Laugh at the days to come....

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 NIV

Today I am praying that God allow me to have the vision to be able to "laugh at the days to come". Right now to be honest the days to come look like a nightmare, they are uncertain, they may be painful. It is so difficult for me to allow God to comfort me when times get tough. Work, family, school everything is up in the air right now. Nothing feels secure or stable. God, please allow your peace to wash over me. Let me rest in the promise of who you are and the good you are working in me. Father, you are enough, though I am not.
I leave my worry, anxiety, children, relationships, struggles with you. Today is your day, the day you have made for me and it WILL be good.
AMEN

August winds....

My children are not typical or "normal". We often get neighbors concerned looks as we walk by, they are loud, full of energy and spirit. Both my daughter and son are on the autism spectrum. Everyday is both a challenge and a joy. I am so thankful that our new home and the space to run and play has made a huge impact on them. They are happy, making friends and living with such joy. It really makes my heart soar. Every day I try to make a special memory for them, but in doing so they make unforgettable memories for me. God blesses me each day by my children, they are my angels. Wishing you a day of memories and fun with your family!

My "Word" for the day:
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!...
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
~ Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT

Childhood's days pass all too quickly,
Happy memories all too few;
Plan to do that special something,
Take the time to go or do.
Make a memory with your children,
Take the time in busy days;
Have some fun while they are growing,
Show your love in gentle ways.
~ Elaine Hardt

"Faith is the refusal to panic."

So, I guess I've been in the midst of a Faith crisis. Maybe I am always in the midst of a crisis of faith? I feel like the past two years have been the desert of my life. I've been walking in circles trying to figure out what God is doing. I'm usually not one to whine about my life but girlfriend things have been ROUGH! Just trying to keep my kids happy, healthy, safe is enough to bring me to my knees these days. These are the things that I am realizing. Not because I want to but because God is revealing to me these things... in a painful and difficult way sometimes.

#1 I am in love with Seth.
I fear for all my fighting it, (Ask Seth, I have fought it) I am totally and completely Seth's. He is exactly what I never thought I wanted. He is sensitive, gentle, loving, tender. Not at all what I have ever been attracted to but what God always wanted for me. Coming to the conclusion that God knew me better then I did is both a good thing and something that causes me to want to hit my head against my desk repeatedly. Why oh why does it take me so long to learn the hard lessons of life? Trust me Josie, says God and I say...but, God... and I wonder why it takes me so long to get where God wants me to be?! Seth is my best friend, has been my best friend, sometimes even my only friend. Finally, when I stop begging for love it shows up in the shape of a friend I've had for 8 years. Thank God for the blessing that is Seth. I'll really try not to mess this up.

#2 I have a problem with Anxiety.
I am meditating on this scripture for help. Proverbs 12:25 says Anxiety is the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. My good word is the bible. I am making a promise to myself and God to read my bible daily no mater what. I will not let the things of this world make me anxious. I shall not complain about my circumstances. Griping and complaining ultimately reveal my lack of faith. God has not forgotten me, he knows what he is doing. I shall not let these thoughts out of my mouth or even entertain them in my head. "Internal conversation expresses discontent and dissatisfaction with the present." (Psalms 42:5)

#3 I have serious control issues.
I will with great faith move forward with God's leading and control over my life. I am done trying to control. I have a tiny control issue when it comes to my life. If you know me, you know this. I can't control everything and every one's feelings, I've tried. I can at this point only do my best to glorify God in everything I do. I am a very transparent person. I will be the first one to say that I have made some very big, very stupid mistakes but usually it was because I didn't want to follow God's plan for my life rather be in the drivers seat and let God tag along. Maybe it is my quick approaching 30 or maybe it is just the building number of mistakes I have made but I am giving up control. God use me. 1 Chronicles 4:9

Maybe you are dealing with your purpose, or control or maybe just struggling with anxiety? Be bold in your prayers to God for his guidance and discernment. He alone can free you. He has started a good work in you, He will finish that good work.

Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient... and prayerful always. Romans 12:12 TLB