faith

Do you ever wonder why bad things happen to us? It’s the age old question. We all want to know the reasons. Our suffering is nothing compared the Christians being beheaded, raped or sold by ISIS. But still, our suffering is very real to us.

As I have come through the other side of my cancer God has brought other women into my life that are experiencing breast cancer. Within the last couple of weeks I have learned of three people just diagnosed. I dug out my journals from that time and have been able to talk because of our shared experience. I experienced God’s peace during that time and now I can comfort them. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Sir Winston Churchill said, “The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; the optimist sees the opportunity in every situation.” Scripture, 2 Corinthians 1:3-9, tells us some benefits of our difficulties: We will be comforted. We will be a help to others. We will be changed. We will learn to trust God. It tells us God is the God of all comfort, not just some comfort, who will comfort us in every single trouble we face. Look for the blessings during hard times. There are some there to be found!

Peter, an apostle, tells us that our trials test our faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–and our faith is far more precious to God than gold. So if our faith remains strong after being tried by trials, it will bring you much praise and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1Peter 1:8). An early 1900 British evangelist said:

Are you going to be the person that sees the difficulty in every situation or are you going to be the person that sees your situation as an a opportunity? Can you grow from your experiences so that you can share with others going through similar situations? We all need people around us that can walk along side us and encourage us along our journey. Nothing that happens to us is a waste but has a purpose. How are you going to respond to the needs of people around you?

On the journey,

Trish

Who knew that Walt Disney was such a philosopher?!

Over the the past few years I have learned that I can’t keep looking back to what was, otherwise I will miss new opportunities. Our past is part of our story, we learn from it and move forward. Henry Cloud, clinical psychologist, has said “Whatever’s happening today, remember it is only one scene in a long movie. Don’t treat it like it’s the whole story. Keep writing the story.”

Philippians 3:13,14 says,”…but i am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” We can look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of our hope in Christ. God determines our steps.

Walt Disney heped us believe through his story that an elephant could fly or that there were tinker fairies that spread fairy dust so we could fly.

Tinker Bell in the electric parade at The Magin Kingdom — Tinker Bell in the electric parade at The Magin

Believe all the way, implicity, unquestionably…

Unquestionable faith in God means that no matter what happens in our lives whether it’s a new job, sickness, loss of a loved one, you take the Lord’s hand and walk through the unknown door in unquestionable faith not knowing what’s on the other side. Know that God will be on the other side of the door. Know that God will walk with you through the door, no matter trhe outcome. Noah built an ark having unquestionable faith in God, never have seen rain. Abraham, with unquestionable faith, left the land he knew for an unknown country knowing that God would walk with him. (Hebrews 11)

We all have times of adversity. We are not promised a life of ease or happiness. Walt Disney recognized the hard times as something that can be good. James said “…whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” (james 1:2-4).

Neal was a good one to find the humor in everything. I remember a time when the twins were about 3 and were suppose to be taking a nap. We heard noise in their bedroom and opened the door to find all their clothes our of the drawers. Britton was sitting in the top drawer of the empty dresser with a diaper wiping down the top. I saw the mess but Neal ran to get the camera to document the event!

Another mischievious moment Neal captured of Britton and Grant's! — Another mischievious moment Neal captured of Britton and Grant’s!

Another time Neal ran to get the camera was when Karsten got into the refrigerator and dumped the eggs all over the floor. I saw the mess, Neal saw an opportunity to see the humor.

Karsten exploring the refrigerator, documented by Neal! — At least Karsten has his toothbrush!

Laughter is the best medicine! “A glad heart makes a happy heart..” Prov. 15:3. “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart…” Prov. 15:30. God even laughs, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” Psalm 2:4

Thank you Mr Disney for your profound words of wisdom. What sayings do we have that will be remembered in years to come?

Take time to see the joy in today

Tag: faith

Post ID 1090

4 More Lessons from Walt Disney