Wordless Wednesday: serenity

A little late, I know... Liz

Learning to Trust and Rest in the Midst of Adversity

(27 January 2011)

Over the years I have had my fair share of difficulty and heart break:

·         Loss of family & loved ones

·         Miscarriages

·         Abuse

·         Marriage breakdown

·         Chronic illness – myself and children

·         Financial hardship

·         Loss of home

·         Loss of a job due to harassment

·         Family breakdown

·         And the list goes on....

But throughout all these difficult and heartbreaking experiences, I have many more GREAT memories – times of great joy, laughter and excitement – it is these times that have allowed me to maintain focus on what is important. The hard times coupled with the good times have taught me true strength, enabled me to grow, to step back and evaluate what is worth fighting for and what to let go of.

I have learned to understand that I can only control how I respond in the tough times – I cannot control how others choose to behave but I can control my own attitude to them, to life and how I handle situations that seem unfair.

I am constantly reminded of the “Serenity Prayer”

If I Could Hold You One More Time...

If I could hold you one more time, I would tell you that I love you more than life itself.

If I could hold you one more time, I would tell you what an amazing young man you are.

If I could hold you one more time, I would tell you that I am incredibly proud of you.

If I could hold you one more time, I would tell you that nothing you do, say or feel can change my love for you.

If I could hold you one more time, I would tell you that you are an awesome Dad.

If I could hold you one more time, I would tell you that you can rely on me just as you once did.

If I could hold you one more time, I would tell you that you can be anything and everything that you dream of being.

If I could hold you one more time, I would tell you that you still hold a special place in my heart.

If I could hold you one more time, I would tell you that all is forgiven.

I am still here, my son, waiting to hold you one more time... Do you think of me?

(April 20th 2011)

One Thousand Gifts

One particularly difficult day in this sometimes complex and challenging life of mine, I was looking for comfort, encouragement, inspiration and wisdom (via Google). I came across a book which I believe everyone should read. It's called "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp.
http://onethousandgifts.com/

I read the first chapter and decided I had to buy a copy - NOW! The challenge is to list 1000 gifts, things you are grateful for. Sound easy? Some may say "No problems!". But for me, with all the "negatives" of chronic ill health, family circumstances and constant difficulties, it has been a challenge to look beyond those things that could pull me down and find the blessings in my life - big and small.
To read my journal so far, click here: 1000 Gifts - Gratitude Journal

THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

(The meaning behind my blog name)

And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.
(1 Corinthians 13:13 AMP)