Growing Through Challenge - Dealing With LIfe's Physical And Emotional Challenges

September 15, 1982

Today I have been reminded that I will most likely never reach a point in my life that I will not meet and struggle with emotional trials. The old fears and uncertainties that I thought were done with once again reared their ugly heads... accusing and threatening my peace. However, these feelings are okay as they drive me much closer to God. With His presence and help, I can choose not to look at the future with fear, but with anticipation of the daily delight of walking with my Creator through this earthly adventure and training ground.

January 11, 1983

After months of ups and downs, times of plenty and times of concern, I wonder what I have learned? I remember the quote... "The greatest affliction is never to have been afflicted", and I wonder... what do we do when disappointment comes and turns joy into discouragement?
     1. Perhaps I should remember that these times are absolutely necessary for the continuing of our training and preparation to serve our Heavenly Father by serving others, in this life... and the life to come.
     2. Also, it helps to remember the truths I learned from these challenges, and a few supporting scriptural thoughts, like...
          a) Feasting On Uncertainty... "Casting all your cares on Me..."
          b) Fatten On Disappointment... "Don't worry about anything, but tell it all to Me..."
          c) Enthuse Over Apparent Defeat... "Don't be afraid, I am with you... I will help you..."
          d) Invigorate In The Presence Of Difficulties... "His grace is made perfect in my weakness..."
     3. It could also be helpful to review God's help in and through past experiences.
     4. Finally, I want to remember this... now is the time these promises were made for! Let these thoughts serve to remind me that if my delight is in anything but my Creator, it can be easily taken away.

March 24, 1987

"In everything give thanks!"

Father, I believe that I can see that circumstances cannot bring me the joy I seek. Only my proper response to these circumstances I face can bring that exquisite joy I long for from day to day. I find that when I can give thanks in the circumstances and for your matchless presence in my life, I find a sense of your overwhelming peace and joy through...
     1) pain... as well as ease
     2) sickness... as well as vigorous health
     3) sleeplessness... as well as peaceful slumber
     4) hectic days... as well as days of quiet solitude
     5) times of mental or emotional weakness... as well a times of clarity and vigor.

The words of the old hymn are so true...
     "When Peace like a river attendeth my way,
     When sorrow like seas billows roll;
     Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
     It is well, it is well with my soul.".

July 28, 1990

I feel the Father might be saying this to me during this difficult time of physical pain...

"Dear one, try an experiment... you have struggled much at this time with pain in your body, and the weakness of your heart. Rather than give in to complaining, try thanking Me not only when the pain subsides, but when it is hurting... remembering that there are always those who hurt far worse, and that I am here with you now to help you bear it all. A different attitude might have a positive effect on all the pain you feel. And keep that long-distance perspective where you see yourself with Me one day, totally free of pain!"

December 8, 1990

Though my physical form may suffer pain and go through trials and hardship, I remember that the "real me", my true spiritual self, walks with my Creator in a spirit plane that is above all this ... a place where all things are possible and limitations do not exist. I seem to hear Him say... "Be of good cheer, weary pilgrim... I am for you and with you!"

October 26, 1991

The Father might say to us concerning the stresses of life...

"Dear one, you can experience serenity in your everyday hectic life. Picture all of the people, pressures, and demands as a great hurricane swirling around you... and you and I sitting together in quiet assuredness at the center of the eye of the storm. Take My hand and feel the peace, the tranquility... then feel My empowerment for the tasks at hand. Let's do it! Enjoy the challenge! This is the moment for action!

March 25, 1992

Father, after several sleepless nights and challenging days, I see that Your grace is indeed sufficient... that Your strength is indeed perfected in my weakness. Thank you for the gift of Your strength...

July 30, 1993

I came across this idea which seems to be so helpful...

"Our lives are like a river which flows between two banks; happiness and sadness, pain and pleasure. We could not really know the one unless we had experienced the other. Our lives flow along touching one bank, and then the other. The key is not to get stuck on either bank, but to just keep flowing on like the river, touching, experiencing, and appreciating each one."

December 16, 1994

"Father, these last two weeks have been the roughest (physically) that I can remember. Among the lessons I need to learn from this difficult time would be thankfulness... not for the discomfort, but for this present moment... and for what I do have, giving no thought to what I feel I have lost."

July 30, 1996

"Father, as I received the doctor's report that I have had a heart attack, my mortality pushes its way to the front of my attention. Thank you for the peaceful assurance that this earthly existence is only the beginning of an eternity of service to You. Thank you that the real "me" is not bound by this physical body, and that I have an eternity of joyful, ever-expanding service to look forward to."

When the time comes for me to come home to you, I want the script on my tombstone to read... "He was a window through which some of our Heavenly Father's Light shown brightly."

October 24, 1996

As I struggle so with the challenges of my body and my emotions, I take courage when I am reminded of these words in the scripture... "Worry about nothing, but tell it all to Me with thanksgiving. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your heart and mind through Jesus."

July 5, 1998

After about a month of severe sleep problems, it is easy to focus on self and the problem itself... this gets me nowhere, causes me to be depressed, and teaches me nothing. Learn and Grow by "giving thanks in everything"... with deep inner peace, acceptance, and tranquility. I choose to give thanks for every moment... even the sleeplessness, and look forward to learning in the quiet night hours. My Father's promise is still there... to strengthen and help me for the needs of the day.

March 17, 1999

"Father, help us remember as we face life's challenges, that nothing... not even the outrageous health insurance premiums, lies outside of your over-care. If we can trust you at all, we can trust you in all. If we can trust you with anything, we can trust you with everything!"

October 30, 1999

As we leave for a week's vacation, this would be a good opportunity to practice focusing on and enjoying everything around me, instead of focusing on my pain. I want to stop letting my neck and back pain rule my life and occupying so much of my focus. The pain is not so bad... just keep dismissing it and keep moving on past it to savor every priceless present moment.

Focus on the goodness and meaning in what we have now... and can share with others, not in what we have lost.

September 5, 2000

Now that I am more than six months into my nightly battle with "Restless Legs Syndrome", I thank you Father that I can see that you have still never failed me. You still continue to inspire me and provide me with "Your strength in my weakness." Thank you that even in the lonely, sleepless night hours, I continue to find Your peace, Your presence, and even joy. You continue to help me not fear the uncertain future, but to savor this moment I am living.

May 13, 2005

"Father, even though my work is very hard on my body, with its long periods of standing, I am finding it very rewarding to serve people in this position. Thank you for helping me with all the physical challenges, and for the quality values of the people I work for."

"Giving thanks is our most important activity when facing challenges of mind and body."

April 5, 2008

"Father, how challenging it is to live out the Truths that I have come to believe in. As I face these earthly realities that I am so likely to see, like disappointments, health problems, relationship issues, financial challenges or job uncertainties, help me to try to remember in the darkness what I have seen in the light. Help me to listen to your whispers to my spirit which will guide me from day to day, challenge to challenge, grace to grace, and hope to hope."