I have been thinking about how I go about my daily routines and chores, those mindless jobs that I can sometimes feel in auto mode for and am just relieved when I can cross another item off my “to do” list. I don’t believe that is how God wants us to go about life, day after day… joyless and unfulfilled. Much of our life is filled with work that seems unglamorous, and we sometimes wonder what we are doing that will have eternal impact.

I was listening to a podcast that was talking about how our routine tasks can actually be calming to us…. preparing meals, washing dishes, doing laundry, making beds…. and I think part of that may be a sense of accomplishment but also being thankful that we can do these things for ourselves as well as our loved ones. It seems being disciplined and faithful in the little things prepares us for what we see as the bigger, more important work and goals in life. But it is all important, and has purpose– the greatest purpose being to glorify God in all we do.

I have found that using the times I am working alone to worship and give thanks to God, listening (or singing) to music, inspirational podcasts, or even just enjoying some silence and thinking my own thoughts can be times of refreshing and bring joy. When someone (especially one of my young adult kids) is working with me, it may take a little more effort to engage in positive conversation and try to find ways to encourage the good and build them up, rather than find fault with everything. Also we can use those times as a way to teach or affirm some skill or special area of interest, or just to enjoy sharing together either on a more serious level, or on lighter topics accompanied with laughter. What a great way to build stronger relationships.

A pretty basic example of finding joy in the mundane is to be praying for each family member as I am folding laundry, and giving thanks that we have plenty of clothing, a washer and dryer or nice weather to line dry, and just trying to find a way I can especially bless someone with the task at hand (like suprising one of my family members by putting fresh sheets on their bed for them!).

I firmly believe that counting our blessings and an attitude of gratitude are the keys to a joyful and content heart. We have all heard that comparison is the thief of joy. When we look at what we see others doing or enjoying, it can be easy to feel like we must be missing out on something. But when we are thankful for all of our own blessings and stay joyfully occupied with the work God has given us, we have no time to worry about how our life may pale in comparison to someone else’s. In fact, most of the time, I would guess that none of us would really want to trade lives with anyone else! Sure, we see the highlight reels on social media, but if we really knew the behind the scenes, I think most of us would take our own struggles and disappointments and decide they really aren’t that bad. Cultivating thankfulness and contentment in our daily lives brings true joy in living.

I know I don’t want to someday look back with regret at how little I enjoyed the “present” and wonder how day after day slipped by and became weeks, months, and years while I just worked for that elusive “someday” when I could really “enjoy life.” I want to be joyful in the mundane, daily work which makes up a huge percentage of life, and make the most of every moment God blesses me with. Life is too short to allow myself to be mindless. I aim to be more intentional and present with each daily task and continue to find joy in the journey!

“Only one life, twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” (C.T. Studd)

Psalm 16:11 “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

Wonder of wonders! I just love the innocence and wonder of small children. The joy in the little things, and their curiosity of the world around them is so fun to see. And yes, I know from experience that their joy can turn on a dime at any moment for any known or unknown reason too! Now that we are experiencing the challenges associated with being parents of young adults, it is easier to relax and enjoy these precious little people when you aren’t the one primarily responsible for their teaching and training. Hopefully now we can be more of an encouragement and support for the parents of “littles” when the days are sometimes long, but the years are so very short.

The Bible says that unless we become as little children, we can’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and Mark 10:14 says “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” It is so wonderful that Jesus had a special place in His heart for children as He enjoyed time spent with them. I think there is a lot we can learn from little children’s innocence and perspective on the world.

Somehow it seems we lose our wonder of the world around us as we grow up and take on more responsibilities and the rushing around that seems to go with “adulting.” I have enjoyed spending time with Kindergarteners and 1st graders this past school year, as well as toddlers and preschoolers my daughter babysits and I help her with in Sunday School. I often come home and say everyone should spend a day once in awhile with 5 year olds (or 2, 3, 4, etc.). Looking at the world through their eyes brings a freshness to life.

