Oh-- It's one of THOSE days...

So,  I totally know the answer to the question- but I'm asking it anyhow--- 

Do you ever have those days where you actually say out loud "I've had ENOUGH!" I have... and well i've had quite a bit of them lately. There's a song by Katy Perry that in the lyrics it says... "Days like this I want to drive away- pack my bags and watch your shadow fade". You know that it isn't a bad thing to have these feelings about life, people... everything!!  

To be honest, I have yet to figure out how to completely avoid these days... and as far as conquering them... well let's just say crap hurts. Some days it feels like just a scratch and it's a tad uncomfortable, while others feel like you tripped, fell, hurt you knee- hand- and foot, blood everywhere and you need multiple bandages and lots of ice to even remotely feel like ur on the way to recovery. 

I'm fully convinced that people truly don't know what they saying and what they are doing! If they did-- I have to ask the question... "would you really be acting the way you are?" Seriously, look in the mirror-- be recorded (sound, picture or both) and see the way you are treating others. 

I know that this is not my home home- but OH HOLY COW--- this life can have some really difficult days. Why do people have to be so greedy, mean, disgruntled, rude??? What happened to "hi how are you today?" & actually mean it when you say it. Why does it always have to be that you make the choice to forgive others even when they don't ask for your forgiveness and they still walk all over you? 

It's time that I stick up for myself, to stop letting people walk all over me-- I forgive because I want to- because God made my heart that big-- I choose to be the bigger person-- meaning... I choose to pray about circumstances & situations, to ask God how He wants it handled, to not put myself in the "line of fire" just so people see that "oh she is the bigger person for showing her face" and then after they judge me, they turn their backs and say crappy things about me-- I am the bigger person for standing up for who I AM -- I do it for ME --

"This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no. Throw your sticks and stones, throw your bombs and blows, but you're not gonna take my soul." - Katy Perry: Part of Me

Ever have one of these moments?? Don't ever let people tell you how to act, what to say, or how to be the bigger person-- YOU CHOOSE how to act, what to say, and how to be the bigger person. Stick up for YOU & don't let people walk all over you anymore. You can get your point across without causing a scene or a dramatic event. 





Take care of you :)

Always remember...

Joshua 1:9 ncv
Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't be afraid, because the LORD your God will be with you everywhere you go. "


When life feels too hard- when u can't push forward anymore- when u are scared and confused-- He's there-- He's with u. You have God's Holy Spirit ALIVE living inside u.

There isn't anything that's too hard for Him to handle-- hand it on over & let Him takeover.

Take care of you :)

Limits...

What's the first thing u think of when I say limits? 

Some words that come to mind are boundaries, walls, barricades... What about u? What do u think? 

So... we all know that there are limits on everything! Cell phone plans, the speed that we drive, having one too many drinks... how about on relationships... love? When u say u love someone? Do u secretly place limits on your love that u show towards them? Or that they show you? Did u know that u are the one that places limits on a lot of things u do? 

You know how people say "the sky's the limit" -- so what happens when you reach the sky? Then what? 

What about when you're in a situation where you have done ll you can do... you are at your limit. Again, I ask... then what?

Just when you think you've reached your limit... remember that there is no limit with God and His love!!! Whatever the situation or circumstance-- God is there- He is with you guiding you, leading you, LOVING YOU. 

God's love has no limits. --PERIOD--

When you are in the middle of the dark tunnel, walking in the rain on a muddy road, holding your head in your hands-- He's there. He's the one taking care of you. It's hard to hear this-- because we want the tunnel to end- we want the rain to stop & the mud to dry up- we want to be able to hold our head up high- it's so hard to hear that God's there, because deep deep deep down--- we can see the end... we can see the light... but it's still far-- and we want to just finish already. But as we weep for the end... God says oh sweet child, it's going to be okay I promise. 

Take care of you :)

Are you in the line of fire?

How about this-- you think you are super close with someone only to find out that you couldn't be farther from them? You've listened to them, never ask for anything in return, always go out of your way to help them, you bend backwards and go out of your way to be there for them... In return...you get treated like scum, never receive any gratitude from them, they talk to you like you are a nasty bug, don't show up when you're suppose to meet up-- when is enough ENOUGH???!!!

You forgive and forgive and forgive-- as the bible instructs you to do, and as a servant of God- you try your hardest and forgive them over and over and OVER again. So just because you forgive this person or people... does that mean that you have to hang out with them all the time? Have them over your home? Let them babysit your kids? Nope. Simple as that. NO. You can forgive- you can love them- and none of this says you must forgive and have them over for dinner every week. LOL It also gives you permission to step away from them- fade them out. "What about if its a family member" you ask? Same thing babe... fade away... there is nothing that says you have to let them walk all over you. There is nothing that says you have to put yourself out there in the line of fire and let them shoot you. 

STOP PUTTING YOURSELF OUT THERE IN THE LINE OF FIRE! 

