The stories we tell ourselves
Nov 2, 2023 (From my journal). It's cold and rainy here this morning. But as I reflect on life a bit, I have so many reasons to give thanks.
We can always find something disappointing to focus on, or we can shift our attention to things we are genuinely grateful for.
Whether it is a relationship, our home or country, or any aspect of life, what do you tell yourself about your situation?
The stories we tell ourselves shape our beliefs, which in turn influence our emotions.
We can enjoy our lives, live at peace in the midst of challenges, and in many ways thrive in less than ideal circumstances.
How?
Memory from Jefferson
This morning, I heard the garbage truck rumbling in, and I rushed into Jerry's office to watch the big event with him. He was taking pictures. But what captivated me was not the garbage truck but the magnificent sunrise. God knows how to celebrate a new day arising!
Then I went outside to admire His handiwork and the moon over the sunrise, not entirely full now, looked down upon me. The soft hues of morning were glorious looking to the west, and the rich pinks turned to a brilliant glow off to the east.
God, thank You for this new day. Have Your way.
“Will you go to His feet and place yourself entirely at His disposal?” -William Booth
“You will understand, of course, that Jesus is not going to wait until everyone is ready. He is coming, and there will be a time when everyone will bow down before Him, both those who are ready and those who aren’t.”
-Corrie ten Boom
"Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him..."
-Revelation 1:7
"For it is written: 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.'"
-Romans 14:11
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
-Romans 10:9-10
Nov 3 2015 at Cinnamon Lakes
A herd of deer just ran by our deck. Canadian geese splash in the lake along with a duck contingent. Thanks God for nature so close and the wonder of your creation.
On the same day: I am thankful for the people God has placed in my life to love. I am thankful for my family, and for the community of loved ones who celebrated with us on our wedding day. I love how marriage challenges and refines us, and brings deep joy.
November 3, 2014. I'm making a big pot of spaghetti sauce with crimini mushrooms, garlic, onions, spinach and kale, and another big pan of taco (both with ground turkey). I love to freeze some meals for days when I need an easy meal. I'm thankful for God's provision of food and a cozy home on these late fall days.
Do you ever notice that when we have a need, even a very simple practical need, often God has made provision for us already? He provides grace upon grace.
"P. T. Forsyth once said, 'The worst sin is prayerlessness.' ...the root of all sin is self-sufficiency—independence from God. When we fail to wait prayerfully for God's guidance and strength we are saying, with our actions if not our lips, we do not need Him." —Charles Hummel, The Tyranny of the Urgent
“You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, LORD, do I seek’” (Psalm 27:8).
(thanks, Randy Alcorn)
Nov 3 2013. I took Teddy out for his morning duties awhile ago, and the stars shone brightly in the still dark sky. This reminded me of something Mei Wang said to me years ago when we lived in my house in Monmouth. Her face reflected such joy as she said something like this after walking home on a starry night: "Those are the same stars Abraham saw. God fulfills His promises." He does indeed, and He calls each of those stars by name. He knows the number of our days, and how many hairs on our heads. Our tears are precious to Him. He calls us by name, and we are His.
On the same day, I wrote this memory: Last evening I cooked Red salmon caught by Amy Purgason Wood and Dan Wood (brought it home from Alaska). I made dinner to celebrate the birthdays of two of my most beloved friends, each entering a new decade of life. There's nothing more precious than close sisters in Christ who model this walk of faith so well.
Nov 3 2011. Just spent the evening with Chinese bros and sisters, sharing delicious hotpot, and then sharing pictures and stories from my trip. I feel so blessed to be with these precious friends.
November 3 2011
so thankful for prayer, for the fellowship of believers, for the beauty and joy and walking with Him, and the wonder of His love.
To wrap up this roundup, here’s something funny:
One of my friends sent me this picture this morning with a note indicating “maybe this would help you.” I laughed so hard. Not sure if this is true about Victor Hugo or not. But it might be!!!
I will close with this note I wrote this morning, and a link to the Thread it referenced:
In case this link doesn’t work well, here’s a screenshot from that note, and then here’s a picture I framed and hung on our wall:
In my Writing as Breathing summer project, I shared how I had a recurring dream earlier in life whenever I didn’t take time to write.
Here’s that thread with my story about why this picture reminds me to “write on!”
Happy Writing, my friends!
Have a blessed week.
With love,
Sue
I had to laugh with your meme graphic of Victor Hugo--it provides a new dimension for Les Miserables!
I have to say your wedding photo is gorgeous!