How long has it been since you soaked in the beauty of a sunrise/ sunset, or a rainbow? How long since you were so delighted and scared by a hopping toad that you giggled and giggled every time you had courage enough to reach out and try to “tickle” it? Blew the fluff off a dandelion, or stood in the rain and let it run down your hair as you stomped in the puddles? And when was the last time you just enjoyed snuggling with someone and sharing a story and a yummy snack, while discussing everyone and everything else in your short life? How many hugs have you given, and have you really laughed with abandonment lately? How sad that as adults we are often so burdened with the cares of this world and become too busy to really ENJOY LIFE!

I also love how open and receptive children are to worshiping God, their Creator and Heavenly Father. It seems sometimes we become indifferent to the familiarity of the Gospel, and need fresh eyes and ears as if it was our first time experiencing Jesus! It is so wonderful to hear children recite Scripture and to sing worship song with all of their hearts. It is a privilege to sit through school chapel or Sunday School birthday singing and see the joy as they sing and worship with everything in them. I can only imagine how it must bless God Himself as the children He loves so much worship in spirit and in truth. And what better time to hide away those Scripture verses that they will have in their hearts and minds the rest of their lives. I am SO grateful for all the memory work programs I was blessed with as I grew up, and how important that still is for so many parents as they continue to see that their children learn God’s Word from little on up. They are such sponges when they are small, and seem to absorb everything– good or bad– so what an opportunity to influence them for good.

So my challenge this week is to keep the wonder in our joyful journey here on earth…. slow down, look up from our phones and look for those things we have become oblivious to, pause and breathe in the fresh air and the beauty around us, share some love with others, and don’t forget the wonder of wonders– that God became flesh and came to earth to redeem us so we can have a personal relationship and eternal life with Him… the most wonderful gift of all!

Psalm 8: 1-2 “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!² Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infantsYou have ordained strength…”

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This spring I have been really focusing in on how speaking life over ourselves and others is so important. We can speak blessing or cursing, it is our choice, but speaking life can really change a negative outlook to a positive life perspective. It sounds too simple to be true, but even though I certainly need a lot of work in this area and fail many times, I have been challenged to really practice it consistently, and it does work!

It isn’t always easy to put a stop to the negative thoughts followed by words followed by actions, when it has become such a bad habit in our lives. So the first step is to recognize it for what it is, and practice the “pause.” Stop the flow and replace it with a blessing– speak positive words, Scripture, prayers, or thoughts instead. Not only does it change your whole attitude, but it makes a difference in how you live your life. You start to look for the good, and overlook the bad, expecting good things instead of just accepting a victim complex. Trust me, I find myself often stopping in mid-thought or sentence and rephrasing things!

Some things I have been trying, is to first of all set my day– when I rise, taking a moment to focus on God and what He has for me, and as I go about my morning work and routine, worshipping and lifting up my prayer list to Him. Also, I have printed out various “proclamations” to speak over myself and my family aloud each day– some are Bible verses and promises, as well as other promises and positive statements I am believeing God for. Whatever your specific needs are, find those words and Scriptures and print them out, and consistently speak life over yourself and your loved ones. It truly makes a difference. What you think on is where you are setting your life’s direction.

I also enjoy listening to a worship song or two, and have committed to only listening to Christian music when I have a choice. I am not going to discuss specific music choices in this post, but just encourage you to consider the influence of what you are listening to over your mind. Let your music be a source of speaking life and blessing!

I regularly follow various blogs, articles, and podcasts that are uplifting. I can’t always keep up with them all, but that is ok. It seems the ones I really need are the ones I happen to be able to catch! Look for solid, Biblical Christian speakers and authors whose content is more specific for whatever season of life or needs you have in the present. In my present circumstances, I am encouraged by those who speak into my life about marriage, parenting and young adult relationships, financial stewardship, natural health, and other things pertinent to my daily life. This kind of input inspires me to look up…. and to intentionally focus on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)

Another thing that I think is wonderful is mentoring! It is so helpful to have someone a little more mature or who has already survived the stage you are in now, to speak life over you and to you. We all need encouraging, so I also think it a great thing to not just have mentor(s), but to be a mentor when and where you can. This doesn’t have to be an “official” assignment. Just reach out to those around you and speak life and encouragement and it will bless you as much as it does others! This includes your own family. =)

“Speaking life” is something that takes practice but it can replace the bad habits of grumbling and complaining, and calling out the negative that seems so easy to see and say. It can replace a critical spirit with a joyful one, and a spirit of discontent with a spirit of gratitude. It all starts in the heart and mind, and overflows to every other area of life. Speak the Truth aloud…. your brain hears it and remembers it even when “you” aren’t consciously thinking about it! Join me in this challenge! God wants us to live joyful and abundant lives for His glory. Speak life!

