"I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart." (Jeremiah 24:7) Are we stretching to the next level? Sometimes disappointments can set us back. I've probably written on this blog before about the layoff I experienced in 2002. I was teaching young adult literature and communications at Southwest Junior High School in Lawrence, Kansas, at the time. We had just moved to town and this job was an answer to prayer. I loved it. My principal gave me an excellent evaluation so I thought that I would have the job as long as I wanted it. That spring, though, the administration and school board made a decision to cut the budget by laying off educators (RIF-Reduction in Force). In 2002-2003, Lawrence Public Schools laid off 131 first year educators. Even though I had taught 20 years, it was my first year in this district so I was RIFed. I was so upset at first that I didn't know what I wanted to do. In the fall I started subbing. I had a job every day. The pay wasn't great, but it was so much fun to teach every day without bringing home papers to grade, lessons to plan, or a list of parents to contact. I felt so free. It was God's plan to take the pressure off me and free my spirit. It was a new beginning! I stretched to a new level, and I have never been happier. "I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth. Do you perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:19) I never looked back. I get up in the morning and ask God for guidance and wisdom. At night I thank God for a perfect day. I'm so thankful every day for my new beginning. I did love my job at Southwest, but at the time of the layoff I didn't realize that God had more in store. He worked out our finances so I didn't need that job. Mom gave us an early inheritance so I can testify that "all things work together for good". (Romans 8:28) Joel Osteen says, "God is saying this is a time for new beginnings. Get your fire back. Get your passion back......this is the time to break free." Amen!
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Joel says, "If you have the right attitude, you will give birth to more in the future than you've lost in the past. Quit looking back. This is a new day." God's will is for us to be happy. We can make a decision to perceive things differently. We can choose to be happy. We've discussed this on the blog before. A lot of people have trouble believing that emotions are a choice because things happen that don't exactly make us joyful. We do need to be in touch with our negative emotions, but only long enough to find out what is behind them and then release them. Marianne Williamson says that there is a hidden belief that there is something wrong with being too happy. Many religions glorify suffering and dwell on it. Some churches keep Jesus on the cross instead of celebrating the resurrection. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have faith who cannot see." Sometimes we face things in life that aren't according to our plans. We have to realize that life is a process, and we have the Holy Spirit inside to guide us. He's our GPS (God's Powerful Spirit). Happiness is a sign that we've accepted God's will. We are happy to the extent that we choose to notice and create reasons to be optimistic. Jesus admonishes, "Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." We need to keep our dreams alive and well.
An affirmation from my "Louise Hay" facebook group:
"'I know that only good awaits me at every turn.'
Our thoughts create our reality. If you focus on negative fearful
thoughts, and believe that bad things are about to happen, eventually that
will become your reality. If you focus on good positive thoughts and
believe good things await you at every turn, that's what you will create
in your life. Our thoughts are that powerful. You can choose what
you focus your thoughts on and you can create the life you want to live."
Since our thoughts are so powerful, let us our GPS (God's Powerful Spirit) to guide us and give us wisdom.
"May he grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your plans."--Psalm 20:4
Hi Patty,
Nice blog that u are evolving. I am fm India. Just like u believe...I am sorry not believe..have faith (for beliefs change not faith) in Bible, we have faith in our ancient religious scripture "Bhagwat Geetha". I am not sure whether u hv heard of it. The fundamental teachings are the same just like Bible. It also states "Whatever happens, happens for the God" "We got to have unflinching FAITH in our MASTER". HE says not even a blade of Grass moves without my notice. Stay Blessed
Niranjan Kanchan
INDIA, Mumbai
Thank you, Niranjan, for posting. I so appreciate you sharing your beliefs. Tell me more. I like the part about God knowing every blade of grass that moves. I believe that too. There are several scriptures in the bible about grass. One of my favorites is Matthew 6:30 "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Have a blessed Sunday and keep blogging here if you would like. You add diversity to the blog, and I appreciate that!! :o)
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