Twenty-five days ago I embarked on a new leg in my life’s journey.

My goal was to do my part to make this journey, though challenging, a God-honoring one.  I did not want this to be about me….I wanted it to be a time where those around me will say, “Look what God has done.”

One of the ways to accomplish that is to mediate on God’s Word, pray boldly, and trust Him.

 

Snowy Path - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Have you noticed that trails aren’t usually flat, and their surfaces may be marked with stones, roots, and in the snow, unforseen areas of treachery?  What happens if on this journey you receive an unexpected blow from God’s people?  How do you handle that?

Though I was stunned upon hearing some more bad news during the week….I gave thanks…and gave the burden to God to carry for me.   But then, a few hours later, I did what Corrie ten Boom said we should never do….I went fishing for my troubles.  Let me tell you…that was not a good thing.  It did not solve anything, it did not make me feel better, and it weakened my faith.  Taking back our burdens is a very selfish thing to do.   I hate that I did that.  And since I did, I have been working hard at giving it back.  Not because God isn’t willing to take my burdens, but because it really can be hard to let go of things that confound our hearts.   It takes discipline do the right thing.  We may think we can do something to fix things.  Instead, we absolutely must turn our eyes away from ourselves and center them back on God.

I’ve been mediating on Proverbs 3:5, 6 which I memorized when I was in college…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

and then this first part of verse 7 really brings it in to focus for me…

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

 

I told you that I took my eyes off God and started worrying and fretting about my bad news.  In my anguish I even posted something on Facebook.  A long-time friend responded with an encouragement and an admonition to do and believe what the Bible says in Mark 11:23, 24

I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.

 

These are powerful words from Jesus.  Do we believe them?

If we can go to God boldly like I shared here, then why doubt?  Why not really believe it will happen?

What is before you that requires ‘mountain moving’ faith?  What is your mountain?

Join me in believing that it has been done.

 

I came across this quote from the great missionary to China, J. Hudson Taylor…

“I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God:
first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.”

  Hudson Taylor Quote - Snow quote photo - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

When I read that, I realized that I have already passed through the impossible part.  I wallowed in the difficult for a time.  And today…I’m believing that it’s done.  No I haven’t seen it yet.  No job offer has yet been made.  But, I have no doubt God has already made all the arrangements.  And I am more than excited to see our next “assignment.”

Thank you God!!!  For your faithfulness, your goodness, your greatness, your power, and your provision. Amen.

 

Snow & Sun Tree Branches - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It’s Joy Day!

 

Will you take a few moments to join me and give thanks for just seven of the many things of the past week.  We give thanks for the big and the little, the good and the bad.  We do it because scripture tells us that we are to give thanks in all things.  And when we do…joy fills our hearts.  The joy of obedience. I’ll start… I am grateful for

  1. my home church ‘live streaming’ the Sunday services
  2. a burst of Valentine creativity
  3. the council saying ‘no’ to vacation pay
  4. gathering with my small group for the “Truth Project”
  5. that unemployment compensation is not available
  6. that my hope is Jesus and does not lie in humankind
  7. the glory of snow in the winter and how it magnifies our Creator

 

Now…it’s your turn!  Scroll down to “Share Your Thoughts” and count just seven.  You choose…blessings, gifts–good or not so good.  Whatever you count and share…know that it will impact your outlook.  Today.

 

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Love,

Diane

Sharing with…Playdates with God + Knick of Time Sonday + Titus 2sday + Kathe with an E + Women Living Well + Imparting Grace

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Comments

  1. Diane – love this post! I DO believe that God has a plan and I believe that He is never late – your faith in Him is what will deliver you through this test – and yes, it is only a test and it will pass! It sounds like you have completely the right focus and I’m so blessed by your heart to honor God. That is really all He wants. He loves you and He has GOOD PLANS for you!! Hugs, Jennifer

    • Diane says

      Oh my Jennifer….your words are so encouraging. Thank you! {hugs} I am so grateful to God that He really DOES have plans for us…plans to prosper us to give us a hope and a future. He is really amazing. 🙂

  2. Dianne,
    I am so very glad I found you at the Wellspring today. I laughed at recognizing myself if your post…I don’t really know how to lay things at the altar and walk away…I keep checking, as though God might need my help (seriously?). The scripture you referenced Proverbs 3:5-6 is my best friend’s license plate-she literally drives around with it.
    Thank you for blessing me today. Be encouraged. I remind myself that we have to keep our heads up…God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers.
    Peace and good.