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Ps. 19:14 NSRV

So I am writing back to back grief blogposts, as I wanted to honor the life of my dad on this anniversary of his unexpected passing. It has taken some time to get to this point of being able to share.

My dad was a great man of faith, a great husband to my mom for over 50 years, a great dad to his 3 kids, and his crowning glory was his grandchildren! I know he spent much time in God’s Word and prayer, and one of the hardest things about his death was the knowing he was no longer lifting each of us up in daily prayer. He is so loved and missed for so many reasons!

The circumstances of his death were so complex. He had not been feeling well, with more shortness of breath and exhaustion the previous months and weeks, and had been to many doctor appointments including medical tests and treatments. The week before he died, Mom and Dad were both busy moving from their house to their new apartment at Brookside Senior Living Community, and running to various appointments, taking care of paperwork, showing their house to interested people, and 2 moving sales, plus keeping up with activities of their grandchildren. Dad kept saying he would feel better once they got moved and settled at Brookside, and that was the hope for all of us.

However, it was not to be. Memorial Day weekend he was diagnosed with pneumonia and told his fibrosis in his lungs was worsening (he’d had the fibrosis for many years from farm related pollutants). After a very busy day on Thursday, June 1st, he went to bed early as had been his habit. My mom realized he felt warm and encouraged him to go to the Emergency Room. He was finally willing to seek more medical help, and was relieved to be admitted to the ICU and given some oxygen.

The next day we continued to work at the moving process, and I am forever grateful I took the time to stop in and visit with him at the hospital briefly, as it was my last conversation with him. At that time, we were being informed of how very sick he was.

Early Saturday morning, Mom called to let me know he had taken a turn for the worse and they were transferring him to Syracuse. I took my daughter, Elissa, with me to go to see him quickly before they moved him. My sister and mom were also there and followed Dad down in the ambulance, and we had prayer for Dad around his bed before they left. He was struggling to breathe with his oxygen mask on, and couldn’t talk much, but we were still trusting that something could be done to help him. I had a bad feeling in my gut though, as I left for home to do our farm chores, and then help with the moving truck later. My husband, daughter and I helped with getting things moved into the apartment, using a map Mom had given me of how they wanted things placed. Elissa sent them pictures on her phone and Dad got to see them, and was so excited about how nice it looked. But he never mentioned going home there.

After the apartment was settled, We picked up food for our son Nathan’s graduation party which was to be Sunday afternoon. A friend and her daughter were graciously helping me wash lettuce and set up in our church fellowship hall kitchen and I couldn’t keep the tears back. I didn’t know if we should even be continuing the process, but didn’t know what else to do.

That eve. Nathan was returning from his senior trip, and his class sponsors willingly stopped in Syracuse to let him briefly see his grandpa, as I just had a feeling things were not going well even though Dad had been able to talk and joke with Mom, my sister, and the nurses a bit throughout the day. My brother also arrived from IN and saw him before heading to their nearly empty house to sleep. My sister also left, as things seemed relatively stable. Little did we know!

Sunday morning, June 4th, 2017…. we again heard from Mom, and it was not good. My facebook post was “SO not ready for this!” A very rough night for them, and Dad was really struggling. We made necessary phone calls– my husband was to preach the sermon that morning, and a few dear friends also covered for us in completely cleaning up our graduation party preparations (which we eventually rescheduled).

We drove to Syracuse as quickly as we could, but it was too late to see Dad before he became unresponsive. I am so thankful we were at least still able to talk to him in his ears, though it was difficult not to have him respond to us and to see him suffering so much trying to breathe with the CPAP mask on forcing air into his lungs. His family surrounded his bed, and several special people spent the day with us as we struggled with letting him go, sharing Scriptures, attempts at songs, and prayers together. He passed away peacefully later in the afternoon. Such a painful tearing away with the final earthly separation, though we know he was immediately in the presence of Jesus! I think the hardest things of all was seeing Mom walk out of the hospital “alone,” though she was with us, and my brother stayed in her apartment with her.

