Do Not Lose Heart

2 Corinthians 4:16

So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. (The Message)

I love how the Message Bible puts this verse..."not a day goes by without his unfolding grace"!

Wow!!!

Each one of has experienced trials and troubles in our lives and in our families...if you are alive and breathing...you have been there. So many times, we feel like we can't go on, can't put one foot in front of the other, can't utter another prayer, can't get out of bed and/or just don't want to.

We have felt at times...Why should I keep trying? Why should I care anymore? Does anyone even see that I am hurting or do they even care?

Can you relate to one of these times in your life? You might have experienced more than one...I know that I have.

• If you are having financial troubles, setbacks...it is not the end.
• If you have been lied to and deceived...it is not the end.
• If you have lost your job...it is not the end.
• If you have lost your home...it is not the end.
• If you have been a victim of robbery, identity thief, home invasion...it is not the end.
• If you have a child who is entangled in sin...wrong relationships, failing according to life's standards, refusing to communicate with you or your family, on drugs and/or alcohol or involved in homosexuality...it is not the end.
• If you spouse has walked away from your marriage, chosen someone else over you...it is not the end.
• If you have lost a loved one to death...whether it is a sudden death, suicide or a long illness...it is not the end.
• If you have been in jail or a family member is in jail...it is not the end.
• If you or your family member committed a horrible crime...it is not the end.
• If you have lost or are losing your sight, hearing or even a limb...it is not the end.
• If you have a disabling illness or disease...it is not the end.
• If you are in the depths of depression, battling depression or chemical imbalance that is affecting your way of thinking, feeling, reacting and your relationships...it is not the end.
• If you have learned that you have a terminal illness...it is not the end.
• If you have done things in your life...past or present when you acted foolishly and are mortified by what you did...it is not the end.
• If you are nearing death's door...it is not the end.

It might seem like the end, you might wish it were the end...BUT it is not the end because God is God, He is in control and the end has not come yet...not until God says "this is the end".

We must have faith in our Heavenly Father, trust Him in ALL things and lean on Him completely.

Hebrew 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

I don't know who this is for today but I felt that someone needed to hear this. Be blessed today and you trust in Him.

One Day At A Time

Good Morning!!!!

No anxiety this morning...Praise The Lord!

I can mark off one item off of my "finish me, please-to do list". I worked for over 4 hours last night balancing the checkbook, establishing a workable budget, paying bills and putting everything on spreadsheets.

I am a visual person and my organizational personality is shining through too. I have one for:

• combined income and disbursements
• separated incomes and disbursements...who's check will cover what (I like to look at all angles
• budgeted amounts for all living expenses for the month
• weekly expense breakdowns
• my favorite...COUNTDOWN TO FREEDOM FROM DEBT!!!!

Thank you, Dave Ramsey! It won't be fun but it will be so worth it in the end. I can't image not having monthly payments on things...wow...what freedom that will bring.

I found a great website on money, it is Christian Personal Finance (haven't researched the entire site yet but found great topics on the subject of money, budgeting, debt and more... www.christianpf.com

Here's a couple of scriptures on spending, debt and planning ahead. The Bible has many more scriptures on the subject...check them out.

Proverbs 21:20 Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it. (GN)

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (NIV)

Proverbs 13:16 Sensible people always think before they act, but stupid people advertise their ignorance. (GN)

Today's project: Finish painting my dining room:) Will keep you updated on my progress.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!