Try to distance yourself from the person/ and or situation- whatever your situation may be. If you don't... you are the one that will be burned over and over again-- think about it... they don't feel anything now because they are ones hurting you... to them it's like getting something off their chest... for you its oh holy cow WOW. 

Even though you feel like "Man, I am right in this situation, I know I am - they are so wrong for making me feel like this-- " You very well may be in the right... but it's not something they will see-- it's their way or the highway. The sooner you learn that, the better you will be. & on that note too-- you cannot change them. Let me repeat that... YOU CANNOT CHANGE THEM. Only God can change the way they are. So, what can you do? As hard as it is... lift them up to God. Ask God to help them- to help their heart- to have their eyes opened, for them to see what their words and actions do to the people around them. 

Not that this is an excuse in ANY WAY at all... but sometimes family, friends, co-workers don't realize their actions towards us. You are shaking your head... "I don't deserve this" -- you are absolutely right! YOU DO NOT DESERVE THIS. Like some things seem pre-meditated-- like as if they knew they were going to strike us before they did-- WHAM! WHAM again... and maybe that was the planned action-- but only God knows that for sure. This DOES NOT MAKE IT OKAY. Again, go back to God. This is a situation only He Himself can fix. 

So where can i get that special sparkle strength that I need to get through the tough times? I get mine from God-- it's hard--it hurts and there are a lot of tears... but He carries me though it every time-- He not only walks with me- but He carries me. He sees every single action that person makes towards you, He sees every action YOU make towards that person. It's not just a one way street here. Let Him hold you. Cry on His shoulder. He loves you. 

Take care of you :)

I think I can... or Can't

Something occurred to me the other day- while I was talking to someone, I said "I can't"- after I said it I noticed that I immediately felt like... saddened, let down, depressed, punished... have you ever felt that way? Have you taken that moment right after you speak... to really see how the statement made you feel? You might hear people saying "don't pay attention to your feelings"... or something like "live beyond your feelings"-- yeah that can make real sense- but if you take that really to a not good level-- you could turn that into suppressing feelings-- like packing them deep deep down... NOT a good thing.

You remember the story about the train that said "I think I can... I think I can..." you read that story and feel pumped up... if you are like me.. you think of the story, and you are like "YEAH... come on... you can totally do it!!!!!" You feel good & positive!! Can you imagine if the train was like "I think I can... I think I can... well, actually it's too hard... I can't do this... I can't do this at all." OUCH-- even as I wrote that I felt saddened. It amazes me how little things can make your emotions sway one way or the other- and how FAST that happens too... I mean like seconds man!!

Life is full of disappointments and let downs-- but it's how you deal with them-- there should be some kind of a life balance.

Here's an example of something I'm dealing with... So, we all know about me getting sick a couple of months ago- and we all know that the medicine I was on induced type 2 diabetes... and we all know that I am totally working on controlling my blood sugar to (crossing fingers) reverse it.  *If you are just joining us-- I encourage you to go back and read some of my earlier blogs-- especially the testimony one* Well- let me tell you all that this "controlling blood sugar" thing and pricking my fingers twice a day is driving me NUTS-- some days I am okay with it and others-- well, lets just say are NOT good days... finger wont give me enough blood... fingers sore (whether you test on the side or not)... sugar too high... feeling SUPER sick and nauseated... the list goes on and on. Especially annoying when my hubby is home for 24 hrs and I haven't seen him all week- only to feel extremely sick. GRRRRRRR!!!!! All this leads me to say... when I speak "I can't do this... I can't seem to feel better... I can't have this or that..." it makes me feel punished... sad... upset... angry. When I realize exactly what I am speaking and how it makes me feel... I want to turn it around next time. Today, I caught myself saying "I can't have this" at the grocery store-- and then I was like "no no don't say that..." I may not be able to have this but I can have that.

A balance. I've noticed that there is a balance to everything-- life, health, finances... good/bad balance. Do you have balance in your life? I mean, is there a balance- like everyday is not going to be a happy day- bad things happen- but do you have a balance of happiness to make the scale close to even?



So, when I was feeling punished, sad, and discouraged... I was like thinking- God really doesn't want me feeling this way. He loves me and gave me breath- why should I feel this way? It doesn't add anything to my life- worry, stress, anger-- none of these are good things- He doesn't want me feeling this way- and I can make the choice to turn around and give those feelings to Him. It's not a fancy process- it's quite simple.

God, I'm feeling bogged down by my life and circumstances around me- help me not be weighed down- I feel like I have cement shoes on- take the cement shoes off- help me make good choices, help me get healthy, help me deal with the health issues I am battling-- let me see your glory through all of this and be Your light shining for others to see your light through me. In Jesus Name I ask and pray. Amen.

You make your prayer say what your heart feels- or pray what it says above- either way- ask Him for help. He will come to your rescue- Don't stay in the dark and twisty place-- come into the sunshine-- it's a lot better... I promise. 

