Colossians 1:11 in the Message says,

“We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.”

Colossians 1:11-12 Holman Standard

¹¹ May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.

While the Message states something more like today standards, I prefer the Holman Standard version of this verse especially verse 11.  “…for all endurance and patience, with joy…” – how perfect is this?  For all endurance.  Many of us struggle with parenting, work, school, illness, finances, just the day to day struggle.  Are we doing the right thing?  Are we doing what we are supposed to be doing.  Struggle.  I will call on this verse more often now after re-reading this, giving all thanks to God.

Thanking God for my struggles has always been difficult for me.  I am sure all of us struggle with this…except Job.  But, to be reminded in the thanking.  We are to thank each other for their help and grace.  We are to thank God for the struggle, so that we will be strengthened with His joy.

May you have strength in your struggle today…and tomorrow.

Blessings.

 

 

“Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening.  Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use times of routine to seek My Face.  Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks volumes in spiritual realms.  Moreover, you are richly blessed when you walk trustingly with Me through the routines of your day.” Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (reference Psalm 105:4)

Most of the time the quiet bothers me, but especially when the kids were little.  They were getting into something they shouldn’t or they were napping.  It didn’t happen often.  I used to wake up about a hour earlier than they would so I could have some quiet time.  I don’t have to do that now.

I miss the noise of little ones.  I will hopefully have a grandchild one day, but for now quiet.  David and I have settled into our separate rooms, and for the most part, it is wonderful.  I get to have my space, and he can have his own space.  Time away.  But it is quiet.

I need to get back into a routine where I seek Him first.  To begin my day in prayer, not just end the day in prayer.

I have been successful in maintaining some of the new routines with my health, and schedule.  This should have been a priority.  No negative affirmations.  So…tomorrow is another day full of opportunities for success and trust in Him.

Blessings!

“I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.   I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.” Philippians 4:12-14 (HCSB)

 

We don’t have much money at our disposal right now, and we are working on staying on budget.  We have budgeted groceries, yard care, 5k’s and dinner out.  It hasn’t been easy, but we are seeing a bit of light in this tunnel.

Our yard guy hasn’t been by in a long while (we don’ t have a lawn mower as of yet), and he is very reasonable with price for what he does (when he shows).  David was approached by Chris (don’t know him or his last name), this past week as he was going by neighborhoods to earn some money mowing grass.  We don’t keep cash on us, as we will just spend it. So David asked if he would come back on Friday to mow for $25.00.

Chris showed, and mowed the yard (well the weeds are down).  David paid him in cash $20.00 and $5 in quarters – ha, but cash is cash and a promise held.  We were blessed by helping him help us.

Don’t ever tell me you are hungry, or don’t have money for food.  I am so the person that will go home and purge my pantry, freezer and give it to you.  I will also make you a meal if not two.  David’s heart is just as big as mine when it comes to those in need.  We just have to help.  We don’t do it to brag or to get something in return.  We feel blessed to help.

Sharing in hardship, with a happy heart.

Sunday Blessings.