The next few days were filled with funeral plans and arrangements, and involved the same special funeral director who I handed our son’s lifeless little body to 18 years prior. We will never forget the love and support from so many who surrounded us, and who dropped their plans and just came, and so many acts of kindness. We were so loved and carried through, and each one meant so much!

Life goes on. The first year is basically about survival. Even the happy memories were painful, and we just avoided certain topics and activities that seemed too overwhelming. The second year, we started to feel like some of the sharpness of the pain was slightly duller, but we know the grief will never really go away. Losing my dad truly rocked my world. There are still unexpected grief moments that take the rug out from under me, and I find myself in tears or having to make quick exits in situations sometimes hard to explain. I am so thankful for my mom, and for the faithful testimony she has and they both showed us for so many years. She has adjusted so well to life at Brookside, and we are thankful for the love and support she continues to both give and receive while living there. So much has happened since that memorable day 2 years ago. Some things I sure wish Dad could have been here for, and some I am glad he got to miss.

Through all of this I have realized how short life really is, and that the time we have here is but a blip in light of eternity. My dad and mom had their gravestones prepared a few years ago, and though it was hard for me to even look at them while both parents still lived, I have always loved the one word message of their “epitaph,” which could not be said any better. “Redeemed.” And that is all we need to know!

I will close with the last few verses of my dad’s favorite Psalm, 91:14-16 (NKJV):

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

Darrin at 1 year old, and with big sister, Elissa, closer to his passing away.

20 years since we last saw the face of our sweet 17 month old son, Darrin. Hard to believe. He was such a precious little boy, a fighter who clung to life and touched many hearts in the brief time he had with us. He knew “his people,” and had special ways of showing his connection with his mommy, daddy, big sister, grandparents, and others who cared for him. Darrin was a surprise to us. We knew he was coming of course, but he was not the healthy, normal child we were expecting. We grieved the loss of that child, while embracing this gift of God placed in our arms. We had no idea how long he would be with us, and all the challenges and roller coaster of emotions that we would live through with him for those 17 short months.//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ google_ad_client: “ca-pub-9969701912130395”, enable_page_level_ads: true }); We didn’t know our home would sometimes be Grand Central Station, with people in and out all times of the day and night, helping care for us and him, and how many Dr. visits, phone calls, painful procedures, and hospital stays were coming along. We didn’t understand the pain of Darrin’s grandparents—for themselves, their children (his parents), and his sister. We didn’t know all the wonderful people—some who were strangers at first—who would became like family to us throughout this time. We will never forget: a favorite babysitter, nurses, therapists, volunteers, church friends who came to clean, bring food, and give us a break, and of course grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many others. We did not know what the heartache would be like to see your child take his last breaths and slip into eternity. We didn’t know what it would be like to hand his lifeless body to a funeral director who holds a special place in the this mother’s heart, and has become a dear friend of ours. We also did not know how painful the grief process would be, as we also watched our 3 year old daughter grieving for a brother that was clearly “hers,” and how to explain that loss to her—when she just wanted to swing on her swing up to Heaven to see him. We had no idea that his yet unborn little brother would go through his own phase of grieving a brother he never got to know.

We didn’t know how many other friends we would make as the years go by, who have also joined the club of losing a child or children…. the shared pain and tears, and comfort found together. We didn’t know how much closer Heaven would seem, and the peace of knowing our little boy was free from his crippled body and complete in the presence of Jesus.

Safe in the arms of Jesus.

Darrin Myron Roggie

12/24/97-5/30/99

So much God has taught us through blessing us with our Darrin.  And yes, as the years pass it seems more like a dream. We have had other losses in our lives since. We trust that Darrin now has 2 grandparents with him in Heaven, and can only imagine that reunion. So 20 years… our children would now be 23, 21, and 19, but one is forever 17 months earth side, and will always be missed. We will never forget, and Darrin will always be part of who we are. On this day, we remember…. Until we meet again.

