If you must consider upcoming events, follow these rules:
1) Do not linger in the future, because anxieties sprout up like mushrooms when you wander there.
2) Remember the promise of My continual Presence; include Me in any imagery that comes to mind. This mental discipline does not come easily, because you are accustomed to being god of your fantasies. However, the reality of My Presence with you, now and forevermore, outshines any fantasy you could ever imagine. "
Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? --Luke 12:22-26
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. --Ephesians 3:20-21
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For the last three years, anxiety has consumed my life and my body. In my neglectful state and unwillingness to seek, worship, and thank Jesus daily, pushing it all aside only hurt my relationship with Him. How quickly and easily the devil takes over and influences you and tries to use you for his own will. My behavior and attitude has changed and now it has become very hard to undo. Every day is a hard struggle not to be mean or ugly, showing my frustration, especially towards my husband. However, I know, with God, all things ARE POSSIBLE. Seeking Him and worshiping, thanking, praising Him daily gives me the protection needed from the evil one and gives me the ability to be better used for God's will rather than my own. Anxiety has become my best friend and it's a daily struggle and seeking Him to guide me through it. Anxiety is a very toxic relationship and many areas of my life has suffered for it as well. It's well past time to cut the cord.
Yesterday, I failed miserably. God presented me with an opportunity to seek His help and instead, I gave in to my fleshly frustrations and exasperations. You may identify with the situation, it involved a toddler, lol. My family has a dress that has been passed down for the last 30 years. A few of my older cousins wore it for pictures, I wore it, and it's my daughter's turn to wear it. Unfortunately, time is very limited as she barely fits in it and I want photos of her in it before it's too late. The photos will be printed large and will be a Christmas gift for my grandmother. The toddler in question was not having it. She is normally FANTASTIC for me when taking pictures. Typically loves the camera, smiles, poses; such a ham. Not yesterday. She was more interested in being with her daddy and/or playing on the playground (we were at a park). Crying, throwing fits when asked nicely and firmly to sit in her chair, we tried distracting her and numerous ways to even get her more natural and un-posed. It was a Hot Southern Mess, to say the least. I was certain I didn't get a single good shot, so we went home, and I tried again in the backyard. It was a little better there, less crying... so less editing her splotchy red face from screaming and crying. I gave up and we went inside... popped in my SD card and downloaded all the images. Out of 177, I actually got a small handful of adorable shots. PRAISE JESUS. Thank you, Lord, for still providing me with the ability to salvage the session. He sure showed me how wrong I was in my assumption, my little faith in Him to help me, but yet He still helped me when I didn't deserve it.
When my faith was stronger, it was so much easier to put my faith and trust into the Lord. He HAS provided so well for us, always. When living paycheck to paycheck and not sure if we were going to make it some months (especially with other surprise bills), He ALWAYS provided by some means and we would always make it through, even if just barely, but it was always enough. It kept my faith stronger seeing His signs and examples daily. The stress wasn't there, the worry wasn't there because I KNEW and had FAITH that we would be okay, because of Him. That's where I want to get back to and above.
Don't let yourself be consumed with your blindness. Put it in His hands. All of it. Your stress. Your worry. Your anxiety. Your doubts. It's hard, especially after doing your own thing for so long. I understand that more than you may know, but it is so not worth it. The darkness is lonely. It's heavy. It's tiresome. Let it goooooooooooooooooo and Let God.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." --Matthew 6:33-34
Here's ToddlerZilla in all her glory
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