Dread, Stress and Worry

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad."   Proverbs 12:25

I have been wanting, for years, to make my living being me. To get up every day and focus my energies on things that restore me instead of taking from me. I truly believe this is God's way. I do not believe God wants us to dread things, to feel anxiety, to worry. It seems my jobs always bring dread into my life in one way or another. I feel certain it is God's path for me to not feel that, to make a living in a way that removes that from my life. As of yet I've not been able to figure out what to do, my role in making that happen. I am seeking guidance in this regard.

Birds of the Air

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26


I would not be so bold as to say I am more valuable than a part of nature, but I find comfort in the idea that God will take care of me, even when I'm failing to take care of myself. I feel that at the moment. I'm somewhat decision paralyzed, not knowing which way to turn right now, with regard to work and finances. All I can do is rely on God to show me what to do next and to give me the guidance to do it correctly.

Your Life is Your Prayer

Years ago I wrote a quote on the wall in an apartment where I lived (with permission). What I chose to write was "Your Life is Your Prayer." To me it summed up the idea that we are meant to be living a life that is in harmony with what we are meant to be doing. I haven't fully reached that goal yet and I'm continually striving for it.

Today I ran across this Buddhist quote that sums that up:

"Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! This night your life is diminished by one day. Take heed. Do not squander your life.”

Birds of the Air

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26


I would not be so bold as to say I am more valuable than a part of nature, but I find comfort in the idea that God will take care of me, even when I'm failing to take care of myself. I feel that at the moment. I'm somewhat decision paralyzed, not knowing which way to turn right now, with regard to work and finances. All I can do is rely on God to show me what to do next and to give me the guidance to do it correctly.

Peace

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

I'm very eager to make some significant changes in my life and am relying on God to show me how to do this. It seems impossible and yet I know with God it is entirely possible. I just need to know what part I am supposed to play in this.

Quivira

I am continually struck by the beauty of God's creations, and how fortunate we are to be able to experience these brief moments when so much comes together to form a lasting impression.

I was at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge on Feb. 15 when I took this photo of these three birds perched on the marsh grasses. I was with two friends, so it seemed all the more perfect.

I'm still in such a state of thankfulness for my benign diagnosis, and the kindness of friends who have helped me through this time. I don't know what I would do without Greg. He truly is a gift.