So who are your favorite people in your life? The ones who you feel safe with, love to be with, and are excited about and interested in their lives? The ones who you would do anything for, and with all your heart want them to be blessed and happy? Well, I have a few, but my very favorites are the ones I live with—my family! Sometimes the hardest to show love and care to, and the easiest to get irritated and upset with, and be “myself” around—not always the best side to be sure!

My husband is my very favorite person in the whole world…. One of the reasons I married him! =) I love to just be with him and share life together, and do all I can to show him he is my #1 favorite. Now we don’t always treat each other that way, but we know in our hearts and have the security of our love and commitment to each other to come back to when things aren’t always “wonderful.” We know we have each other’s backs and that we try to always treat each other with respect and honor both in private and in public. Apologies, humble pie, and forgiveness can go a long way, as well as just enjoying each other and having fun together—working, running errands, or whatever we are doing.

Then there are my kids…. Now two young adults still living at home with us. Currently working on servanthood between all of us has been an ongoing challenge…. To see something that needs doing and to just do it, regardless of whose responsibility it is (to a degree), and show love and honor to each other within our home. I want my kids to know they are also my favorites, and that they will always be loved and cared for no matter what! I want them to know we are interested in their lives and take delight in them, and that we only want God’s best for them no matter how that may come across to them in different circumstances as we transition to adult responsibilities and independence.

And of course there is my mom who I love dearly, and appreciate so much, and am so very thankful for. And there are many others as well!

But my challenge recently has been, do my favorite people know they are my favorites? Do they really feel loved and honored, and  know I have interest in their lives. Do they feel secure in sharing their hearts, and in knowing what they share is safe with me, and that I won’t disrespect them in front of others. As parents we do sometimes relate and share with others going through similar stages as a support and encouragement to each other, but how do we represent our (favorite) kids—whether they are grown or still young at home—in a favorable way or in a way that embarrasses them or makes them feel like they will never meet up to our expectations? Do I make the effort to learn my “favorite” people’s love languages and work to express love to them in those most meaningful ways to them. Or do I just keep track of what they do and don’t do to show love and respect to me? Ugh… I hope not!

Everyone needs to know they have someone who thinks of them as one of their favorite people—someone they feel safe and loved with no matter what choices and failures we make in life. God designed us this way—for family and Christian community—to have fellowship and accountability with each other as we seek God’s direction and His best for our lives. Let’s go and show others that they are our favorites…. Everyone needs it, so it’s not just reserved for your family members…. Reach out to those around us who need to feel like someone truly cares for them as well! Have a great week!

Romans 12:10 (KJV)  “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”

May is extra full of family events– Mother’s Day, my parents’ anniversary, several family birthdays, the anniversary of losing our son, and other extra activities as we start full swing into spring.

So many thoughts, feelings, perspectives, and personal experiences connected to Mother’s Day. If you follow social media, there are many who are celebrating the blessings of having a mom, being a mom, or being a grandma; and others who are grieving all of those losses and more. 

I was thinking this year of all the “mother” related relationships I have and have had, and how each one is unique. First I am still blessed to have my mom, and we enjoyed spending some time with her for Mother’s Day and honoring her and what she means to all of us! Secondly, I have grieved the loss of a mother-in-law, for almost 8 years now. And before that, grieved the loss of my grandmothers, and also our second child/ first son who passed away at 17 months old going on 20 years ago. I rejoice in the blessings of the daughter and son we still have with us, and of course I couldn’t be a mom without my husband who I am so very thankful for as well. In this stage, my children are young adults, so well beyond the baby and toddler years. However, we are also enjoying being substitute grandparents for the toddler and other children our daughter babysits, and more that we have closer friendships with through their families or teaching Sunday School/ children’s programs. Then there are the friends of our children, who we also enjoy getting to know. One of their friends sent me a special Mother’s Day message yesterday as she was especially missing her own mom who passed away unexpectedly a couple of years ago…. I can’t even imagine the heartache of her loss at such a young age. A month ago I was also blessed to meet and spend some quality time with the 2 young girls our family sponsors in Guatemala, in a sense feeling like an extra “mom” to them (though at my age, I may seem more like a grandma once again!). And then there are the new relationships with the birth mother of my brother, and his birth father’s wife, and extended family of my sister’s as well. And finally I think of the mentoring relationships I have been blessed with in both directions, and how much those ladies have meant to me over the years, developing me into the person I am today. I know each of us has our own story and connections, and it is good to consider them and how they have made us who we are.

