Faith is a tricky thing. It can be extremely frustrating - sometimes maybe downright depressing - to get an answer that is the complete opposite of what you are asking for. How do you reconcile your wants and wishes with the answer you get when that answer is nowhere near what you wanted?

Here you are, praying for deliverance or at least a bit of relief, working so hard to be the best person you can be, maybe even taking extreme efforts to "fix" a situation, but someone else just keeps getting away with being mean, insensitive, or downright hostile.

Why Lord?

 
Why are You keeping me here? Why won't you open another door or window for me? Why are You telling me to not give up but instead to pray for this person?

Does this mean He doesn't want to help or we somehow deserve what is happening? No! God is not mean. He doesn't torture us (even if it does sometimes feel like it!).



Growth is never easy and He will not make our road harder than it has to be BUT we do need to let go of what we think should happen. We need to let go of our expectations and surrender to what is and will be.

We need to live fully in the moment. Deliberately choosing to look for the Silver Lining Moment while letting go and letting God. That is the ultimate sign of our faith and reliance on Him.

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Unknown

If a woman's feelings are hurt or she feels rejected enough times by her partner, she will begin to hold back parts of herself in an attempt at self-defense.

Among other ways, this can manifest itself as expending less effort on keeping the home tidy, seeming not to care about her appearance, or even not being as engaged with family events.

It's not material gifts that she seeks or an attempt to force her partner to put her first - she's smart enough to know she can't force someone to love her if she wants the relationship to be real and honest.

It's a gradual shutting down, a letting go, that only real interaction can cure. Small things, such as:

• Taking walks around the neighborhood together.
• Watching the sun set or looking up at the stars together.
• Holding hands and hugging for no reason.
• Sweet kisses as you pass each other in your home.

Actions, not things.

If you are concerned about finances, try a romantic date night in with candlelight, sparkling juice in wine glasses, a home cooked dinner on your best plates, and a slow massage or couple's bubble bath.

Keeping your relationship fresh, exciting, and loving is something that takes effort but will result in a long, mutually satisfying partnership that lasts a lifetime.

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Unknown

[powerpress]

[su_quote]"A woman is like a tea bag - you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt[/su_quote]

Ahh, another truth. Although I don't think this applies just to women. Men and relationships can be held to this yardstick as well.

Truly, I didn't know how strong I was until I stopped to breathe and took a look back. Surprised the heck out of myself. I - like many of you - have survived a lot!

The thing that truly got me was realizing that - had I not gone through the things I had - I would never have known how strong I actually am.

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Unknown

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If someone mocks you for your faith or for your "weak" nature, when you actually pray for self-control, peace, and the right response, remember Isaiah 66:5-6.

[su_quote]⁵Hear the word of the Lord, You who are concerned about His word! Your kinsmen who hate you, Who spurn you because of Me, are saying, "Let he Lord manifest His Presence, So that we may look upon your joy." But theirs shall be the shame.

⁶Hark, tumult from the city, Thunder from the Temple! It is the thunder of the Lord As He deals retribution to His foes.[/su_quote]

They make themselves His enemies by making light of your faith in Him. Do not lose hope but instead keep praying, keep believing, and - most of all - keep walking and living your faith.

God knows what He is doing and when He will do it. Our job is to simply keep living, looking for the Silver Lining Moment in every dark cloud, and focusing on the people/things/events that make and keep us happy.

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Unknown

The key to becoming a successful conqueror is to always remember you are fabulous, gorgeous and capable of overcoming anything that opposes your will or desire while being mindful of the needs, desires and emotions of others.

When you start feeling down or unsure of yourself, think of something you are good at. Even better, think of something you either didn't know you could do or thought you couldn't do but did anyway.

What did it for me? My "by jove, I think I've got it!"? The thing that made me feel like I'm "the King Queen of the world!"? I made pancakes that earned a "million cazillion A+" from my son.

Before you scoff, let me assure you, that was no easy feat. You see, I'm the grown-up version of the girl who refused to follow the local decree that females should be inside, cooking, sewing and doing all the other "girl" stuff. I wanted to be outside, learning about the wilderness, working with the animals and all that. You know, having the kind of fun I saw the boys having.

Now that I'm an adult, I'm trying to learn those previously-abhorred "girly" things. I'm trying to be a true balabusta, successful parent and give my children the best environment I possibly can. Pancakes may be simple but overcoming my internal issues toward them and all they represent is an ongoing challenge.

If you are ready to begin your own world conquering campaign, I encourage you to find your empowering moment. Then seize it and milk it for all it's worth.

In time, you'll see that you've conquered the world (or at least, your little piece of it) by mastering yourself.

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Unknown

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Every so often, I pull out an email I got from a friend a few years back. While I may not believe that it will bring me good luck as it claims to, I really believe in the message.

[su_quote]To realize the value of a sister/brother:
Ask someone who doesn't have one.

To realize the value of ten years:
Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize the value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year:
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize the value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one-second:
Ask a person who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:
LOSE ONE.[/su_quote]

Remember to hold on tight to the ones you love!

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Unknown

“Knowing others is perspective, but knowing one’s own self is enlightened; conquering others shows strength, but conquering one’s self shows true power.” ~ Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

True power doesn't come from conquering someone else, it comes from learning to conquer ourselves. Self-control. Self-discipline. Not railroading someone just because we can. Honoring someone's personal boundaries even when they themselves do not.

What does true power mean to you?

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Unknown