There are times in our lives that we just can't figure out why things are happening.
When bad things happen - we feel like we are being punished. We feel like we are falling apart. We feel like we can't go on. Well, we AREN'T being punished. Things do HAPPEN beyond our control. We WILL go on.
Easy????? NOPE - not at all. But we go on and we learn and do and maybe even thrive. We are here for a very specific reason - our work is not done.
Numbers 1, 2 and 5 are things that are soooooo taken for granted. We are blessed to have these things, as many in the world do not.
One other thing we come to realize as we heal and grow - is that we have had our WORST day ever at some point - yet here we are. Will there be another 'worst' day? Maybe. But for now, we have had it and we are surviving.
Life throws us so many challenges and roadblocks. I am sure you are like me - and have stumbled and fallen many times along the journey.
Slowly we get back up and try again. There is no failure, as long as you are trying. I truly believe that.
All aspects of life can bring setbacks. We learn and we move forward, as hard as it may be. That is our responsibility as a citizen of this earth. Do good and leave a mark on the world. Love others, be kind, and be a good steward and grow.
Take baby steps. There is no big hurry. I love the old adage - slow and steady wins the race.
BREATHE!!!!!!
This is the way with everything.
May you each have a blessed day and know that you are loved and cared for.
This is just a little reminder to each of us to smile and TRY to be happy. HUGS
LIFE IS GOOD - IT REALLY IS!!!!!
Don't feel the need to be perfect - no one on this earth is!
Great reminders!
ReplyDeleteI try as well not to wallow too long in self pity when something bad happens but to turn it around and tell myself how very strong and courageous I am. Self talk can really change our perspective!
Thanks. When things (bad) happen it is just natural to be angry, sad, lonely, etc. We just need to remember there is a reason we need to go through different things in life. We are so blessed.
DeleteBad things happen for a reason. If you read through the Scriptures we are tried and yes, sometimes punished for sin. Sin can and will be forgiven but we need to learn from the experience. The Urban Farmer's mother always thought that "God was punishing her and He was gonna "get" her". That is not the loving Father I know. Sermon over!
ReplyDeleteI have been reading some novels that were set in the time of the Great Depression. Talk about hard times! I complain (not much!) about our hard water but we have hot and cold running water in the house with no need to walk a long distance and carry water back to the home. Invariably I will see someone with a physical disability and feel abundantly blessed that this old seventy-five year old body can still take care of herself. We need to rejoice in what we have been blessed with in this life.
Can you believe this January weather?
Yes mam, I believe there is a reason for everything.
DeleteIt is amazing isn't it? Turna handle and hot and cold water come forth. Flip a switch and there is light. Flip another switch and there is heat. So much is taken for granted.
Griping about an old car - someone is walking. Griping about worn out shoes - someone can't walk at all. There is always someone worse off in some way.
We are truly blessed.
I will take this weather over snow and ice any day!!
Donna, are you willing to share titles? I love all sorts of historical novels. The Depression and WWII are favorite eras, because they remind me to be very grateful for today.
Delete--Elise
I'm grateful every time I use my indoor toilet!!! Especially now that I'm older and the bladder is a little more demanding in the middle of the night! Can you imagine having to use an outhouse in that Buffalo cold? Or a chamber pot whe you can't open windows?! Yikes!!
ReplyDeleteWe had a beautiful 60° day yesterday so the doggy and I went outside after lunch and sat the patio. I read for about 30 minutes and felt rejuvenated when I came back in.
BTW, Elise, I left you a note on yesterday's post. 😁
Indeed! I think about the things our ancestors went through and I feel even more blessed. Life has been hard and it is hard for many. We are so lucky to live with all the modern facilities.
DeleteIt has been lovely here as well. Yesterday there was not a cloud in the sky and it was sunny and warm. Today cloudy, but still warmer than January usually is. Love it.
Thank you, Debby. I replied. :-)
DeleteIt's going to take awhile for me to shake off some of the oppressive (to me) militancy of the past many years. I feel kind of embarrassed. --Elise
Oppressed? In the People's Republic! Noooo. Not possible. Everything is fine...as long as you act and think exactly the way they want you to! 😂😂😂. My best friend is still there and we talk every day. No less than 4 times per week does she say, "Your basement better be empty. These people are crazy!". I get it, Elise. I really do!
DeleteThanks, Debby. And thanks once again for a good laugh. LOVE it! --Elise
Delete"we have had our WORST day ever at some point - yet here we are."