I think the role of mother can be so encompassing and rewarding. It comes with both joy and pain, blessings and disappointments. Mothers are the nurturers, the teachers, the caregivers, the listening ears, the exhorters and encouragers…. we all need our moms and there are many around us with “mother wounds” as they grieve that loss. It can be through the death of that special person, or distance in relationship physically or emotionally, but however it happens, it is painful. And vice versa– a mother’s loss of a child or distance in relationship, are painful whatever the circumstances. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Reach out for help and healing, for that tender touch from God on your heart, and be the one to make the first move in restoring relationships or even making new ones that help fill that void in our lives. So whatever area you can relate to and however you experienced Mother’s Day, know that we can each make the most of opportunities, and reap eternal rewards as we look beyond our own little worlds and take the risk of making a difference for someone else. We all could use as well as give a little “mothering” now and then!

Proverbs 31:25-30 ^“25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. ²⁶She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. ²⁷She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. ²⁸Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ²⁹“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” ³⁰Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Disappointment is something we all deal with regularly. There are so many opportunities for loss, changes of plans, unforeseen circumstances, and relationship issues to disrupt our lives, some more painful and severe than others. How I respond to these disappointments is an indicator of my character, too often revealing my selfish nature, ungratefulness, and lack of focus on the blessings in my life, instead of choosing to be content in whatever circumstances: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” (Phil. 4:11 NKJV)

Some of my personal disappointments have involved circumstances I knew God could change if He chose to, and in my human, finite mind, there seems to be no explanation why things turn out a certain way. This has been especially true of losses in my life, specifically recalling the death of our 17 month old son 20 years ago, and more recently the loss of my dad. It is hard to accept suffering and death of loved ones as part of living on earth, but where would we be without our hope of eternal life?

Then there are material losses and unplanned for expenses as well, and we grasp for understanding and trust in our Provider to carry us through.

To be “real,” I am currently swallowing disappointment from a calendar conflict where I will need to miss an event that I evidently had pretty much set my heart on, in order to attend another important event that I can’t (and also do not want to) miss. I had been praying about this as soon as I learned of a potential conflict, but it is SO hard to trust God with working out these details in our lives for the best, when I think I know what the best should be! So yes, I had a bit of an attitude problem (ok, a big attitude problem) that I had to process and just “let go.” The same day, some other special plans with my husband fell apart to a plan B, so it felt like a double whammy. It is pretty easy to cave to self-pity and a martyr complex, and to take out my frustrations on unsuspecting other family members vs. extending graciousness. (Yes, my husband especially deserves a medal for his forbearance during my “processing!”) Giving up things I’d like to do due to last minute changes of plans and conflicts has been an ongoing exercise in character building and flexibility, but it is still hard. My daughter gave me a plaque that I keep on my stove that says “Just roll with it!” That is a frequent reminder in our home when life takes an unexpected turn.

Maybe you have also experienced the painful loss of someone dear to you, bad news that rocked your world, a child wandering away from the truths they have been taught, a relationship that has become distant, or can relate to calendar conflicts…. or life just not turning out like you had thought it would. I want to offer hope, and to say that God knows and He cares, and His plans for you truly are for the best whether or not we ever understand here on earth.

I am often blessed by words of Scripture and/or songs that seem to directly fit my situation, and am learning to pray and speak God’s truths over my life. Rejecting and replacing negativity with God’s truths makes a huge difference. As God works in my heart to bring me to acceptance and contentment, He helps me to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, and yes, joy. As my dad would often comment, “Don’t let any thing/one steal your joy!”

I will end with the first verse and chorus of “Standing on the Solid Rock” which was on my heart this morning. Be blessed, and find joy in your journey!

“Through my disappointments, strife and discontentment, I cast my every care upon the Lord. No matter what obsession, pain or deep depression, I’m standing on the Solid Rock. I’m standing on the Rock of Ages, safe from all the storm that rages, rich, but not from Satan’s wages, I’m standing on the Solid Rock!”