Rules for Living

1. Depend on (trust) God for everything.

Yes, I said "everything" and I meant it. And if you're worried, write yourself a note listing all the wonderful things that God has done for your in your life and put beside your favorite chair. Read it often so you will remember that you need never feel worried again. Talk to God frequently. Some people call it "praying" to God. He's a wonderful listener and when He goes into action, you will know it! God is ALWAYS pulling for you! He's always on your side no matter what! And don't forget to thank Him!

2. Live simply.

What do you REALLY need to live?? Food, water, shelter, clothing? God's love? How much do "things" really matter in the big scope of life? How did we get to the point of wanting so many "things"? Someone once said to me that you can never have enough money. I happen to believe that you can have enough if you focus your reason for living on the "right" ideas. Anyone who knows me knows I'm talking about living for God's purposes. "What are those?" you may ask. Read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (yeah, the pastor that's going to be at Obama's inauguration.) It may just change your whole outlook on life and what it's all about. For now, think about what really makes you happy. It's probably something really simple--seeing a sunset, or a flower up close, or hearing your sweetheart's voice on the phone or seeing them smiling at you, or feeling your child or grandchild cuddling in your arms. Simple things.

3. Work diligently toward a goal that will honor God by helping others.

If you think back to times when you were helping others, you will realize that the feeling you get from doing that is the love that the Bible is always talking about. It gives boundless joy and happiness to everyone involved.

Be Grateful!

Always be grateful for what you have--or don't have, as the case may be.  

In God's plan for us, He gives and He takes--We just don't know what the end results will be, but we must always remember that He has our best interests in His heart.  He loves us!

It sounds so easy, doesn't it?  Just accept your life as it plays out for you.  When you have to make decisions, talk to God about it, then wait and see what signs you may notice that will guide you to making the "right" decision.  And remember that even if you decision doesn't seem to emerge as the "right" decision,  God will find a way to make use of your decision--perhaps in the form of a "lesson to be learned."

Am I making sense to you??  Be grateful for the Good Shepherd in your life!  Read the 23rd Psalm again.  No fears or anxieties needed when you depend, trust, in Him.  Not an easy thing to do, you say.  Do it anyway!  And know He loves you always.

Coming up from the Abyss

Handing problems over to God should be a "no brainer", right?  Let Him give you a sign as to what you should do, what you should say, etc.  Wrong!  I still felt like I needed my finger in the pie.  And it drove me crazy not knowing what the future held for me!  

I'm the kind that likes my "t's" crossed and "i's" dotted.  I always need a "plan".  But, I have discovered, life can go on without MY plans, and I can survive without a plan of my own.  

After falling into the abyss of depression for the last month,  I have finally "seen the light."  I prayed and asked God to forgive my distrust of His plan, and then I told Him He could take over now.  Needless to say, I'm a happier person.  And I've been given "signs" that the future will be exciting and actually fun for me.  My family will not starve and we will continue to have a roof over our heads and heat in our house and water to drink.  Everyone I thought was my friend is still my friend though most of them have not even realized how down I have been.  I guess I thought they would know by some magic means that I needed encouragement.  It wasn't until I reached out to them that they responded.  

Life is NOT about ME!  I'm seeing outside my life, finally.

Thank you, Lord, for refocussing my brain--onto YOU!