Psalm 37

I wrote this in reply to a note that a friend posted on facebook. I figured since I haven't had the time to write anything in here that this could suffice.....because I am reminded again of this chapter today.



Wow ----------, i really really really like this. I can relate to this on every level, in fact, these are some of the thoughts that i've been thinking lately honestly. I am so glad that you realize the calling that God has placed on our lives, how we are to be to others, even if they are not to us. But it's definitely hard to find yourself in a difficult place and feel as if no one's there. When i think that, i wonder how many more people feel the same way. Last night as I was reflecting on some things in my life, God brought me back to Psalms 37 (it seems like He does this every two years when I'm going through a difficult time, since I have all these dates written down next to this chapter). I just felt like I should share this with you...

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong....
fret means to gnaw, to rub, corrode, to cause to suffer emotional strain, to pass time in worrying, to agitate...to eat into something…

Do not suffer emotional strain because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong….
Trust in the Lord and do good….
Wait patiently for Him
Do not suffer emotional strain when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath…..HOPE in the Lord

I had been thinking about my life and the difficulties that I have been given. For a while I really just thought that this was my “lot” in life. And I cried to God because it was so difficult. He was the orchestrator of life and why he made it this way, I didn't know. And it frustrated me. I thought this difficulty was mine to bear, and mine alone. Finally, God last night just told me to give it over to him. “Stop thinking about the difficulty and just trust me to fight it for you. Trust me to bring about the good in your life. Don’t think about how unfair this situation is. Don’t think about how this person is not there for you even after all those times you forgave and were consistently there for them. Do not dwell on the wrongs of others. Trust me to fight and contend for you. Let it go, it’s mine.” When I realized this, a light bulb came on and I just stopped crying…I felt the pain no more. After many sleepless nights, I fell right asleep and had the peace that I had been searching for….

I’ve always thought I’ve trusted God with everything, but last night, trust to Him meant for me to stop thinking and crying about it and let him handle it.

“Some of the battles of your life were given to you not so you can fight them, but so that you can simply hand them over to me to fight for you.”

I’m not sure if this speaks to you or if I went onto another subject, haha. But I felt like I should share this with you. you’re not alone ----------. I know we’re not super close (that should change!) but I’m always here if you need me….I think we relate on many levels. I’ve felt just the same way recently, it’s really ironic. But then, maybe not.

You’ve always been super encouraging and non-judgmental for the right reasons and I’ve always loved that about you.

God’s got you in his hands, Be encouraged ----------, I see such great things in store for you. Just be patient and wait for it….



In Christ,
Cathy

I was trying to get a creative updated profile picture for facebook so I laid down and took it backwards. lol. I know I accidentally cut out my face but I thought this picture turned out really interesting and says a lot about me. This is my room at home aka a storage room (really). I'm laying on the floor which one can tell has a bunch of junk.....

BUT, it's me. lots of junk, pretty dress, relaxed feet, happy. :)

I'd love to start again; Go back to innocent and never leave

"For though a righteous man
falls
seven times,
he rises
again."

Proverbs 24:16



I know I cannot be the only one who needs to be reminded of this.

My heart....

But I always will.

Soundtracks

Meet me once again
Down off Lake Michigan
Where we could feel the storm blowin' down with the wind
And don't apologize
For all the tears you've cried
You've been way too strong now for all your life
I'm gonna get there soon,
You're gonna be there too
Cryin' in your room,
Prayin' Lord come through
We're gonna get there soon

Oh, it's your light
Oh, it's your way
Pull me out of the dark
Just to show me the way
Cryin' out now
From so far away...
Pull me closer to love
Closer to love

Mat Kearney, Closer to love

In my heart...

Click to enlarge. Some of these are really beautiful enlarged :)

I always get so much from looking at these pictures....my perspective is made right again. Not sure when I will stop posting pictures. Sometimes I just post them for myself so I can look at them again...I can't tell you what it does to me when I see them.



Taiwan

My super cute bible study girls.

bamboo bridge :)

we made 2,000 of these bracelets. It was worth it.



The trail up the mountain.



We made it to the top of the mountain, hooray! It was so beautiful and....holy, just worshipping in the middle of God's creation.

My favorite night was with the youth of IF.

After I preached at this church, they gave us all hats. It was such an honor.






baptism....

our suitcases were full of candy :)

At the Children's home. It always makes me so much braver when I think of the kids and teens here. How can I not get up after a night of trial when they face so much more?


Praying over the city of Cebu