Freedom

This morning on the way to the gym I was feeling overwhelmed with what I perceive to be other people's negative opinions of me. A song came on the radio, and the music just caught me, not the lyrics, but the music. It's like Jesus was trying to get my attention and He was going to use what ever song on at that moment (even if it was a song about a father and daughter!) Anyways, He got my attention and I cried out to Him. I told Him I couldn't deal with all the negative thoughts plaguing my mind. He whispered to me, "You are enough for me." I believed Him for the first time in a long time. He was saying I haven't messed up to bad, or stumbled to to far for Him to love me and use me for His glory. I praised Him and after that I felt and still feel an overwhelming peace. He is opening up my eyes to His truth and revealing the lies I've been believing. He's reminding me in a very real way that I must trust only in Him. I must fear only Him, not others and their opinions, that is what Satan wants me to do and unfortunately I have wasted a lot of time doing it. No more, I can't do it on my own, but I am going to trust Him. It's about Him and what He thinks and His word tells me everything I need to know about that! I just want to encourage anyone who reads this to turn to Him and His word for your value, not other people's opinions. For one thing we never really know what people think of us because it's always coated in their personal issues and selfishness because they are only human like you, for another thing their opinion just really doesn't matter in the big scheme of things, but His does! You may know all of this, but just make sure your living it out, I wasn't but I'm going to trust in Him to get me right!

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me. The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 118: 6,7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10

Stress!

Man, today has been one of those days with my kids. I know I'm largely to blame, but that doesn't make it any easier. I have 2 girls that won't take naps and one who is a walking injury, that's the only way I know how to put it. I tried to force them to lay down for a while and Emery got out of bed and some how fell down and gave herself a black eye. I feel like she always has some kind of "boo boo" and it's usually on her face. I try not to get discouraged but man, it's hard being a parent. I know it is the most important thing I'll ever do but some days I just feel defeated! This is therapy for me, so just indulge me. I know I am so blessed to have 2 beautiful healthy little girls and I would not trade them for the world but man they can test me! They can push me to a stress level I would rather not go. Today I am clinging to these verses:

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

Psalm 126:5

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits and in his word I put my hope.

Psalm 130:5

I have to keep telling myself, it will get better, we will have better days and I know it's true. The last thing I want to do is feel sorry for myself. He never said it would be easy, look what Jesus went through for me. I have the best life a person could ask for, but I still have these days where I can't get past my own problems. I don't know how people do this life with out faith in the Lord. I'm glad I never have to find out. If you read this, pray for me. Thanks.