So, the next time you are in a "I can't" spot... try to remember...

Take care of you :)

* 5 Sides *

There are 5 sides to this starfish-- This white starfish is actually one of my favorite kinds! We have more than a few in the house... :) 

I was thinking of different ideas to write about tonight when I looked up at the wall and saw my starfish hanging out. I thought of some things that might help me through my days and I think that it will help you too... 5 sides, 5 different meaning...

Side 1:: ASK-- It's a funny thing... running around from day to day scrambling everywhere to get things done-- kids to school, work on time, tiny lunch breaks, grocery shopping, car maintenance... etc. Well, how many times in your chaos of a day do you "ASK"for God's help? A simple "God help me" can make all the difference. 

Side 2:: SEEK-- I chose "SEEK" because I am guilty of it too-- I don't really seek God's face as much as I should. I ask... What does it really mean to "seek" something? I personally define seeking as looking hard-- like concentrating on something that I want to find.. you know, like the game Hide and Seek? God wants us to find (seek) Him-- not just when we are having a bad day- but in the good ones too- Find Him/ Seek Him and say thank you. Say thank you for the bad times and good times-- everything God brings you too-- there is joy in it somewhere.

Side 3:: PRAY-- Prayer is commonly misunderstood in my opinion. A lot of people seem to think that you are SUPPOSE TO pray at certain times- See, the key word I used was "suppose to"-- Pray is something that should come out of your heart- pure and offered before God... not a "work". It's like saying as a Christian you must do this.... you have to do that... Whatever your "must do" and "have to" is... (ex: you must work in children's church.... or you have to be an usher today) these are all works-- see you don't have to DO anything-- these should be done with a pure heart-- not a heart that is burdened and bogged down. You shouldn't have to let out a deep burdened sigh before doing these things. Same with prayer... prayer is a communication between you and God-- your relationship builds as you speak to Him- Prayer is a fancy word for having a conversation with your Beloved. So what am I saying? Pray/ talk to God all day... at night... in the morning... before a meal... right now... Doesn't have to be all formal-- He just wants your pure heart.

Side 4:: LOVE-- Jesus loves you so much that He died for you!! There are a lot of different scriptures that point to salvation-- but I really love Romans 5. It starts to summarize what Jesus did for us. Here, let me share...

 ¹ Since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have^[a] peace with God. This happened through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² who through our faith^[b] has brought us into that blessing of God's grace that we now enjoy. And we are happy because of the hope we have of sharing God's glory. ³ We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience.⁴ And patience produces character, and character produces hope.⁵ And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.

 ⁶ When we were unable to help ourselves, at the right time, Christ died for us, although we were living against God. ⁷ Very few people will die to save the life of someone else. Although perhaps for a good person someone might possibly die.⁸ But God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

 ⁹ So through Christ we will surely be saved from God's anger, because we have been made right with God by the blood of Christ's death. ¹⁰ While we were God's enemies, he made us his friends through the death of his Son. Surely, now that we are his friends, he will save us through his Son's life. ¹¹ And not only that, but now we are also very happy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we are now God's friends again.

Lots of good nuggets in there hua?! See how it says Jesus died for you and me even when we were still sinners? I mean who does that?!! HE DID!!! 

Side 5:: WALK-- Your walk is YOUR walk-- and is like no one else's. Please please do not let others tell you how your personal walk with Jesus should be. Don't let them influence you. Let Jesus influence you. If you are having a problem- its difficult (i know because im guilty) try going to God first. Let Him take over the situation. The more you seek Him, the more you love Him, the more you pray/talk with Him... the closer you will become with Him. He longs to have a long long relationship with you because Jesus --- well, He loves you so stinkin much!!!!! lol 

You can totally come up with what your 5 sides mean-- I just chose some that meant something to me. 

Take care of you :)

Bandaids:: Good or Bad?

GOOD BANDAIDS: You are younger...it's a pretty day outside-- and you decide to go outside and ride your bike. You are pedaling faster and faster-- feeling wind in your face-- you're smiling as the sunshine is shining so bright-- when all of a sudden-- WAM!!! Something happened and you crashed your bike. Ouch... fighting back the tears as you look down and see that your knee is bleeding, your elbow and hands are too... yep... that's gonna hurt. At the house mom/dad cleans out your wounds and puts bandaids on you. The bandaids helped  to protect the wounds and help protect against infection. 

BAD BANDAIDS: There was this little girl who was really sick. She was on lots of toxic meds and wound up loosing all her hair. She wore a hat once in a while but sometimes, she just went without one. She felt pretty good about herself- knew she was loved and well taken care of. She was healthy enough to visit her school one day- of course she had one of her hats on. Everyone was so sweet and caring to her- but there was one person that wasn't. This person made fun of the little girl and called her names that made the little girl sad. This person knocked off her hat and laughed at her because she had no hair. Although there was no physical open wounds here that needed an actual bandaid-- she applied one-- she took this incident and pushed it way down deep in her heart-- she kept "applying bandaids"- She buried it- she buried the pain instead of releasing it. 

