A dear reader shared with me that she had gone back and read all the posts in the GC archives over the past few years (Kudos, 6 Arrows!). In her reading, she pointed out a post, quite honestly, I had forgotten about. It was the very last post in 2010, written, of course, with no idea about the life-changing event we would endure in just 4 months.
It blessed me to re-read it because it revealed one more way the Lord seemed to already be preparing me for what was to come.
He does that for us; He knows it all and to see Him orchestrate even our thoughts and musings as part of the grand tapestry He’s weaving in our lives, is such a comforting, beautiful reality. I thought I’d share that post below. Admittedly, I’m still working on becoming that woman. But I can say, having had the privilege of knowing the Source of all peace when life gets turned upside down, HE DELIVERS.
A New Woman in the New Year
“Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.”-Zig Ziglar
This philosophy is universal, but it sure does resonate with this mother. My main new year’s resolution is to simply be more sturdy and resilient.
“I want them to witness a serenity of character…a steadfastness of spirit, regardless of externals. I want them to see a calm captain at the helm of this ship….and rest in knowing they are safe in this harbor.”
I’m very optimistic by nature, but I’m still prone to get bent out of shape fairly easily.
We’ve been reading some books about “bygone days” and something that strikes me is how hardy those women were! I find it terribly ironic that in our day of “empowerment”, most women can’t hold a candle to the kind of pluck those pioneer women had!
What would you do if you didn’t have any food in the pantry? I would cry.
One woman we read of during a hard year pulled up her skirts, marched out into the woods and found weeds–yes I said “weeds” that were edible, canned them, and served her family using the most creative combination of spices she had.
Now that’s pluck, my sisters! She didn’t complain to her husband about his lack of provision, and by all appearances, she hardly missed a beat, determined to press on with her job to provide meals for her family.
Few of us are forced to face such dire circumstances. And I don’t know about you, but I still find it very easy to complain or get discouraged.
But I want my children to learn something different. I want them to witness a serenity of character…a steadfastness of spirit, regardless of externals. I want them to see a calm captain at the helm of this ship and rest in knowing they are safe in this harbor. (Please no “I thought the husband is the head of the ship” comments ;-)…you know what I mean)
Admittedly, calmness is not my best trait. Chock it up to personality, life experiences or other unknown factors, I have quite a passionate personality which has its downfall in the sporadic notions of emotions out of control.
So this year I resolve to be a woman wearing the “ornament of a meek and quiet spirit”…notice “spirit”. Most women read that verse and picture a physically quiet, mousy girl with her head bowed low.
That’s not the picture. It’s the woman in control of herself, resolved to face trials and joy, whatever may come, like a placid river with its depths reaching deeply and drinking from the Source of all peace.
Let it be so…
9 comments
Awww…. 😉
Loved this: “He knows it all and to see Him orchestrate even our thoughts and musings as part of the grand tapestry He’s weaving in our lives, is such a comforting, beautiful reality.”
Indeed it is. What a blessing to be loved by such a merciful God.
I missed church yesterday – sick child – so this message sure hits the spot! Thank you for being available to Him, and allowing Him to minister to others through you!
I’m so glad it spoke to you yesterday.
That really is amazing. I am so thankful for the times He prepares us for things to come! How Good God was to create a heart that was ready!
You know, several years ago, I was in drive thru and actually got teary eyed thinking I couldn’t buy what I wanted for my daughter as I was scrounging through my purse and ashtray (it was the end of the month, and we were on fumes). Thankfully, God snapped me out of my poor me attitude and reminded me that I may not have the extra cash to buy crap, but we had PLENTY of good food at home. He works all for the good, even my own idiocy, and I often think of those poor mothers who really have to scrounge to FEED their child(ren) not just get a snack while out. I am thankful He has not let me forget (not in a condemning way) that situation and how ridiculous I was. Many times when I start to think about any money stuff, I remember that and realize I am doing the same, just about less frivolous stuff. He is still provider of EVERYTHING I need and lots of stuff we want, and I am still grateful for all the goodness He bestows on us.
Not as plucky as weed picking, I admit. 😉
You’re a wise woman, Kelly, with a teachable spirit. I’ve done the same thing many times. Our American, cushiness lies to us all the time about needs and wants. We would do well to go back and study the Scriptures or historical giants of the past, some of whose poverty makes the most meager of us look like Queens.
Kelly L..I chuckled when I read what you wrote and I agree! Several years ago I was in a fast food place and I had $7.00 to feed my kids and a couple extra we had with us that day. We figured out a way to do it(they all had cups of water) but nobody went hungry and as I walked away I heard someone say “That Poor Lady”. They were talking about me and I was thinking “Hey-we did good”! I guess it depends a lot on perspective!
Thank you for this post! So many times we’ve had beans and rice. The kids LOVE it! Sometimes it’s the simple inexpensive meals, special finds at the goodwill or garage sales, etc. that make us have grateful hearts. I’m realizing that a greatful heart is a happier heart than a greedy heart. 🙂
So this year I resolve to be a woman wearing the “ornament of a meek and quiet spirit”…notice “spirit”. Most women read that verse and picture a physically quiet, mousy girl with her head bowed low.
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