    • Diane says

      Chelle, thank you for coming by and blessing me. More than you know. {hugs}
      May you find He is your everything in new and fresh ways. 🙂

  3. forgot my 7-
    1.Being asked to pray for someone else struggling with my struggle (reminded it’s NOT about me)
    2. Midday cookies
    3. 115 lbs of happy dog asleep on my foot
    4. laughing children
    5. That spot in my beloved’s arms, tailor-made by God for me
    6. Falling snow that looks pretty, but melts
    7. Grace

    • Diane says

      Thank you for taking the time to share your seven Chelle. We do have sooo much good in our days. Praising God with your for His goodness and grace.

  4. I am standing on His promises. He knows my heart and dreams. He knows my situation and my sorrow. He will heal my grief in His time. I boldly claim He has the best for me and will open up the Heavens to move the trouble that lies in our family and until then I will wait for HIm to show me the next step! Dianntha

    • Diane says

      Amen. Amen.
      Lord, I ask that you would comfort and draw Dianntha close to you today. May she know your presence, your joy, and your direction in the days ahead. Help her to stand strong on your promises and to keep her eyes fixed on you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
      Big hugs to you Dianntha!

  5. Carol says

    What a beautiful and inspiring post, Diane.
    Ok, here are seven – the exercise of shoveling snow, the inspiration of what to make for dinner tonight, an errand accomplished, eventide, fellowship of women’s Bible study.

    • Diane says

      To God be the glory!
      Thanks for sharing your seven Carol! I especially like #2. Sometimes dinner is the biggest challenge of the day. 😀
      May your week be Extraordinary! {hugs}

  6. Diane,
    Beautiful post…sounds like you have it all together:) Hope this will be some good news for ya…you have been featuredat my Nifty Thrifty Tuesday party tonight. Please feel free to grab my featured button (it’s located under my header) for your blog.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    • Diane says

      Linda…I wish I did have it all together. But….I’m blessed to know the ONE Who does!! 😀
      Wow!!! Thank you for the feature! I stopped by earlier tonight to catch up…so this is a big surprise!!! Thank you for the sweet blessing! {hugs}

  7. I am famous for laying down my cares at His feet, only to pick them up again the next minute. Praying for you during this season.

  8. Gwen says

    Yes, your post was so good. I have a traumatic brain injury but not all things only some can be put onto my injury. I realized some bitterness was creeping in and also read your same verses with my husband. My injury is to interpreting situations correctly so I can be overly hurt too … So today I wrote on top of my journal Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, O Lord; my strength and my redeemer. I just wrote verse after verse. Later, I was asked to give my opinion of my treatment by a doctor at a major medical center. I was able to not sound angry, yes I cried but I explained that too is part of my TBI. And then I read that whole page of verses to explain how I get through hard days and days when even a doctor says untruths without reading my file, what I do when I sit alone inside and was told I was not allowed to return to work by my employer, yet accused of just wanting disability that does not pay insurance premiums….and yet where does my hope come from? Maker of heaven and earth. And I thank Him daily for five blessings. Positive wonderful things still a part of my life like: my moms fun 95th birthday party Saturday I got to go to2. My friend could take me to PT 3. My friend far away called. I love when she is in the states and we can chat. 4. There was a cloud that looked like God’s hand holding a heart… My relative is going through a sad divorce. I prayed. 5. My husband felt better today!! He’s not well

    • Diane says

      Gwen…we just prayed for you. Trusting God to work in your life in an incredible way.
      May you know the peace that passes understanding, may it guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
      And may joy fill your heart today!
      [hugs]

  9. patsy says

    I was surprised you added the not so good, but of course in Nehemiah 8:10 it says Rejoicing in the Lord MUST be your strength.So here’s my 7- lots of work I finished today, able to help some people with livelihood, just finished a great weekend retreat, my wonderful brother in law volunteered to fix my Les Miz tape, put wall putty on soooo many papers readying it for making backgrounds, my sister announced about our faith and art retreat in our store’s enewsletter, and last I’ve got mouth ulcers (the token not so good). It’s actually good to have a number because some things you just forget!!! Patsy from HeARTworks

    • Diane says

      Ahhh…yes. That is the surprise….but ultimately the blessing. When we do thank him for the ‘not so good’ he does something in our hearts.
      Thank you for coming by Patsy and for sharing your ‘seven.’ God is so good. And Lord, in Jesus’ name, we ask for Patsy’s mouth ulcers to be healed. And may you favor and bless her faith and art retreat. Amen.
      [hugs]

  10. Great post and beautiful pictures! God has blessed me with a wonderful family that loves serving Him; the snow that we HAD was so beautiful; amazing sermons on Sunday; Salvation; God’s mercies that are new every morning; good health; the BIBLE, GOD’S WORD! 🙂
    Have a great week!
    (p.s. we changed the color of font on our post, sorry about that.)
    http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/

    • Diane says

      Awww you are so kind!
      Thanks for taking time to share your ‘seven.’ We are all so blessed!