Have you tried putting bandaids where they don't belong? Pushed your pain away-- tucked the feelings deep down-- lashed out at random people because of your pain-- yeah, I've tried all these at one point in my life. Have you? Did any of it work for you? Well--guess what? Not one of them worked for this gal... nope not one. Sure I've pushed things way deep down-- only works for a little while... the suppression was like a ticking time bomb~~until it EXPLODED!!  

There are good bandaids and bad ones too. The good kind... have a boo boo? Put a bandaid on it. Have a boo boo in your heart? Don't put a bandaid on it-- do something BETTER!! 

What's better? Call out to Jesus!!! He's right there with you and he's there to "stitch" up the wound-- not just "cover it up" with a bandaid. See, Jesus came to wipe your sins away-- to be your healer, your deliverer, you very present help in time of need. He holds you just as he is holding the little girl in this sweet picture. Did you know that He rejoices over you? 

The Lord your God is with you; 

       the mighty One will save you.
    He will rejoice over you.
       You will rest in his love;
       he will sing and be joyful about you."

~Zephaniah 3:17 ncv

Take care of you :)

Recovery is a learning process

Have the flu? What do you do to get better? Drink liquids, lots of rest, take your medicine, stay in bed... why? Why do we do these things? So that we can "recover" and get better.



*chuckling* The question is... do you allow yourself time to recover?


Be honest...

Day 1 of being sick... "ugh, I feel like a truck hit me!!" and you go to the doctor & get meds and then you sleep and sleep and sleep some more- through days 2 and 3.

On day 4 you realize you are feeling better (but really are not 100% yet) and want to do EVERYTHING!! You think "oh, I can go grocery shopping now... I need to do the dishes... the laundry needs washed... ewww the bathroom needs to be torched and built back from scratch (lol)" ... you start to do these things... and realize 1/2 way through the FIRST task... BIG MISTAKE... HUGE... BIG... HUGE!!! Do you know why even starting was a mistake?

YOU ARE IN RECOVERY!!!!! 

Recovery is a learning process... learning what it means to take it easy, to take care of yourself...to (as hard as it is) BE STILL. Why? Because recovery is the key essential to getting well. You've heard people say "They made a full recovery!" Think about it... recovering is a key part that is played into your sickness.

Does your sickness necessarily need to be the flu, stomach virus, sinus infection, surgery, etc... NO! Your "sickness" can be anything you personally need to "recover" from. Examples:: Break-up/ divorce, a friendship relationship, family issues, drinking, smoking, any addiction...

You are trying to get well... there are steps to take... you are in recovery. You are on your way to "making a full recovery".

Im gonna use my illness as an example for you... I was diagnosed with Bells Palsy in June... although my muscles in my face are not 100% YET... we are working on it each and everyday... I AM IN RECOVERY. I also am battling Type 2 Diabetes (because of the medicine I was on, it induced diabetes) The doctors say that there is a chance it will go away... I am hopeful... right now I am on medicine that makes me feel like crap, but I am believing it is working along with my diet and exercise... I AM IN RECOVERY.

Now that was just 2 examples of recovery... what ever your personal recovery story is... know that God has it covered! He is by your side even when you can't see the light at the end of the LONG DARK tunnel- and believe me... sometimes it can seem as if there is noooooo end! But there is an end!!! God has it all planned out- I mean, it's life guys... what would life be without the messy bits?

Trust God and call out to Him happy or sad... He's there for you. Believe that He has your best interest in mind. Believe that he will bring you through whatever it is... because He ultimately will. I mean... His plans are to prosper you and give you a hope and a future!!!! (Jeremiah 29:11)

Like I said... recovery is a learning process- let God mold you and shape you through the recovery-- learn to draw close to Him-- learn to be patient-- learn to calm down and rest-- to be still-- (it's not easy... but TRY...) and when you make that full recovery... you will be stronger, and know that with God you overcame!! And when something comes along that you need to recover from again, you will know from your "last recovery" that it will be okay and that you will make it... it's going to be okay.

May this blog touch your heart and may you know that you will make a full recovery... just you wait and see!!!




Take care of you :)

It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving...

We all go through the day to day life --running around like chickens with our heads cut off-- picking up kids, cooking, shopping, driving from here to there, working... etc.

How many times in the day do you stop, take a deep breath and think about things you are thankful for? I mean really stop,breathe and thank. If you are like most of us-- you don't really... well do any of those things... ha ha.

Did you know that it really doesn't add any moments to your life by running running running??? It might get you wherever you are going a few minutes faster-- but was it REALLY worth the few minutes? This is the life you were given-- don't run through your days so fast running--- enjoy them- enjoy the journey.



