11 July 2007

That which does not break us...

Since my last post, I've been going through something that has in no way caused me to doubt my faith or trust in God; it simply gave me pause. Shock and confusion and even a little denial took residence in my because the situation was completely the contrary to anything I could have imagined.

I'm surrounded by quality friends, family, a great pastor, and with them I know I'll be okay. As I read the Word and Ralph Marston's daily inspiration, I was reminded that one cannot sit in a fog nor should one limit themselves due to an illness, lack of confidence in something, or feel as if they're not good enough or worthy. There is much we can do if we put our minds to it and that which does not break us, will truly make us stronger.

"Negative thoughts fog your thinking and your perception. With each doubt, with each frustration, with each fear the fog grows heavier.
After a while, it becomes difficult to see how to move forward. And that just makes the fog even thicker.
The fog of negative thinking prevents you from seeing and acting on your best possibilities. Instead of focusing on moving forward, you're able only to give your attention to the petty distractions of the moment.
There is something, though, that will burn off that fog. It is determined, passionate, meaningful intention.
Give your energy to positive purpose, and the fog will begin to lift. Then step confidently through what's left of the fog, and you'll quickly leave it behind.
At times it may seem that there's no escaping the fog of your negative thoughts, yet at any time you can choose to be free. Fill your spirit with true purpose, and your best possibilities will come clearly into view
." -- Ralph Marston

I'm in no way a quitter; never have been and never will be. I'm completely unbreakable, undeniable, and unsinkable. One of my talents aside from writing is, making it through the storm one way or another and this time will be no different. Negative thinking produces negative energy and there's already enough of that in the world, so I have to swim upstream even though the journey may be harder that way. I reflected on these words this morning and was inspired to finally get a post up...

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.”—Psalm 23:1-3". I read "he restores my soul" over and over again and couldn't help but feel uplifted and inspired. I am a child of God and He will take care of me.

We all know how short and precious life is and we all know how easy it is to get sidetracked and look at our trials negatively instead of realizing there is a lesson to be learned and testimony to profess. My trial has brought forth some healing, some overdure reconcilliation, and a lot of clarity. And for that alone, there is much to be grateful for. So, I implore each of you to find that which will not break you and make yourselves stronger. I implore each of you to have your soul restored. Most of all, be thankful and grateful each and every day and when that fog starts to set it, become that lighthouse; that beacon of strength, hope, and inspiration to yourself and others.

Love!

18 comments:

Paula D. said...

What a great post! I'm glad you found some clarity & also decided to share this :-)

Blu Jewel said...

paula d. - thank you.

sojo - thank you also and for the Word. one can never get too much of that. i appreciate your offer and will certainly keep it in mind.

Little Brown Girl said...

I believe that is also one of my strengths. I've been through a lot of crap in my life but I manage to use all of my experiences, good and bad, to elevate myself to a new level. There is a lesson in every experience and through every introduction is the possibility to learn something and grow. You can hold on to the negative or you can use to to push you forward...to a place bigger and better then the experience itself. You apparently have the gift as well...God is truly AWESOME!

Glad to know you are embracing the positive instead of dwelling in the experience (whatever it may have been).

Continue to be BLESSED chica!

Ms.Honey said...

This is one that I need to print out when I am feeling like you have felt...it's so wonderful that you have friends, a pastor and others that are encouraging and adding to moving past the feeling of crumbling...glad you found strength

Mahogany Misfit said...

You always seem to bounce back from hardships better and more inspirational than ever.

Xave said...

Ever the inspiration. Your cup surely runneth over. God bless you always. XOX

Believer said...

I'm crying. The scripture did it for me...and I'm still flowing with the tears. Okay, sit up straight and type girl!

I find that there is a strength that is beyond our own when we hold onto faith with a grip that is tenacious and perseveres through struggle to survive. I can see your spirit rise in the midst of this post...AND CALL THOSE THINGS THAT BE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE!

I'm overwhelmed with love and thankfulness for sharing once again a truth I relearn with each hardship and challenge -- He is my shepherd and I SHALL NOT WANT! He's my all in all, and there is nothing that can be added or subtracted in my life that will make that change.

You've said it loud and proud! Abundant blessings…

MCB said...

You're a strong person, jewel, and as long as I've known you, you have been.

BZ said...

*BIGOLHUGS* You got my prayers, sis! And you are totally right - real strenth is found in the mountains of adversity.
I'm on your side.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the encouraging and inspirational message! I felt your heart, Luv! =)

Anonymous said...

You have the advantage of knowing where your strength comes from. It comes from the Lord. When we are weak He makes us strong and whatever it is ... you will come through victorious.

Mizrepresent said...

I often feel the same, but it seems you have found your strength and know where it lies. Wonderful post lady, stay strong.

Believer said...

You've been nominated for all the right reasons!

Voice on Miscellaneous Matters

Please update your sidebar as I've shortened my blog name to Miscellaneous Matters.

Pretty please! =)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post.
I have had to fight through the misery at times and always asked for strength and was always given it. There were times when I thought I had been let down, but that was because sometimes it was hard to see in what way I was being blessed..
Keep your head up, everthing can be worked through..

Sweetstickychewy said...

Great post here.:)

***One of my talents aside from writing is, making it through the storm one way or another and this time will be no different.

Outstanding!

:)

jendayi said...

hold on lady... i'm right in there with you doing my best. nice best.

Blu Jewel said...

been away for a few days, but am back now...thanks for all the comments...

royce - you're right, every experience good or bad is a lesson and if we dont learn from our experiences, then we'll fail repeatedly. keeping focused and knowing God certainly makes the experience a little easier.

honey - that is a powerful compliment lady. *blush* if you feel it's something that will help you, then by all means; print it and keep it.

mistress - i have to. i can't and wont sit and play the woe is me game. i appreciate my life and want to live it to the fullest.

zay - thank you and it's important to go on even when you want to quit.

rose - aww! *hugs* i'm not sure what else to say except thank you for your constant care and blessings toward me. thanks for the nomination and i'll be sure to update my link.

mcb - YOU? really? OMG! you have noooo idea how good it is to hear from you. missed you much man. thanks for stopping by and for the compliment. we MUST talk!

bz - thanks sweet sis! your prayers and good wishes mean much.

urban - you know we're kinncted and i'm so happy that you felt uplifted too.

chele - yes, indeed, i must tap from the well spring of God's love and guidance. His strength becomes mine and the burden less heavy.

mizrepresent - thank you, thank you. i pray you too will find your strength during your times of need.

msrebecca - i agree with your words and we must always find the blessing in the adversity no matter what it is. *thanks for stopping by*

sweetstickychewy - i'm thankful for your visit and for the compliments.

j.a.c - thanks for the support.

Anonymous said...

Wow! This post is so inspirational. It will marinate in my mind all night as I sleep. Thank you so much for sharing this-a great way to get my day started knowing that my trials can only make me stronger.