Struggles

Have you ever struggled with something in your life? Have you made things more difficult than they needed to be? 

On a recent shopping trip with Julie, I found a dress that is a style I have liked for years. Once in the dressing room I discovered this dress was very difficult to get on. No give in the waistline just buttons from the waist up. I not only struggled to get the dress on but it was so much worse trying to get the dress off! 

As I exited the dressing room I was asked if I wanted to purchase the dress - I couldn't believe my response. "I want to think about it." Even I was surprised by my answer! But the truth was, I really liked the dress - I liked how it looked once I could get it on! So I had to decide if the dress was worth all the effort! 

In the end, I purchased the dress. 

I wore the dress today. :0) 

This morning, I tried to prepare myself for the stuggle I knew was going to take place. Once the dress was on, I was admiring how it looked and was excited I could wear it and breath! Placing a piece of jewelry on the dress I noticed something dangling under my arm? "What is that?" Much to my disbelief, I discovered a zipper that went down the side of the dress! 

I had stuggled for nothing. 

The solution was there the whole time. 

But why hadn't I noticed? 

The truth is, I really hadn't looked. 


(c)  Faith Builder

God is Present

The early morning hours bring about a hush to the start of the day.  All is quiet.  While sitting still I hear God.  I hear Him in my heart, in my soul, and in my mind.  God is Present.

As I busied myself with the morning routine I saw Him.  It was subtle.  He just let me know that He was Present.

  This morning I watched a video about the persecution of believers in India.  There was a challenge at the end to  pray for the believers to simply have courage to stand strong in their faith.  The request?  Pray hard.  Pray with passion.  Pray for 3-4 minutes.  Pray.  God is Present.

Later in the morning I went to Lowe's to purchase a basket of flowers.  On the clearance rack was a beautiful plant for $1.00.  There was an audible gasp that escaped my lips. I knew I was supposed to take the plant home.  God is Present.

What an odd thing you might say...why the overwhelming need to take home a plant?  Well you see, I knew God was Present.  I could hear Him.  He was tugging at my heart.  He was stirring my soul.  He was speaking to my mind.  How?

 The tag on the plant read, "Song of India."

God is Present. 

(c)  Faith Builder