If you take a moment and really just think about all the blessings-- it makes you happy, a smile appears on that beautiful face of yours... and a deep sigh is let out... "awww i am so blessed!!...sigh" I know I don't always stop & breathe... but the times I do are so worth it. Like now... so many things that are going on causing stress-- and then I make the decision to STOP & BREATHE-- this leads me to look beside me and see my cute pug & my amazing husband both snoozing together-- it makes me sigh and sweetly smile. I am so thankful for them both!

What are some of your blessings?
What are you thankful for?
What makes you smile?
What makes your heart SO happy?
It can be anything... a memory, a certain person, a place, a specific something that you hold dear to your heart?
Whatever your blessings may be-- make sure that you thank the One above for each and every one. :) Because it doesn't have to be Thanksgiving to be thankful!!

Everyday is a gift from God... (James 1:17) and I am thankful for that!!


Take care of you :)

Sorry for the delay...

Ever been on an airplane? You're sitting in your seat, luggage is in the overhead compartment and you are excited to get to your destination. All of a sudden-- the pilot comes on the overhead speakers and says "sorry for the delay folks, but there are two planes in front of us- we will take off soon"

or how about... you are planning on cooking dinner and you forgot to pre-heat the oven... oops!! You say "sorry for the delay guys... dinner is coming"

or standing in line at Walmart and the cashiers are changing out shifts - the lady looks up at you and says "sorry for the delay- we have to change our drawers out"

Sometimes... I feel like the "delay button" is pushed down on my day. Ever feel this way?

it's like some things that I really want to happen like... now... as little as waiting in line at Walmart to as big as a desire of your heart that you feel like you've been waiting forever for...know that God has better plans. You know, I would really rather have it His way and not mine-- but gosh... it can take way longer than I expected!

For another instance... I was on that toxic medicine for what seemed like FOREVER and it caused bad side effects... swelling-- AHHH I'm so so so done with the swelling!!! Im really ready for "my face and neck" to be back, ~DELAY~ and to make matters worse...I had to go on another medicine for my blood sugar...~DELAY~ and now have to check my blood sugar twice daily-- ouch-- ~DELAY~and here I was thinking "oh just come off the toxic medicine and wa la-- I'm done" yeah... apparently that's not what was in the plans.

~D E L A Y~ Hmmm notice a common word here?? lol 

What's your "DELAY"? Small or Big... it's all the same in God's eyes... because nothing is too small or big for Him.

The God joy must be in this journey somewhere... maybe it's the testimony of the adventure... maybe it's talking to a random person... I have no clue... but I do know that somewhere in what I call "this mess" it's really... "His mess".

He has come through SO many times before and even bunches lately... it's hard not to believe in what He is doing. I don't have to know... I may never know... but as long as HE knows... I'm okay with that.

Lately with so many different things going on in the world-- it seems to me that everyone is operating on a microwave brain-- no one wants to wait on the regular oven anymore-- takes too long... it's gotta pre-heat and that takes 10-15 minutes and then you can put in your food. Where as a microwave you pop it in and ta da-- food done faster.

FASTER... do we all move too fast? Do we stop and take a breather...taking time to rest and refresh ourselves? I mean think about walking in NY-- people move around like ants in a pack marching forward...

You've heard the saying "stop and smell the roses" -- for real... STOP and smell them-- slow down and take a breath. I hate saying "maybe this and maybe that..." but you know something? Maybe (lol) the delays are His way of telling us to slow down.

Sit with someone you love...Go get your nails done, go eat out at a restaurant with a friend or just yourself, turn on some relaxing music and read a book or the bible, call up a friend just for a chat... do something nice for yourself and "smell the roses".

Take care of you :)

Your Word is a lamp to my feet

Bad news... 

all I can say is... 

Oh Lord there has GOT

to be some joy in here somewhere!!!

 

I know, I know I should be-- or totally have permission to be down in the dumps here- but man, that is just WAY to easy!! As difficult as it may be-- Im gonna give thanks and praise God as much as I can.

Take Isaiah 25 for example... You can sing a song of praise to God...

  ¹ Lord, you are my God. 

       I honor you and praise you,
    because you have done amazing things.
       You have always done what you said you would do;
       you have done what you planned long ago.
 ² You have made the city a pile of rocks
       and have destroyed her walls.
    The city our enemies built with strong walls is gone;
       it will never be built again.
 ³ People from powerful nations will honor you;
       cruel people from strong cities will fear you.
 ⁴ You protect the poor;
       you protect the helpless when they are in danger.
    You are like a shelter from storms,
       like shade that protects them from the heat.
    The cruel people attack
       like a rainstorm beating against the wall,
 ⁵ like the heat in the desert.
    But you, God, stop their violent attack.
       As a cloud cools a hot day,
       you silence the songs of those who have no mercy.

Do you see how it is written "But you, God stop their violent attack." He is protecting me... he is protecting you.

Look at Psalm 142...

