Yes, I love Joyce Meyer. She is inspirational, yet real. She gives hope, yet tells you the downside to not listening to Him.
I find new ways to listen to Him all the time. Wether it be the small voice in the back of my head, or a word of wisdom from one of my kids. All too often I find myself giving my kids advice that I should be taking myself.
One particular day I was just having a rough time. I was hurt by some people, because people do that. I wasn't sure how to move on. Just then, Millie fell and scraped her knee. I looked at her and said, "It's ok, just get up, brush off the dirt and move on! You'll be ok if you don't let it bother you." Of course I instantly looked up and thanked God for giving me the answer I needed for that moment.
But listening to God, the Holy Spirit, is not a popular thing to do. I have listened to Him a lot lately and I can honestly say I am happy. I am not rich, I do not have a lot of possessions, I no longer have a good paying job. Yet, I am happier than I have ever been. Why? Because I listened to what God told me to do.
How was I sure that it was God telling me what to do? Well, every need I have had has been taken care of. Maybe not in the way I thought it should be, or maybe not in the manner I was used to, but it WAS taken care of. No food in the house, neighbor comes with extra chili he made. No clothes for the kids, donations come pouring in. No money in my pocket, God sends me an angel!!
The blessings that have come are overwhelming some days. For my daily devotionals I sometimes read The Confident Woman Devotional by Joyce Meyer (shocking). But then sometimes, I just turn on some great praise and worship music and sing until I can't sing anymore. Whatever it takes to connect with Him.
There are many needs in my life that I still have. I am waiting though. Waiting patiently for my Savior to fill them. I have NO doubt that He will. I just need to trust His timing for them. For so many years of my life I pushed to get the results I wanted. Didn't quite work out so well for me. I have MANY past regrets and decisions I would take into consideration a LOT longer than I had in the past. But, God is faithful. I have surrendered my life to Him, He has forgotten everything and helped me to start new.
This new life, new day, new dreams are more than I ever could have imagined for myself. I have the GREATEST friends EVER!!! I never imagined that my best friends would be a school teacher, professor, nurse, Pastor, Youth Pastor, office professional, stay-at-home mom's (domestic CEO's), the list goes on. God has put each one of the most awesome people in my life at just the right time. I thank Him for them EVERY chance I get. I can also call on each one of them whenever I need.
For years I surrounded myself with friends that were just negative and NOT leading me in a right direction. I have not forgotten them, I pray for them. I pray they can find the joy I have. I pray they are ok. I am not better than them. They are and always be my friends, we just aren't in the same place right now.
I am beginning my next step in my weight loss journey, and this time I have the benefit of having a friend of 22 years join me in this attempt. I am thankful for her willingness to join me. I am excited to see where this takes us. I am hoping it connects us on a deeper level, making our outsides look like our insides feel. She is such a constant person. Constant in her friendship and constant in her uplifiting words she gives me everyday. I can't wait to stand side by side with her and celebrate our success.
I leave you with these words...read them, over and over until each word gives you meaning. It is a true statement. Not just inspirational jibber jabber. It is the word of God and He has shown me these words to be true. And He will for you too if you just believe!!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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