Ponderings from My Heart

Some of my friends have more than suggested that it's time for me to post a new entry. So here goes. It's simply some of my thoughts as I reflect on the past year and look to what lies ahead.

I recall, toward the end of 2006 and beginning of 2007, making an important decision. I made the decision to move from just surviving to thriving.

In survive mode you just get by. In survive mode you can't see beyond your present situation. In survive mode you are consummed with making it through. In survive mode you are more focused on yourself than those around you. In survive mode all of YOUR energy is used up....there never seems to be any extra to enjoy life.

In thrive mode you rise above the circumstances. In thrive mode you see the blessings in the midst of challenging circumstances. In thrive mode you get strengthened as you learn to trust HIM, knowing HE is in full control. In thrive mode it is not about trying to stir up enough energy to get through but actually being energized by HIM as you learn to let go and acknowledge that HE is in full control. In thrive mode it is less about you and more about HIM.
In thrive mode you are able to rejoice with others and in their blessings.

I am amazed at the power of decision. My circumstances are really no different now than what they were a year ago. What is different is their ability to impact me negatively. Oh, I still have moments but they are less frequent and more brief.

With the decision to move from survival to thriving, I had to let go of some ugly stuff - bitterness, unforgiveness, rejection, etc.. This was the best thing I could do for myself and my children. With my decision my mind had to be renewed. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

I made the decision to focus on things that were consistent with where I wanted to be. If I continued with the same thought patterns ultimately my speech would continue to reflect that of just a surviver. I would continue an unhealthy cycle...negative thoughts...negative speech...which feeds the negative thoughts, etc..... I chose to seek His Face and not just His Hand. Seeing Him, right with me, whether I saw a change in circumstance, moved my focus from getting OUT of a situation to experiencing His Presence IN the circumstance.

I realize that in difficult times it is natural to be in a place of survival. The danger comes when we allow this season to put limits on ourselves, when we get stuck in that place and it becomes who we are.

I don't know what 2008 will bring but I do know that He has not failed me yet. I can count on Him. He has blessed me and will continue to do so. He will restore to me the years the locusts have eaten.

God desires to bless each of you. He is the ultimate Dad who knows just what you need and when you need it. Above all He desires for you to know Him.

God Bless. Celebrate in 2008!