Today...

The past six days of my life has been interesting and challenging to say the least. Lucien and I attended the funeral of a beautiful little 6 year old girl name Jenna who earned her heavenly wings way too early. On Sunday we went to see my grandmother in the hospital because she had been having severe pain in her leg. On Monday one of my dear friend's husband was hospitalized for heart issues and to top off the week, we were uncertain (until tonight) as to whether my husband had a job or not due to layoffs. God is good because he is fine and has a job. Unfortunately a couple of my husband's co-workers were not so lucky and they were laid off. In between all of this there were little challenges here and there that tested my patience.

As I sit and ponder all of this, I'm humbled and amazed at the changes that life is constantly unfolding. Oftentimes it's so easy for people to succumb to the weight of life when tested. However, I have gained a new perspective on life in a positive way and I respect the power of God. The changes of the past 6 days has taught me several lessons: Always be humble, never take life or people for granted, be grateful for your blessings and live your life to the fullest because you never know what can happen day to day. Throughout this week, I decided not to avoid the trials and tribulations, but instead go forward with a steadfast assurance that God has my back. I decided not to fall into a corner and cry, but fall on my knees and pray and be thankful. We live in a world of abundance and many of us cannot cope when our financial security is shattered. Take for example the Lupoe family in California that killed themselves and their 5 children. The mother and father decided to take their lives and that of their children because they were both laid off. However, what this tells me is their control is material. We live in a country where they would've gotten assistance in so many ways, but they allowed their pride to manifest instead of their faith.

Life will always throw you changes and challenges. In order to live and travel through life's trials and tribulations you must have a belief other than material. If your security is shattered, this is only temporary because material things come and go, but our belief in ourselves and the God we serve carries on forever. I love the cliche` when life throws you lemons, make lemonade. However, I don't think you should just stop at lemonade, you can also make key lime pies, lemon bars and lemon cake...something sweet can always come from something sour! No matter what you are going through today, be confident in the fact that it wont last forever. If you stop and count your blessings you would be amazed at how much happier your life will be. Start out by making your list:

God, Thank you for:
my eye sight
my taste buds
hair on my head
arms, hands, legs and feet that work
a healthy body
roof over my head
a car to drive in
a job
family
friends
coworkers
husband
wife
children....

As you make a list of all the things in your life that is present, you will realize how much God is abundantly blessing you right here and now. When the chips are down, your list can be a guide to your blessings.
This week, choose happiness. Leave behind stress and embrace life and hold to God's unchanging hands.

Abundant blessings to you and your family!