Stir the Pot

In the past few weeks I have gone through some major breakthroughs that I have waited for years to experience.  As a result, I had a huge shift in my demeanor, my self esteem and my level of joy.  It was like I saw life in color again after a long time in black and white.

I also had a wonderful weekend with a good friend who needed a friend.  And I felt like I genuinely was there for her and that my own past experiences were used to help her through her difficult time.  I never would have chosen to go through my life's experiences but it sure felt good to put them to use!

So riding a "high" for a few days, I felt better about myself than I had in years.  Of course, the other shoe was about to drop....(this is called Life).

A very good friend of mine told me a saying that his grandpa used to say.  "If you stir the pot, it starts to stink."  How true this is.

God has begun again to stir the pot of my life....and it smells horrible.  As this stirring continues, more and more rises to the top, things that need to be handled, things that need to change.

While the situation that brought this to the surface was extremely hurtful, I also realize that without it, change would never come.  When we are uncomfortable we do something about it.  We are made to act rather than sit by and watch.

I am asking, practically begging, God to prepare my heart with the right words and attitude, and the ability to make a wrong as right as is possible.  It has smelled bad for too long.  It is time. 

Dear God,  You see my situation in its entirety.  You know my heart and my thoughts and my intentions.  In my humanness, I have hurt others and You expect me to learn and grow from this.  It is difficult to face.  It's been easier to hide and pretend.  I ask that You go with me and that the words of my mouth will demonstrate You in my life.  Not just today, everyday.  Amen.

ps  My food program is going along very smoothly.  But when I feel good about myself, it always seems easier.  Taking care of personal or work issues that need attention can keep us on track!

Forever Friends

"Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say never, 'cause the welcome will not end.
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends."

God has blessed me with a few wonderful friends.  The kind that you may not see for a while but when you do, you start talking as if there has been no space or time.  The type that know all about you and love you anyway.  The ones who tell it to you straight but you don't mind because you know how much they care about you.  At times they know you better than you know yourself and can see when you don't know what to do.

Friends like this are difficult to come by.  But I would rather have one good friend like this than millions chanting my name.

Dear God,  Today I am especially grateful for the precious friends you have blessed me with in my life.  You knew, God, that there would be times when a physical being could comfort me as a representative of You and Your love.  I have felt that several times in the last 24 hours.  Help me to give of what I receive to the friends in my life who need my love and care.  Please help me to mindful of those around me.  I am grateful and thank you for the Forever Friends You have given to me.  Amen.