ReplyDeleteOh, this is so excellent, Cheryl! Thank you for that sentence. :)
MaryB
Cheryl, your timing, as usual, is perfect! Our youngest son has been going through some challenges with his 1st house. One after another. He said the other day that he feels cursed. And he meant it. I said I know the feeling, but when he's come out the other side, he'll have more confidence. More strength. More knowledge. Deep down, he knows his challenges pale in comparison to what other are going through right this minute.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, BIL has far bigger hurdles, and has just finished a long journey of taking care of his dying mom (and best friend, he says). Each time we talk to him, he's very positive. He doesn't complain, except jokingly. He expects good is just ahead. I'm struck by the difference of the two men... our son the namesake of his uncle.
To your point, bad things happen to us all, sometimes in waves. Sometimes the waves can knock us down. DO knock us down. If one doesn't have the strength to swim, try to float. And pray. As you say, just breathe. Know you're being lifted up in prayer by others. If you're not religious in any way, that's fine, because prayers don't hurt. Think of them as positive thoughts sent your way. Every day.
--Elise
I hope your son gets things all straightened out. Buying an older home can have a lot of challenges. Bless your BIL's heart - it sounds like he has the attitude.
DeleteYep - things most assuredly do knock us down and they knock the wind out of us. Your sentiments are spot on. Just float a while, breathe and pray. Know there is something good coming. Prayer from others is always appreciated in my book. Even if someone is not aware that others are praying - it works! Thanks
You know how kids never listen? Or seem not to? Well, Cheryl, somehow, some way, it sunk in deep with our sons the importance of having a good chunk of money set aside in savings. The youngest's gripe was having to dip into it for some essential repairs. He'll be alright. The best news is he's finally thinking it might be good to learn to do some repairs himself. LOL! My BIL's attitude is amazing. I'd be so stressed. He is, yet isn't. If that makes sense. Thank you, Cheryl. --Elise
DeleteThis is good Cheryl. Our youngest daughter is really going through it...a very hard breakup with a youngish man she's dated for more than several years. Son of two medical specialists from another land. This family did not want their son marrying an American and stooped to unbelievable lows. It's an answer to our prayers because we saw trouble coming but it's broken her heart what this young man was made to do. Very shady at best. Many unanswered questions. But thank God, but also praying for her very broken heart.
ReplyDeleteMyself? I'm going through it too on certain days, my 93 year old mom is very tightly wound and always has been...It's affected me in the nerve department since I was a very little girl.
But what you have here is soooo true. If we are feeling pain we are alive! : ) We can thank God for that. So many, many things to be thankful for as you write!
Great reminders! And I'm sure as the day goes on we will see how important it is to be kind and listen with two ears. I really appreciate your kindness and good sense Cheryl.
God bless you, may we lift one another up in prayer and above all, count our blessings. : ) Great post Cheryl!
I am sorry your daughter is going through that. I know it is cliche' - but better to know now than after marriage and maybe children! It has to be hard. What a shame that the parents are more concerned about nationality than their son's happiness.
DeleteHugs to you - that has got to be difficult. I did not go through that with my mom - but I felt it from another and it is miserable.
How true - feeling pain - we are alive. VERY true.
Blessings to you.
People who were more concerned about nationality, money and even having a masters or doctorate...But it is very, very true, much better now than later...much better. Thank God. But yes, she's suffering much pain at this time not understanding what exactly happened and how. ...A difficult Christmas.
DeleteI appreciate you, thank you.
The people were also of a very different religion then us, not Christian in any shape or form as we are and we did not approve of that for obvious reasons, when it comes to marrying, but were praying for him, loving him, inviting him to what we could including our family get togethers and wedding receptions treating him like family...God sees all though. Oh I could write a book here, things were shocking.
DeleteAnd after re-reading my comments here, I reiterate after reading your post again. PTL We are doing well. Stressed at times, and this artist-writer-counselor gets nerved up for reasons stated (understandably right?) but I know the Lord has mercy to me His child and helps me. Thanking the Lord for our blessings, and may I funnel concerns even when I find myself emotionally stilled unto helping others and my sweet fur angels and may He calm his child, me, as storms may rage. Sorry to be so longwinded today, didn't mean to write a novelette. Your blog is a help as we 'talk' our way through things. Thank you Cheryl! God bless you in every possible way! : )
DeleteAdding your daughter to my prayer list, Amelia. My sister went through something very similar many, many years ago. Your baby girl won't be ready to hear it, but God has a better man in store for her. He really does. My sis has been married to her DH going on 48 years (this coming May). Prayers for you, too. When those we love hurt, we hurt.
