Thursday, March 12, 2009

What I've Learned...


We are all encountering trials in our lives right now. Much of them have to do with fears of what could happen. Could my husband lose his job? Will I lose my job? How will the mortgage get paid this month? How will I afford food? Will this property EVER sell? Fears give satan the foothold he wants to direct our lives in a way we don't want them to go. So, how do we stop him?
I've been contemplating a great many things as we struggle to keep our store running, attempt to sell our property and keep my sanity all at once. line upon line and precept upon precept I have made some incredible discoveries. I'd like to share them with you.
Stuff is Stuff- material goods do not equal happiness. It doesn't matter if I have what everyone else does. I turly don't care. I am grateful for what I have. People mean more to me than the wordly things that will delight your eyes for only a season.
Friends Matter- A smile from a friend can turn any day from drab to fab in a blink of an eye. A hug can bring us up from our hands and knees. A kind word can send our hearts soaring.
Attitude is Everything- Turn your hearts to have an attitude of gratitude. If your husband has not been laid off then don't dwell on what could happen and be thankful for where you are now. Now, is all that matters. You can prepare for the worst, but always, always hope for the best.
Simple Matters- How often do we get cauhgt up in an idea that snowballs into a project that is unmanageable? Think simple!!! I was working with Corinna on a pattern to sew a skirt for church. it took so long and for a novice sewer with an audience it was too dramatic for me. Another friend suggested a different way to sew a skirt. What took two days to work on for one daughter was simplified into 20 minutes for the other one. And they both looked beautiful.
Family is Forever- I am and will always be grateful for the family I have. This trial we are delaing with now has brought us to having family home evening...every Monday...not just when we wanted to. It has given us the strength to begin family scripture with an old friend...Matthew. Family prayer is a delightful moment, not a whining and torturous event.
Patience- This is the most important lesson we have learned. We have been told "Soon" the property would sell, but our soon and the Lord's are two totally different things. Trust in him. He will not lead you astray. If He tells you something it is a promise. Count on it. Also, understand that others aren't on the same level as you. Some may be a bit ahead on the pathway and others slightly behind. Compassion and patience are needed for not only yourself but everyone else.
Anyway, I wanted to thank all of my dear friends who have commented on this blog and given me your support. If you are a lurker who takes peak, but doesn't comment you are very welcome to visit anytime you want. I love you all and I am grateful for the blessings you are in my life!!!

2 comments:

Mikki said...

This is a beautiful post. Thanks for these wonderful words of wisdom. It's so easy to getso bogged down with our worries and concerns that we forget to step back and find an eternal perspective.
I couldn't remember if I popped over to thank you for entering my giveaway yet, so here I am. Thanks for entering, and good luck!

Jan said...

Wow Tammy. Very thoughtful and thought provoking. We are all facing so many uncertainties. It is a time to bond together.