has someone else in mind for it. He may not 'need' us to be a part of something, for He has other plans for us.
Are we making ourselves 'busy' doing things for Him, when all He wants is for us to WAIT for Him to pull it all together for us - and it will be far better than what we could ever imagine? Are you doing what God has called you to do.....or are you busy doing 'stuff' because no one else steps up to the plate? Do you no longer find joy in serving? Maybe you need to let it go.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31
Be encouraged to wait.... our Lord has great things for you!
Blessings!
As I was in my quiet time this morning, reading my Bible, reading in a devotional of Andrew Murray's works and also some from Beth Moore, some things kind of stood out to me.
Acts 18:19-21
19 They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. 20 They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21 As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later,[a] God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
The Jews wanted Paul to stay in Ephesus and share with them. But, Paul wouldn't stay. He wanted so much for the Jews to learn of Jesus and yet, he left them. The fact that a need existed (Jews to learn of Jesus) did not mean Paul was the one to share it with them. It was Apollo who followed God's leading to share with the Jews in Ephesus at that time, not Paul. So what does that tell me?
The fact that a need exists does not mean God has called me to meet that need. Wow, what a novel thought! I am not the one to always step in and do something. Sometimes I am to say 'no' and step back. Why?
Because when we can't say no, even when God does not give His approval, two unfortunate repercussions often result: we don't do a good job and we don't leave an openings for God's chosen person to fill.
We need to be wise and trust God when He seems to be leading us contrary to those things we want to do - or those things we think we are 'needing' to do. He may not want us leading that class, for He has someone else in mind for it. He may not 'need' us to be a part of something, for He has other plans for us.
Are we making ourselves 'busy' doing things for Him, when all He wants is for us to WAIT for Him to pull it all together for us - and it will be far better than what we could ever imagine? Are you doing what God has called you to do.....or are you busy doing 'stuff' because no one else steps up to the plate? Do you no longer find joy in serving? Maybe you need to let it go.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31
Be encouraged to wait.... our Lord has great things for you!
Blessings!
It's been a week!
It has been a rough week. I woke up a week ago with neck and shoulder/back pain - and have been struggling with it all week. I went for a deep massage on Monday night - and again on Thursday night. Although the massage felt good - the pain remains. Thursday night, though, I was told the 'culprit was found'. I have what they called a 'stress knot' (or something like that) buried under some muscles in my back. All I know is that it is extremely painful and it has kept me from doing things I enjoy doing.
But it has also given me time to renew my friendship with the massage therapist and help her when business was slow. It has also given me insight on the stress part - and to reflect on the stress I allow in my life - and what am I doing about it. A big one - which hopefully will not bring on more stress being without it - is my job. I have accepted the early retirement offered, and October 28th is my last day at work. I still have mixed emotions going on about that - I have been with this company nearly 26 years. I will need to find another job by the first of the year so that I can have medical benefits. Not old enough to draw medicare nor social security. I'm not sure what I am to do - but am trusting, and have been praying since I first was offered early retirement, that God will prepare something for me. Where it will be or what it will be I have no clue. I may be cleaning toilets! And that is ok, if that is what God has prepared for me.
Another stress in my life may also be dissolved within a short time. I'm struggling with this one, although I know it could have very well been the thing that took my 'stress knot' over the top and caused so much pain. As much as I have prayed for healing, been prayed for to be healed of this pain, this issue is still 'there' and the pain has not abated. It is all in God's hands and I have asked Him to direct my path. Tom and I both need to be on board together on this one. I can not walk this journey alone, nor does God want me to. So - with that, we both are praying and processing. I can't wait to share with you what God is planning for us as we surrender to Him all our wants and desires. Use us, O Lord, that You alone will be glorified.
What is causing you stress and what are you doing about it? Are you fighting all the time? Are you dealing with localized pain somewhere in your body because of the stress? Are you praying and asking God to reveal to you what is going on and what you should do? Are you just holding it all in, thinking things will get better if you just hold on?
Perhaps you need to just surrender. Let it go. It's not hard. Really. Try this. Hold your hands up in the air and squeeze your hands into tight fists, really tight. As you do that, share with God how you have been holding on to these things and you can't do it anymore, you are releasing it to Him. As you slowly open your hands, feel the tingle go through your hands as you release your issues and praise God that you can let go and give to Him every thing that is bothering you. He alone is your Healer. He alone is your Rescue. He alone is your Nail in a Sure Place.
Do you trust Him? Saying you trust Him and truly trusting Him are two different things. Do you trust Him? Think about it!
Blessings!
But it has also given me time to renew my friendship with the massage therapist and help her when business was slow. It has also given me insight on the stress part - and to reflect on the stress I allow in my life - and what am I doing about it. A big one - which hopefully will not bring on more stress being without it - is my job. I have accepted the early retirement offered, and October 28th is my last day at work. I still have mixed emotions going on about that - I have been with this company nearly 26 years. I will need to find another job by the first of the year so that I can have medical benefits. Not old enough to draw medicare nor social security. I'm not sure what I am to do - but am trusting, and have been praying since I first was offered early retirement, that God will prepare something for me. Where it will be or what it will be I have no clue. I may be cleaning toilets! And that is ok, if that is what God has prepared for me.
Another stress in my life may also be dissolved within a short time. I'm struggling with this one, although I know it could have very well been the thing that took my 'stress knot' over the top and caused so much pain. As much as I have prayed for healing, been prayed for to be healed of this pain, this issue is still 'there' and the pain has not abated. It is all in God's hands and I have asked Him to direct my path. Tom and I both need to be on board together on this one. I can not walk this journey alone, nor does God want me to. So - with that, we both are praying and processing. I can't wait to share with you what God is planning for us as we surrender to Him all our wants and desires. Use us, O Lord, that You alone will be glorified.
What is causing you stress and what are you doing about it? Are you fighting all the time? Are you dealing with localized pain somewhere in your body because of the stress? Are you praying and asking God to reveal to you what is going on and what you should do? Are you just holding it all in, thinking things will get better if you just hold on?
Perhaps you need to just surrender. Let it go. It's not hard. Really. Try this. Hold your hands up in the air and squeeze your hands into tight fists, really tight. As you do that, share with God how you have been holding on to these things and you can't do it anymore, you are releasing it to Him. As you slowly open your hands, feel the tingle go through your hands as you release your issues and praise God that you can let go and give to Him every thing that is bothering you. He alone is your Healer. He alone is your Rescue. He alone is your Nail in a Sure Place.
Do you trust Him? Saying you trust Him and truly trusting Him are two different things. Do you trust Him? Think about it!
Blessings!
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