I usually meet my clients in a season of trial or transition. They come to me, usually in fear or despair, with some form of this question: Now what?
Now what do I do? Now what do I become? Now who am I? Now how will I manage? Now where will I go?
It’s one of my favorite times to encounter another person, right there, on the precipice of their transformation. The feeling of fear and the feeling of exhilaration are not that far apart. It’s the meaning we ascribe to any situation that tips us in any emotional direction. I like to describe this as a gift in ugly wrapping paper. Initially, you might not like this situation, might not understand that you have been given a gift until you unwrap it and accept it and allow yourself to be trained by it. Then you will see the gift as it was intended.
And we will celebrate.
"In times of desolation, God conceals Himself from us so that we can discover for ourselves what we are without Him."
Excellent!
I love this Irene! Thanks for sharing.
AMEN!
Kristin how true your words! As life progresses and we reflect back we can hopefully see the hand of God in everyday of our lives. I see it more and more with each passing day. Thank you Kristin for sharing your words and talents with us. Blessings to all the LFF family. Especially those needing and extra hands these days and for all the lost souls in the recent disasters. May we all spread the love of God through all the world everyday.
Kristin, you truly were used as God’s instrument today. As I read I felt “you need to hear this again”. Then I read Sharon and Aj on down and see this one was felt deep, I especially like Troy’s pony! I know this in my own life and wrote an article many moons ago for The Word Among Us on this very subject, but now it comes to my son and my human brain didn’t relate the knowledge but this meditation spoke to my heart. Pam I remember your cancer story from long ago and just like Kristin’s meditation, the reminder that He can and He will is Him reaching out through others. Stormi, I will remember your advice if we have an opportunity to visit Guiness (that’s his name) and the other horses my friend owns. Happy Birthday Bill and to all looking forward to a year of trying to remember “how old am I this year?” and needing to count from birth year to be sure :)
Good morning, Vicki. First, I hope and pray that your son continues to heal and is able to return to a life that he’s comfortable with. Oh my gosh, he is so blessed to have you as his Mom and role model beyond belief. May Our Lord bless you richly again and again. Thank you for remembering my grandson Zachary yesterday. This whole school year has been really challenging as he refuses to go to school, I’ve tried to help as much as I can. He and I have a good relationship, but I’ve been asked to step back and let the parents work it out. He’s a beautiful soul and I know how much potential he has. As far as I’m concerned, I need to ask Kristin’s question, “ what do I do next?” My daughter had shingles in December and she’s had a very rare complication called “Ramsay Hunt syndrome “ which causes paralysis on one side of her face and eye. She will only get better if and when the nerve starts to heal. It’s been a tough few months for our family. Sending love to you and all the Living Faith Family. God bless you all.
Amen. :)
Amen!
May God bless you always Bill L. And a Happy Birthday to you!
Kristen, thank you. Little did you know that you spoke directly to me. Your words are exactly what I need to hear, listen to and believe right at this time in my life. You have enlightened me. Thank you!
Yes, it is the worst of times and it is the best of times (in God if we choose to)!!! Been there and done that both directions.......
Doctrine of Suffering *** John wrote the book of Revelation to suffering believers while he was a prisoner exiled on the island of Patmos! *** John 16:33, Philippians 1:29-30, Revelation 2:2-3, 10 Sin causes suffering; God limits suffering by His grace. However, He also works to accomplish His purposes through suffering. Jesus suffered a cruel death to redeem sinners from sin; and when God establishes His Kingdom, suffering will end! *** Applications: When I believe God controls and uses suffering to accomplish His purposes, I can trust Him! When I do not believe that suffering is rooted in sin, i cannot explain the pain I see in the world and misinterpret it as pointless! ******* I have learned this week that 'sin' is not agreeing with what God is doing in this world...because I don't understand all the sufffering happening in this world and forgetting what Adam and Eve have done or what I have done and is doing and will do :-( putting myself in God's shoes!!! "I would have never purposely placed (sacrificed) my innocent son to die for something He didn't do!!!!!!!" BUT GOD.......
Kristin. Your reflection confirms much of my life experiences and is a reminder for the present. Your clients and Living Faith are lucky to have you!
My prayer "Lord Jesus, you love each of us individually with a unique and personal love. Touch my life with your saving power, heal and restore me to fullness of life. Help me to give wholly of myself in loving service to others." Amen
Amen.☮️
Amen Miguel! Thanks
How appropriate this verse today as so many federal employees are losing their jobs. May their pain and anguish lead to the gift of greener pastures.
When one door closers God opens another.
I like the analogy. I unwrap to get to the gift. It reminds me about a father who gave his optimistic son a room a manure. He grabbed a shovel and started digging. When asked why, he responded, " Among all this manure, there has to be a pony there." Among the crap we face, a pony awaits for us.
Troy, oh I can so relate to this story in many ways LOL thank you.
Amen and Happy Birthday!!
Thus begins another journey around the sun for me today. May I strive to be a better person, a prayerful person with the help of Our Lord and the Holy Spirit.
Happy Birthday Bill!!! A little belated but no less joyous :-)
Happy Birthday Bill L, hope you had an awesome day!!
Happy Birthday Blessings, Bill!! Enjoy your very special day!!
Bill L…Happy, Happy Birthday! Hope you have your sunglasses ready for your trip around the sun, because as they say “your future is so BRIGHT”! Enjoy it all, and here’s to a God blessed year!❣️
Happy birthday hugging you with my heart. Ken
Happy Birthday Bill L. May your day and year to come be blessed.
Happy Birthday!
Happy and blessed birthday, Bill.
Happy birthday Bill...may this year be abundant with the Lord's blessings upon you
Happy Birthday
I would also like to offer up prayers to the men and women who worked tirelessly to recover all the lost souls of the Potomac air disaster and reunite them with their loved ones.
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.