To a "friend" that is worried about money...

Oh Worried Mom, I am so sorry for your struggles. I am also struggling, but I have learned some very hard and much needed lessons in this time of strife. May I share? I will, but I want to say that this was my experience, and you may find some tid-bit of wisdom. Lord use my words to help this mother who is need of your peace. As we were faced with foreclosure and we have been at the point where selling an returning bought items was the only way out, I feel your pain. When my son was a baby he had an AWFUL diaper rash with raw skin, and I could not afford any ointment for him, and I sobbed every day because I thought God had forgotten about me. Diapers were hard to buy and I found I was not changing my child enough to conserve money, hence the rash. Fast forward a few years, and we are still in our house, and by the grace of God, we have been able to make ends meet much better. Yes, our children (4 boys) are all out of diapers but now comes the bigger expenses like food! We are doing okay, still live pay check to pay check and I am working, as well as my husband, but not jobs that are carrying our family. SO, what has changed? Circumstances a little, but really it is my faith. I was on my knees asking God for money and a break that we could live comfortably. But finally the Lord shook me up - which He does not do so gently- I learned that my worry was my sin. Matthew 6:25, 33-34  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. God showed me that bu changing my prayer from, give me money to  teach me what I need to learn, my entire life has changed. We still struggle, but I am so in God's hands I am not scared. I am married to a man that is not saved, and though my peace and joy in the midst of our trials, he has no choice but see a difference  in my attitude. Something he does not understand, but he never will until he see Jesus for himself. So it is with joy in my heart and peace that passes all understanding that I can face tomorrow and all the trials that we will face.

I will be praying for your heart to be open and your heart to be filled with the peace that only God can give. For worry is only the enemy telling you that God can not help you...and you know what- HE SO CAN!!! and WILL, with out having to be asked, because that is how much he loves us. God Bless you! and remember, this Thanksgiving, find Jesus and give thanks for the blessings you DO have...you will be amazed at what God has given to you so far, because that is who HE is!

With my heart in prayer!

Penny

Today is Today...

 

I am glad to say good bye to today. It was a tough day, emotionally and mentally. I know the mantra, "mama said there will be days like this...", but it does not make me feel better, at all. I look forward to going to sleep and waking up to a new day. There is something about the sun coming up and bringing new light. I think of the night fall like a curtain that comes down to end a scene in a play. And the sun is the opening of the scene. A fresh scene. Though the back drop may not change much, the characters and conversation does. Tomorrow is a NEW day...what will I do with it?

Remind me Lord to put you first. ~ Amen