What are you Learning Friday

This week had many lessons for my family. There seemed to be an overabundance in homework and projects. We had a large amount of time to spend together which was wonderful however it also led to some disagreements too. We had to learn to speak kindly to one another. I personally had hoped to take a quilting class- do something for myself and it did not turn out very well. Long story short I left Tue from a class that never took place feeling very disappointed that once again I could not further my desire at learning something new. However after praying about it I found myself stopping at another location the next day after work and there was the answer, a class that was going to meet my needs better and not cost as much either.

There is an old saying that which has many variations. One being from Alexander Graham Bell "“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

The point really being that whenever one door closes, God always opens another…whether it be a window, a door, a small crack- you know what I mean. That time when it just seems so impossible. Our family was there not to long ago, as my quilt sells hit bottom, orders were backed out on, overtime at my husbands work was cut and the money I made during my few mornings a week caring for Anne now had to somehow feed us and put gas in my vehicle. It seemed simply impossible. I first decided to tithe off the small amount of money that I made. I then decided to lean onto Proverbs 31, be a woman that was organized and active-where I cooked my own food- bought less that was frozen, we would eat more veggies- less meat since it was more expensive, and really plan-menu, grocery list, and some sacrifice. We also made a plan to try a bigger garden, start some of our veggies from seed, order some online- because it was cheaper then our local nurseries... the list continues, my point is not only did we need to pray we needed to actively make some changes to better our situation.

This week, as well as over the last few months I have heard from so many friends where their lives are completely turned upside down. What they knew of their live has been hit pretty hard and now they are having to search for that open door as the path they are on is closing. It could be the very simple where they have a job and hours are changed so the norm is off to not having a job at all- thus no income and the struggle of even finding something else. This week seems to be full of stories that are so much more heart wrenching.

One friend knew a woman who chose to end her life this past week, no one really understood why, it seemed to be a decision made all of a sudden. I am not going to make judgement on this action for that is not our place, I simply want to learn from her actions, and wanted to share this because I cannot imagine coming to that point where you have NO HOPE, where you are so ALONE. So I would also ask for prayer for the family as this is always such a sad ending...

Another friend is going through some personal health issues within her family, that seem never ending and they feel so much uncertainty. I know many of us face various health issues.

Another friend has wrote this week and they have been asked to move out of their home, had some trouble vehicle wise, she feels it is one trial after another and in some ways it seems hopeless. Many of us have money, income, job issues.

I know there could be a mile long list on trials we all face.

It is so hard to go through trials, it is so hard to not know what tomorrow brings, not know maybe how we are going to pay bills, buy food, make house repairs. Those are the times that God really wants us to rely on him.

Matthew 6:34 ( I love the version from the Message)

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

I thought of my prayer list this week as I continued to add friends, family and acquaintances to it. As I watched the news this week or listened to the conversation that my children or other people I was around had, and it made me think today that maybe it was a day to share some verses on being strong, having hope, having strength, realizing that the Lord has a plan, and while we may not always understand the overwhelming difficulties we face and the timing that he will use these as sandpaper in our life to mold us and make us and help us walk upon the path that he has chosen for us. We will make it to the other side, we will come through the darkness and into the light and even though we all face some really scary spots when the good comes we will be able to enjoy its sweetness. I hope if you have something in your life that is difficult that one of these verses below will speak to your heart.

Psalm 31:24Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 33:20We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romans 12:12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 15:13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Chronicles 16:11Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

Proverbs 31:25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Isaiah 12:2Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

Isaiah 33:2O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

Isaiah 40:31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41:10So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.