Refuge for a Single Mom

Some days I get a little writer`s block and really don`t know what to blog about.  It`s pretty weird actually, because just when I think I may need to skip a day . . . the good Lord drops something into my lap and instantly my brain clicks and I think “That`s IT!”  *smile*

So this morning, I was taking my oldest to school and making the wonderful trip to drop off garbage (ours isn`t picked up) and it is just a beautiful day here ~ although it is absolutely freezing.  (Considering yesterday I shoveled snow with no hat and no gloves and barely needed a coat.)  Today is a completely different story.  It is very cold, you need gloves, and a hat wouldn`t hurt!  Regardless, the sun is shining and life is good!

My mom is off from work today, so my little guy got to stay home and play.  (Grocery store and play dough!)  I was driving up the road alone.  (A rare but wonderful time for a Mom!)  As I was listening to some great Christian music on a local radio station, singing along, I got to thinking about my absolutely favorite Bible verse:

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

You know, this verse says ALL things!  It doesn`t say that things won`t come.  It doesn`t say that when they do they will be easy.  But it does say (promise) that ALL things are possible through Him!  He strengthens me!

Praise God!

I get very overwhelmed, very stressed out over a LOT of things and often!  I`ve always been this way.  I got to thinking about times when I really should have enjoyed my life, my children, where we were or what we were doing ~ all I can remember is getting stressed out or upset about something.

Many different songs played on the radio while I was in the car this morning.  One of them was about living your life like you might if you knew you were dying or if you had a second chance!

Well, basically, we never know when our last day might be.  Every single day is a blessed gift from God!  Our children are very precious gifts!  God hand selected each of us to be the mother`s of the children we have!  They may not be perfect, they may have some really bad habits – but they are ours!  God would never have given them to us if He didn`t trust us to raise them!  (Remember, He loves them even more than we do!)

Our circumstances?  Well, we all have different issues to deal with.  There are different people in our lives that we struggle to be kind to!  But the nuts and bolts of the whole thing is . . .  we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!

ALL . . . ALL . . . ALL!!!

A few definitions of `all`:

• the greatest possible
• every
• the whole quantity or amount
• everything
• wholly; entirely; completely

Our God is good!  He is greater than any problem, issue or person that we face!  We just have to trust Him, believe in Him and give it all up to Him.

For me, this is still a conscious decision I have to make.  Sometimes it is a lot easier than others.  But once you do it, the relief and peace you feel is amazing!  I guess you might even compare it to taking out the trash.  *wink*  When I get all that `junk` bagged up and hauled off, I feel a sense of relief and cleanliness.  `Bagging` up the weight of this world and handing it off to God is a relief that is almost indescribable!

For the weekend, I`m going to leave you with the remainder of Philippians.  Enjoy!

May God bless you in ALL that you do!

Philippians

Think of Excellence

1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.   Philippians 4:1~9

God`s Provisions

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well~pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar`s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Philippians 4:10~23

Labels: Determination, Faith, Perseverance