February 28 2015

February 28 2015 Greetings My Friend I am enjoying a cup of peppermint tea, caffeine free. It occurs to me that the essential oil helps with my breathing why not drink tea also? Along with the tea I vacuumed the three air filters we have, something I attempt to do once a week. It seems that I see a correlation in my faith journey and every day life. I attempt to focus on Jesus, the Bible and living what I learn and frequent conversations with God. I have a host of allergy issues, breathing due to COPD, food issues due to Chiari and GERDS and a hiatal hernia that requires me to consistently investigate ways to stay as comfortable as possible. I started this investigative journey when my son was young and had allergies, could barely see until he got glasses and had hearing problems until he had tubes inserted in his ears. My career at the bank also required me to have an investigative mind so in retirement I continue to puzzle out ways to be as healthy as I can, organize our home until it is “just right” and learn to be the wife Junior needs. These forays keep me on top of my mental abilities and I enjoy solving issues. I sense God has placed this desire in me and added writing to my gifts so that I can put to words what others may be trying to work out. I know I have great enjoyment sharing the things I learn including how God has directed my life. I had always wanted someone to teach me basic things and that was lacking in my childhood. My mother thought that we should automatically know to brush our teeth or bathe, make the bed and the like. I learned these things from other people throughout my life and now I want to share for someone who may be trying to figure it out. Being the oldest I also believe that we tend to drift toward this role as well.The more I see that I am made this way the more I am comfortable with the person I am. It took me a lifetime to reach this point but I am grateful to have learned the lesson and to be content in it. Part of my journey into learning requires me to stop and look back at where I once was and where I am today. That helps me a lot. When I do this I realize that I am not a victim any longer but a survivor. I see the woman who used to try to blend into the woodwork who is now out going, funny and sociable. When I first married Junior I clung to his side whenever we were out socially. I was afraid and he was my safety net. Today I am able to socialize on my own at gatherings without hanging close to Junior. As I study God’s Word I see a correlation with this remembering also. Over and over I see that the Israelites were told to remember the times God provided for them. They had a tendency to forget almost as soon as God did a miracle so He taught His people to remember. At one point I could recite injustices that were done to me going back not only years but decades. God slowly taught me to focus on Him and the importance to praise Him, thank Him, acknowledge Him and slowly I continue to learn to make God my all in all. The more I make Him my all in all the calmer I feel and freer I am. May God bless you and keep you make His face shine on you. Love Janet