 ¹ I cry out to the Lord;
       I pray to the Lord for mercy.
 ² I pour out my problems to him;
       I tell him my troubles.
 ³ When I am afraid,
       you, Lord, know the way out. 
    In the path where I walk,
       a trap is hidden for me.
 ⁴ Look around me and see.
       No one cares about me.
    I have no place of safety;
       no one cares if I live.
 ⁵ Lord, I cry out to you.
       I say, "You are my protection.
       You are all I want in this life."
 ⁶ Listen to my cry,
       because I am helpless.
    Save me from those who are chasing me,
       because they are too strong for me.
 ⁷ Free me from my prison,
       and then I will praise your name.
    Then good people will surround me,
       because you have taken care of me.

David was crying out to God for protection-- God protected David. 

This is Psalm 119:107-

¹⁰⁷ I have suffered for a long time.
       Lord, give me life by your word. 

Have you ever read Psalm 119? It's LONG-- but I was starting to read it and it put such a sweet smile of my face... I just need to share it.

¹ Happy are those who live pure lives,
       who follow the Lord's teachings.
² Happy are those who keep his rules,
       who try to obey him with their whole heart.
³ They don't do what is wrong;
       they follow his ways.
⁴ Lord, you gave your orders
       to be obeyed completely.
⁵ I wish I were more loyal
       in obeying your demands.
⁶ Then I would not be ashamed
       when I study your commands.
⁷ When I learned that your laws are fair,
       I praised you with an honest heart.
⁸ I will obey your demands,
       so please don't ever leave me.
⁹ How can a young person live a pure life?
       By obeying your word.
¹⁰ With all my heart I try to obey you.
       Don't let me break your commands.
¹¹ I have taken your words to heart
       so I would not sin against you.
¹² Lord, you should be praised.
       Teach me your demands.
¹³ My lips will tell about
       all the laws you have spoken.
¹⁴ I enjoy living by your rules
       as people enjoy great riches.
¹⁵ I think about your orders
       and study your ways.
¹⁶ I enjoy obeying your demands,
       and I will not forget your word.
¹⁷ Do good to me, your servant, so I can live,
       so I can obey your word.
¹⁸ Open my eyes to see
       the miracles in your teachings.
¹⁹ I am a stranger on earth.
       Do not hide your commands from me.
²⁰ I wear myself out with desire
       for your laws all the time.
²¹ You scold proud people;
       those who ignore your commands are cursed.
²² Don't let me be insulted and hated
       because I keep your rules.
²³ Even if princes speak against me,
       I, your servant, will think about your demands.
²⁴ Your rules give me pleasure;
       they give me good advice.
²⁵ I am about to die.
       Give me life, as you have promised.
²⁶ I told you about my life, and you answered me.
       Teach me your demands.
²⁷ Help me understand your orders.
       Then I will think about your miracles.
²⁸ I am sad and tired.
       Make me strong again as you have promised.
²⁹ Don't let me be dishonest;
       have mercy on me by helping me obey your teachings.
³⁰ I have chosen the way of truth;
       I have obeyed your laws.
³¹ I hold on to your rules.
       Lord, do not let me be disgraced.
³² I will quickly obey your commands,
       because you have made me happy.
³³ Lord, teach me your demands,
       and I will keep them until the end.
³⁴ Help me understand, so I can keep your teachings,
       obeying them with all my heart.
³⁵ Lead me in the path of your commands,
       because that makes me happy.
³⁶ Make me want to keep your rules
       instead of wishing for riches.
³⁷ Keep me from looking at worthless things.
       Let me live by your word.
³⁸ Keep your promise to me, your servant,
       so you will be respected.
³⁹ Take away the shame I fear,
       because your laws are good.
⁴⁰ How I want to follow your orders.
       Give me life because of your goodness.
⁴¹ Lord, show me your love,
       and save me as you have promised.
⁴² I have an answer for people who insult me,
       because I trust what you say.
⁴³ Never keep me from speaking your truth,
       because I depend on your fair laws.
⁴⁴ I will obey your teachings
       forever and ever.
⁴⁵ So I will live in freedom,
       because I want to follow your orders.
⁴⁶ I will discuss your rules with kings
       and will not be ashamed.
⁴⁷ I enjoy obeying your commands,
       which I love.
⁴⁸ I praise your commands, which I love,
       and I think about your demands.
⁴⁹ Remember your promise to me, your servant;
       it gives me hope.
⁵⁰ When I suffer, this comforts me:
       Your promise gives me life. 
⁵¹ Proud people always make fun of me,
       but I do not reject your teachings.
⁵² I remember your laws from long ago,
       and they comfort me, Lord.
⁵³ I become angry with wicked people
       who do not keep your teachings.
⁵⁴ I sing about your demands
       wherever I live.
⁵⁵ Lord, I remember you at night,
       and I will obey your teachings.
⁵⁶ This is what I do:
       I follow your orders.
⁵⁷ Lord, you are my share in life;
       I have promised to obey your words.
⁵⁸ I prayed to you with all my heart.
       Have mercy on me as you have promised.
⁵⁹ I thought about my life,
       and I decided to follow your rules.
⁶⁰ I hurried and did not wait
       to obey your commands.
⁶¹ Wicked people have tied me up,
       but I have not forgotten your teachings.
⁶² In the middle of the night, I get up to thank you
       because your laws are right.
⁶³ I am a friend to everyone who fears you,
       to anyone who obeys your orders.
⁶⁴ Lord, your love fills the earth.
       Teach me your demands.
⁶⁵ You have done good things for your servant,
       as you have promised, Lord.
⁶⁶ Teach me wisdom and knowledge
       because I trust your commands.
⁶⁷ Before I suffered, I did wrong,
       but now I obey your word.
⁶⁸ You are good, and you do what is good. 
       Teach me your demands.
⁶⁹ Proud people have made up lies about me,
       but I will follow your orders with all my heart.
⁷⁰ Those people have no feelings,
       but I love your teachings.
⁷¹ It was good for me to suffer
       so I would learn your demands.
⁷² Your teachings are worth more to me
       than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
⁷³ You made me and formed me with your hands.
       Give me understanding so I can learn your commands.
⁷⁴ Let those who respect you rejoice when they see me,
       because I put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵ Lord, I know that your laws are right