Delete--Elise
Thank you Elise, that is very encouraging. My mother too actually went through something like this back in the late 40s. She still speaks of it like it was yesterday and she's 93. I agree with you Elise, God has someone far better. Right now she misses him terribly as if a death especially since it ended so horribly. I've told her there will be someone else for her in the future, her sister, our oldest had something similar with an emotional abuser but within a year met a wonderful Christian man, a very sweet and gentle leader, a private pilot, he is actually helping her get through this. Actually all three of our son in laws are trying to help her, it is a huge blessing. Thank you for adding our daughter to your prayer list Elise! I was just reading your kind note to my husband. It's true...No matter what, when they hurt we hurt too.
DeleteThank you again Elise, we covet your prayers.
~Amelia
Amelia - it is like a death for her. She is grieving. I went through a divorce decades ago, and yes it was a tremendous loss and all the grieving steps happened. Lots of love and gentleness, will help her through this. God works in mysterious ways - her Romeo is actually still awaiting!!!!! HUGS
DeleteYes, Cheryl it truly is like a death. My parents were divorced after 25 yrs. of marriage and my mom still grieves and misses my dad. I'm an only child so I've seen it all.
DeleteI agree Cheryl, we're giving her privacy and lot's of love and listening ears along with her little dachshund. She calls him her emotional support. : )
I'm proud of her for standing strong, this fellow was handsome, wealthy and bought her whatever along with free medical advice but...He also wanted her to move in with his family in their home if they married. She wisely said no she would not want to move in with his parents. The beginning of the end. God sure does work in mysterious ways. Amen sister. The little lad cursed her out over the phone at Christmas like nothing I've ever heard more than once accusing her of falsehoods his family contrived. God is good. We are all quietly praising God for his Goodness! It was traumatic but He sure knows what He is doing! It took that for her to see unfortunately. It's a tragedy, he was well liked by everyone despite the previous concerns and I even feel sorry for him that he will never have his own life. ...But yes. It is truly like a death and it's going to take a while for her. Thank God everyone in our family is reaching out to her.
Hugs to you, thanks so much for your understanding. I appreciate it so very much.
Yes! Well said!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!!!!!!
DeleteYou, Cheryl are doing good, and leaving a wonderful mark. Thank you. Cindy/WV
ReplyDeleteOh my thank you. Such kind words.
DeleteAnother great post Cheryl!!! Thanks, love your blog. Janie
ReplyDeleteHi Janie. Thank you so much!!!!!
DeleteI again enjoyed your post and I am touched at the comments your friends have shared and the openness here. I am not a worrier but I am a middle-of-the-night awakener and that’s when I like to pray for family, friends, coworkers, people I have read about and also strangers, especially the vulnerable ones. I think that others can feel our prayers even when they don’t know us. I believe that I have benefited from those who pray for me.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I am one of those who wakes up many times during the night, and prayer always calms me, and back to slumber I go. There is never a bad time to pray.
DeleteI have not met you gals (except 1) and I pray for you and your families daily. It sure can't hurt!
Thank you!
(Little Penpen) I needed this today. I’m feeling the January blue’s. But my brain knows better! It’ll be ok!
ReplyDelete((((Little Penpen)))) hugs to you! --Elise
DeletePenny it happens to lots of people. The dreariest, darkest, cloudiest and sometimes coldest month - has a reaction on lots. That is why I have been trying to keep busy - otherwise I would be napping A LOT!!!!! HUGS!!!!
DeleteI actually put something on Facebook about how blessed I am to have a roof over my head, a place to take a warm shower/bath, and enough to eat each and every day. Counting our blessings is very important.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I have read your post a couple of times and the ten signs you are doing well are sometimes things I take for granted. Videos of the awful floods in California was on BBC news last night and I felt bad for being fed up with rain since Christmas here in our part of the UK. I feel for Amelia, our daughter went through a hard time with her ex husband, then later sadness with someone she thought might may be part of her new life.
ReplyDeleteMy words for 2023 are positive and proactive..... I'm trying hard :)
On a happy note, Sunday we adopted a little dog, Freddie, he is just over a year, was a puppy farm rescue and had been with a foster mom for a month before he came to us. It's a joy I watch his little personality as he feels more at home.
Best wishes Cheryl.
Hi Heather. I know I see the horrible floods and feel bad about complaining of the little rain we are getting. Or I see the homeless camps and think, be happy girl, you have a lovely home. So many things make us realize how blessed we are.
DeleteI love that!!! "I am trying". That is all any of us can do. Good words!
Bless you for adopting. I am so happy for you and for Freddie! I am sure you will be a good match. They are just such a joy to watch and love.
Please take care - visit often. Love hearing from you all.