BLOG POST - Do You Resent The Life God Gave You?
This has been such a battle in my heart recently. With certain challenges increasing while it seems others around me are seeing prayers answered, it's easy to feel like we drew the short straw. I think this temptation is intensified for many of us because we're isolated from community and our perception of the world and those around us is mainly painted by the world of social media - our main connection to those around us right now. "But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. (Psalm 73:16–17)
If we try to make sense of our circumstances, or compare our circumstances to others’, we will inevitably feel like we drew the short straw. We will always find someone who seems to have an easier life, better job, healthier body, or what we long for and can’t have.
Though I hate to admit it, resentfulness is a subtle but very real temptation in my heart, especially during times of deep pain and sorrow. Over time, I’ve learned how important it is to recognize this temptation when it comes, so that when I start to go down that path, I can take steps to realign my heart with the truth." Continue reading at link in bio...
I’m puffy eyed and full of emotion, he’s decked out in a hazmat suit for 30 hours of travel, but we said our goodbyes after three years. He gave me a hug and said, “Thank you for treating me like a son.” Annnnd, that just about did me in.
😭
There were points where an extra child to care for was difficult, but this unexpected journey has broadened my horizons, it’s grown my love for other cultures and the beauty and uniqueness each brings to the world, I’ve tried foods I never thought I would (a pigeon with its head on the plate - which my daughter affectionately named Franklin), and it’s taught all of us to live 24/7 as if someone was watching to see if the testimony of our mouths matched the testimony of our living.
I marvel at how God brought us this opportunity when we never would have looked for it. But it’s so clear that God led him to our family...and I pray that it’s so he will one day become a part of the family of God.
Like always, the most stretching experiences often bring the most blessings, and this was no exception. Please pray for safe travels for this young man as he travels 30 hours through multiple countries, and then stays quarantined in a hotel for two weeks before finally being able to travel to his home. #goodbyescovidstyle #hazmatsuit #chineseexchangestudentturnedfamily #threeyearsgonebytoofast
Many of you (and others you know) battle some form of a chronic or mental illness. It’s a painful reality of life for far too many. Therefore, because it’s Lyme Disease, Chronic Illness, and Mental Health awareness month, we wanted to offer some added encouragement to those who feel the weight of these challenges on your life and marriage.
For those who order a new copy of Together Through the Storms or leave a first time review on Amazon if you already purchased it, you will receive a book at $9.99 with free shipping.
Because we have limited copies, this offer is good on new orders or reviews only (even if you’ve purchased before). In order to receive a copy at 50% off, please email proof of purchase or review to Togetherthroughthestorms@gmail.com and you will received a link to purchase a book at half price.
To all of you battling these challenges diseases and struggles - keep pressing on, one day at a time. There is always hope.
#Togetherthroughthestorms #Lymediseaseawarenessmonth #chronicillnessawareness #mentalhealthawareness
Near the end of the dramatic account of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, Hagar finds herself cast off, alone, and wandering in the wilderness. But then… “The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness…(Genesis 16:7).” “So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘You are a God of seeing,’ for she said, ‘Truly I have seen him who looks after me’” (Genesis 16:13). What I find most striking is, when Hagar found herself in the wilderness - alone, afraid, and vulnerable - God pursued her. In this painful and fear-filled place, Hagar learned that God saw her personally. Most likely feeling cast off, alone, and unloved, God showed her that he saw and loved her intimately and personally.
God is creator, ruler, and sustainer of the universe, but is also a God who sees and knows us intimately. And like Hagar, he is a God who wants us to see him as our God who looks after us.
Friend, he sees you in your loneliness. He sees you when you feel rejected, unloved, and unseen. He sees you when you’re facing the fears and unknowns of your own wilderness journey.
God came near to Hagar, but he has come even nearer to you and I through Jesus Christ - providing a way for him to dwell with us through the Holy Spirit. Christian, you may feel alone - but you have the very presence of Christ with you. You may feel unseen, but Christ sees and knows you better than you know yourself. You may feel afraid of the future, but you have a Savior who is leading and carrying you every step of the way. He sees you, he knows you, and he loves you. And one day, we will see him face to face. #hopewhenithurts #Godwhosees