  11. God has richly blessed me today through your beautifully written post. I’m going through a very stormy season and I frequently speak Proverbs 3:5,6 to myself… God’s word is SO life-giving!
    My list of 7: 1. My husband’s unemployment. {God is teaching us both so much in this walk of faith!} 2. Our first grandchild… Precious Emma ♥ 3. My sweet dad recently ran into the outstretched arms of Jesus.{Rejoice!} 4. The warm hugs and prayers of girlfriends. 5. Being held snugly in my husband’s arms. 6. Inexplicable peace. 7. Knowing that we will have dinner on the table tonight.
    Blessings to you ~ Mary

    • Diane says

      Oh Mary…my heart knows (except the blessing of a grandchild) the road you are walking. The hard things for which to give thanks…are the very things that deepen our walk. And the simplest things of life have more meaning during these stormy seasons. I’m grateful that God would use my words to encourage you. But even more to know that you have ‘inexplicable peace.’ Lord, I ask in Jesus’ Name for Mary’s husband to quickly become employed. Thank you Lord that nothing is too difficult for you. Amen.
      {hugs} Diane

  12. Cindy says

    I can see myself in this post. Surely I can manage my life better than God, right? Yeah, right!
    My seven…(in no real order.)
    Listening to a sweet little voice playing with her dolls.
    A hubby who works hard to provide for his family.
    Some time off from work today.
    Living someplace where I can worship as I want.
    My daughter’s cat being found, resulting in one happy grandson.
    John 3:16
    That God sent me an amazing man.

    • Diane says

      Cindy, it’s a constant tension within us. Surrender is something we need to do again every day. The good thing…we get do-overs every day. 🙂
      Thank you for sharing your ‘seven.’ I rejoice with you in God’s goodness and grace in your life.

  13. Mel says

    Oh Diane–you are soooo not alone in being a fallible human being. If I could surrender and stay surrendered–oh, the troubles I would spare myself! But I have to tell ya–I believe all things happen for reasons. Even those ego filled moments when I snatch things back and question (that’s putting it mildly) the greater plan and G-d’s infinite wisdom. *laughing* Yes, I sometimes think I’m smarter than G-d. Those moments don’t go ‘unused’ by my Creator–even those are fashioned into good things.
    Bless the person who cared enough about your life to bring the moment to your attention. And bless you for being able to ‘hear’ what was being brought to you–gotta believe the intention of that other person was bourne of LOVE. And even if it wasn’t–so what?! It’s brought you to this moment. Thank you G-d for putting the messenger in place, I say!
    And thank you for being able to say what’s TRUE for you. It opens doors for others to do likewise. TRUTH isn’t always ‘pretty’……but it’s truth none the less. And I’ve discovered nothing changes–until truth is put on the table…humbling as that sometimes can be.

    I’m joyful! After hearing from you–doubly so.

    My seven:

    * a thunderstorm, complete with lightening, in mid late January……WOW
    * sharing truth about Mel with others–and in turn getting truth back…….what an awesome thing
    * gluten free chocolate chip cookies……LOL….yes, FOOD brought me joy! 😉
    * an unexpected ‘check in the mail’….literally.
    * putting a puzzle together with he-who-always-does-the-straight-edges.
    * Knowing I am NOT alone in this deal called ‘life’.
    * getting an opportunity to tell my story about my relationship with My Creator
    * and MORE cookies! Ya say “yummmm!’ and you end up with a whole container! LOL

    ((((((((((((( Diane ))))))))))))))) Praying for you and yours–believing and trusting in His Plan!

    • Diane says

      Mel, I could say ‘ditto’ to so many things you just said. My parents were blessed with a strong-willed child. Ha! Enough said.
      Oh…it’s hard to be real. Humbling. The Holy Spirit has been nudging and prompting and I must yield. And yes…God does not waste anything…our failures and our successes…he uses them all to fashion us into that one he desires. Now, if I would just ‘get it right’ the first time. Haha!
      Thank you for your constant encouragement. You do my heart good. 🙂
      I love your ‘seven.’ Look at the lives we live…we are so blessed.
      And always…thank you for your prayers. He IS able. I can’t wait to see what he has in store! [hugs]

  14. Patti says

    I’m so glad I ran across your post. I needed to be reminded to keep my eyes on Jesus and focus on the blessings in my life.
    My seven:
    Good friends to share a difficult situation with
    My precious grandbabies
    A son who called last night just to talk
    A warm home
    My husband
    Rain on my garden
    A resolved issue with my mom

    • Diane says

      Isn’t God so good to help us cross paths? I rejoice with you for the blessings of your week.
      May your weekend be extraordinarily blessed!

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