Too Big To Handle?

When you feel like you can't handle 3 weeks or 6 weeks or 9 weeks, you just handle one day...

Sitting here today, I realized how my little injury is somewhat like a bee buzzing around my head yet, never stopping to sting. Despite the size of my dilemma or the lack thereof, it's still a pain! 

The first three weeks sentence (no driving, no walking on trails, no bike riding, no aerobics, no hot tubs, no swimming pools, etc.) seemed a bit harsh but, manageable. The second three weeks has been much more of a challenge. The prospect of another three weeks and possibly another three weeks ... seems unbearable!

I needed a big reminder that the only way I should face challenges in life is one challenge at a time. I can handle "swatting that bee away" a few more times. I'm going to focus on the beauty that surrounds me. The gorgeous colors of summer are fading while being replaced by the rich colors of autumn. Autumn will be overcome with the crisp clear skies of winter. Perhaps in the winter I'll be back on those trails listening to the crunch of snow under my hiking boots. Regardless, if I open my eyes at THIS moment and look around, there will be beauty. Little things are often taken for granted but, those can bring me moments of joy. And really, can we really ask for more than moments of joy :)  Moments of joy sewn together create a life of joy!

"In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul."

Psalm 94:19

(from the journals - Sept 2009)

When I Can't See... I Claim Promises...

Some days I just don't SEE... so, I trust in promises. I seem to be having a LOT of days lately when I don't see how this mess can turn out okay. I am living on promises!! We're promised in Isaiah 40:30, 

"... those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." 

What great promises - new strength, not getting weary, etc. Why do I make such a big deal of my troubles?

Isaiah 40 - always worth reading :)

Did someone expect ME to come along and relate so well to these words :)

"How can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? ... how can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40

I needed to be reminded of those promises today. Some days it's ESPECIALLY necessary for me to live by faith & not by sight. How about you?

Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today... 

Attitude... I'm Working On It!

It's been a great week -- not so much a great day. I learned today that there's no visible healing (although no further injury) in my foot. I had a second x-ray done & have to wear the boot until the next x-ray in three weeks. 

I can't drive a car. I can't do step aerobics anymore. I can't even walk for exercise. I'm not thrilled but, I'm not devastated either. It could be SO MUCH worse. It's just gonna be a pain for a little longer than I had hoped. 

Several scriptures come to mind & I'm reminded that this life on earth is going to be a challenge. 

Christ spoke in John 16:33, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." 

So, what do we DO about those trials & sorrows? I look further into the Bible. 

We're told in Matthew 6:34, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."

That second verse might seem to have a negative connotation to it. But, the way I look at it is that there's no need to fret about tomorrow, worrying will NOT change things. Sometimes we need all our energy for just what's thrown at us today! So, I attempt to deal with today's challenges with God's help and claim His help for whatever tomorrow throws at me! It's all I can do. 

Okay "stuckinindiana"... breathe in & out; ask God for a positive attitude about the foot & a few others things! I'm standing on the promises -- and leaning heavily upon His Word!

My attitude... I'm working on it!

A human being can alter their life
by altering their attitude.
~ William James