Enough of the Mullygrubs!

Have you had times or even days where you were in the mullygrubs? Things had been difficult, life was a challenge and it got you down?

I understand that there are events in our lives that are hard. Life will not be easy. But I think our perspective on life is what is important.

I have a dear friend whose son, in his 20's, was in a serious car accident. He is now paralyzed from his chest down. He is on a ventilator so he can breathe. He can barely move his arms. We are all praying for his healing and recovery. He's been like this for about 5 months now. I have to tell you that this has been a real wake-up call for me.

I have rheumatoid arthritis. I was diagnosed with it 12 years ago. I really don't like to talk about it because I'd rather not focus on it but have people see me for who I am. It has not been easy but God has been gracious and I have generally been doing very well with it. But there are times when I get discouraged and just want the pain to go away! So thinking about this young man has helped me to be truly grateful.

I can walk, I can speak, I can breathe!! My difficulties are slight in comparison. I can do so many things!!

The Bible says "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." Ps. 150:6. So I should always be praising God! Using that wonderful gift of breath for His praise and glory!

This is not meant to be a rebuke but an encouragement. We all have so much for which to be thankful. So let's get up out of the mullygrubs and see things from a better perspective.

Take a deep breath and praise the Lord!

Blessings,
Gloria

Click here to read the blog about the son of my friend. He can use all of our prayers. Thanks.

The Choice

Everyday I wake up I am presented with a choice. Circumstances and situations may press about me but they do not have to influence my inner state. By that I mean my level of peace and joy. It seems so easy to let the things around me determine my mindset. Will I be joyful and peaceful? Or will I let the cares and worries and troubles around me steal that precious gift from God?

"Choose this day whom you will serve." Joshua 24:15. I have a choice. No one can make it but me. It is not someone else's fault if I am crabby or unsettled. Even if my own body is in pain or just not feeling well is not a reason to go under and become negative. My spirit does not feel pain.

Did I say this would be easy? No, not necessarily. But it is a choice. So I choose this day to walk in peace moment by moment. If I stumble and fall, I will repent and get back up to continue in that peace and joy.

Actually, I am not doing this in my own strength. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil. 4:13. For when I am weak, He is strong to work through me.

But I believe that God leaves the choice up to us. He will not make us follow Him. So I must choose.

Then after I choose, I must act. Put on "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Isaiah 61:3. Start speaking it out. Praise God for his promises. Thank Him for his faithfulness and blessings. Put on music that you can sing along with to praise God.

Pray. Talk to my Heavenly Father. Give over to Him all the things that are tumbling around in my head. What about this bill? What about the future? What about____? As I give these things over to God, I am trusting Him to take care of them. I believe we must walk by faith. Sure, I have to do what I can do but most of those thoughts are things beyond my control. What a relief to turn them over to God.

Use my sword. (Eph. 6:17) Jesus combated the evil one with "it is written", the Word of God. When the fears/worries/thoughts come swirling around like a fog, stand up and say, "No! It is written...." and then quote the Bible verse that applies to that concern. This requires preparation. The Holy Spirit will bring to mind the truths that I have tucked away in my heart. So I must be in the Word to know the heart and character of God and what He does for me. At times, I have even written out a "Lies vs. the Truth" list. That is very helpful to combat the wrong thoughts with the appropriate scripture that refutes it.

So today will be a peaceful day. Today will be a joyful day. Even if I fall and scrape my nose, I will get back up and choose once more to follow Him.
Psa 37:23, 24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psa 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

May your day be filled with peace and joy.
Gloria