       and that it was right for you to punish me.
⁷⁶ Comfort me with your love,
       as you promised me, your servant.
⁷⁷ Have mercy on me so that I may live.
       I love your teachings.
⁷⁸ Make proud people ashamed because they lied about me.
       But I will think about your orders.
⁷⁹ Let those who respect you return to me,
       those who know your rules.
⁸⁰ Let me obey your demands perfectly
       so I will not be ashamed.
⁸¹ I am weak from waiting for you to save me,
       but I hope in your word.
⁸² My eyes are tired from looking for your promise.
       When will you comfort me?
⁸³ Even though I am like a wine bag going up in smoke,
       I do not forget your demands.
⁸⁴ How long will I live?
       When will you judge those who are hurting me?
⁸⁵ Proud people have dug pits to trap me.
       They have nothing to do with your teachings.
⁸⁶ All of your commands can be trusted.
       Liars are hurting me. Help me!
⁸⁷ They have almost put me in the grave,
       but I have not rejected your orders.
⁸⁸ Give me life by your love
       so I can obey your rules.
⁸⁹ Lord, your word is everlasting;
       it continues forever in heaven.
⁹⁰ Your loyalty will go on and on;
       you made the earth, and it still stands.
⁹¹ All things continue to this day because of your laws,
       because all things serve you.
⁹² If I had not loved your teachings,
       I would have died from my sufferings.
⁹³ I will never forget your orders,
       because you have given me life by them.
⁹⁴ I am yours. Save me.
       I want to obey your orders.
⁹⁵ Wicked people are waiting to destroy me,
       but I will think about your rules.
⁹⁶ Everything I see has its limits,
       but your commands have none.
⁹⁷ How I love your teachings!
       I think about them all day long.
⁹⁸ Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
       because they are mine forever.
⁹⁹ I am wiser than all my teachers,
       because I think about your rules.
¹⁰⁰ I have more understanding than the elders,
       because I follow your orders.
¹⁰¹ I have avoided every evil way
       so I could obey your word.
¹⁰² I haven't walked away from your laws,
       because you yourself are my teacher.
¹⁰³ Your promises are sweet to me,
       sweeter than honey in my mouth!
¹⁰⁴ Your orders give me understanding,
       so I hate lying ways.
¹⁰⁵ Your word is like a lamp for my feet
       and a light for my path.
¹⁰⁶ I will do what I have promised
       and obey your fair laws.
¹⁰⁷ I have suffered for a long time.
       Lord, give me life by your word.
¹⁰⁸ Lord, accept my willing praise
       and teach me your laws.
¹⁰⁹ My life is always in danger,
       but I haven't forgotten your teachings.
¹¹⁰ Wicked people have set a trap for me,
       but I haven't strayed from your orders.
¹¹¹ I will follow your rules forever,
       because they make me happy.
¹¹² I will try to do what you demand
       forever, until the end.
¹¹³ I hate disloyal people,
       but I love your teachings.
¹¹⁴ You are my hiding place and my shield;
       I hope in your word.
¹¹⁵ Get away from me, you who do evil,
       so I can keep my God's commands.
¹¹⁶ Support me as you promised so I can live.
       Don't let me be embarrassed because of my hopes.
¹¹⁷ Help me, and I will be saved.
       I will always respect your demands.
¹¹⁸ You reject those who ignore your demands,
       because their lies mislead them.
¹¹⁹ You throw away the wicked of the world like trash.
       So I will love your rules.
¹²⁰ I shake in fear of you;
       I respect your laws.
¹²¹ I have done what is fair and right.
       Don't leave me to those who wrong me.
¹²² Promise that you will help me, your servant.
       Don't let proud people wrong me.
¹²³ My eyes are tired from looking for your salvation
       and for your good promise.
¹²⁴ Show your love to me, your servant,
       and teach me your demands.
¹²⁵ I am your servant. Give me wisdom
       so I can understand your rules.
¹²⁶ Lord, it is time for you to do something,
       because people have disobeyed your teachings.
¹²⁷ I love your commands
       more than the purest gold.
¹²⁸ I respect all your orders,
       so I hate lying ways.
¹²⁹ Your rules are wonderful.
       That is why I keep them.
¹³⁰ Learning your words gives wisdom
       and understanding for the foolish.
¹³¹ I am nearly out of breath.
       I really want to learn your commands.
¹³² Look at me and have mercy on me
       as you do for those who love you.
¹³³ Guide my steps as you promised;
       don't let any sin control me.
¹³⁴ Save me from harmful people
       so I can obey your orders.
¹³⁵ Show your kindness to me, your servant.
       Teach me your demands.
¹³⁶ Tears stream from my eyes,
       because people do not obey your teachings.
¹³⁷ Lord, you do what is right,
       and your laws are fair.
¹³⁸ The rules you commanded are right
       and completely trustworthy.
¹³⁹ I am so upset I am worn out,
       because my enemies have forgotten your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promises are proven,
       so I, your servant, love them.
¹⁴¹ I am unimportant and hated,
       but I have not forgotten your orders.
¹⁴² Your goodness continues forever,
       and your teachings are true.
¹⁴³ I have had troubles and misery,
       but I love your commands.
¹⁴⁴ Your rules are always good.
       Help me understand so I can live.
¹⁴⁵ Lord, I call to you with all my heart.
       Answer me, and I will keep your demands.
¹⁴⁶ I call to you.
       Save me so I can obey your rules.
¹⁴⁷ I wake up early in the morning and cry out.
       I hope in your word.
¹⁴⁸ I stay awake all night
       so I can think about your promises.
¹⁴⁹ Listen to me because of your love;
       Lord, give me life by your laws.
¹⁵⁰ Those who love evil are near,
       but they are far from your teachings.
¹⁵¹ But, Lord, you are also near,
       and all your commands are true.
¹⁵² Long ago I learned from your rules
       that you made them to continue forever.
¹⁵³ See my suffering and rescue me,
       because I have not forgotten your teachings.
¹⁵⁴ Argue my case and save me.
       Let me live by your promises.
¹⁵⁵ Wicked people are far from being saved,
       because they do not want your demands.
¹⁵⁶ Lord, you are very kind;
       give me life by your laws.
¹⁵⁷ Many enemies are after me,
       but I have not rejected your rules.
¹⁵⁸ I see those traitors, and I hate them,
       because they do not obey what you say.
¹⁵⁹ See how I love your orders.
       Lord, give me life by your love.
¹⁶⁰ Your words are true from the start,
       and all your laws will be fair forever.

¹⁶¹ Leaders attack me for no reason,
       but I fear your law in my heart.
¹⁶² I am as happy over your promises
       as if I had found a great treasure.
¹⁶³ I hate and despise lies,
       but I love your teachings.
¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise you
       for your fair laws.
¹⁶⁵ Those who love your teachings will find true peace,
       and nothing will defeat them.
¹⁶⁶ I am waiting for you to save me, Lord.
       I will obey your commands.
¹⁶⁷ I obey your rules,
       and I love them very much.
¹⁶⁸ I obey your orders and rules,
       because you know everything I do.
¹⁶⁹ Hear my cry to you, Lord.
       Let your word help me understand.
¹⁷⁰ Listen to my prayer;
       save me as you promised.
¹⁷¹ Let me speak your praise,
       because you have taught me your demands.
¹⁷² Let me sing about your promises,
       because all your commands are fair.
¹⁷³ Give me your helping hand,
       because I have chosen your commands.
¹⁷⁴ I want you to save me, Lord.
       I love your teachings.
¹⁷⁵ Let me live so I can praise you,
       and let your laws help me.
¹⁷⁶ I have wandered like a lost sheep.
       Look for your servant, because I have not forgotten your commands.

I know-- OOBER long- but weren't you incredibly blessed by reading it?! 

The next time you are in a tough spot-- bad news from the doctor, family, job, finances... and you wonder where God is... dig into the Word-- you'll find... He's right there and He's been there all along. 

...and remember Romans 8:28-30--  ²⁸ We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him.^[e] They are the people he called, because that was his plan. ²⁹ God knew them before he made the world, and he chose them to be like his Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn^[f] of many brothers and sisters.³⁰ God planned for them to be like his Son; and those he planned to be like his Son, he also called; and those he called, he also made right with him; and those he made right, he also glorified. 

It says God will work everything out for us-- but remember one way important thing... we MUST love Him first!!! 

Take care of you :)