Today

Today I asked a friend to give me his opinion on men, what they think of me, how I can improve, and so on... My heart was pounding as I waited for his answer. After he answered me I reflected on who I am and what I want out of life. The truth be told, I am satisfied with who I am.

There's always room to grow and improve. I feel I am always trying to become a better me, to love more, forgive more and understand others more. Yet I believe I am the woman God wants me to be. I'm far from perfect. But I am me! Unique, certainly. But I embrace my uniqueness. What if we were all created alike? Then there wouldn't be a unique life. Life would be boring and we would have no need for this individual journey He has us on. I'm grateful for the journey. It's beautiful, painful, full of grace, and growth. For that, I am so grateful. Today I am grateful that I am walking it on my own, just me and my God. He is so amazing!

I am happy I ask my friend his opinion. For in his thoughts I realized I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I didn't agree with all he said, but that's okay with me. For I know myself better, and during our conversation I realized that reflecting on who I am and what God thinks of me is what matters. Following Him is real life! He is my True Love for always and forever!

I Stand Amazed

Remember the old hymn? "I stand amazed in the presence......Oh how marvelous, Oh how wonderful...". When I was a child, that was just a song. Now that I am growing older, and life changes day to day, I understand the meaning! I do stand amazed that Jesus would die for me. Oh how wonderful the life He has given me and other believers!

It has taken me years to understand fully how wonderful He is and what a wonderful life He gives. But today, I understand more than yesterday, I am certain I will never fully understand until I meet Him face to face. What a glorious day that will be!

No, my life isn't perfect. I am far from perfect. But when I am walking with Him, there is always something new. There is always hope, and satisfaction. I am always learning. I fail often, so often. But He pulls me back up and together we move forward.

I do stand amazed! I am amazed that He loves me, failures, body image, wrong choices, and the sins that I can't seem to shake. But you see? He died for those sins and failures. And He rose again, giving me a new life. My old life is history. My new life is love and forgiveness. He sees me as beautiful, even when I look in the mirror and see myself in other ways.

So tonight, I do truly stand amazed! What a good God! He loves me just as I am, even when I feel unlovable, He loves me! Yes, there are many days I feel unlovable. But I am His, and He is mine. Always and forever, I am adored, and loved by the King of Kings.

Today I am Grateful (in no particular order)

I am grateful for true friends.
I am grateful for people who know the truth and defend me when necessary.
I am grateful for this little white dog who adores me every single day.
I am grateful for my grown children who stand by my side always.
I am grateful for my parents who, though they are not always in great health, they are alive.
I am grateful for an extended family that loves me.
I am grateful for my home.
I am grateful for my son in law who loves me as if I were his own mom.
I am grateful that God has given me the wisdom to take the high road when others sling lies my way.
I am grateful for a job.
I am grateful for my grand dogs.
I am grateful for a great car that is dependable.
I am grateful that God uses odd things like social network to connect me with people who have become my closest friends.
I am grateful for my church.
I am grateful for a pastor who speaks the truth, no matter what it cost him.
I am grateful for "my person"
I am grateful for laughter.
I am grateful for fun times.
I am grateful for God's miraculous provision.
I am grateful for health.
Most of all, I am grateful for my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I am not perfect, but He loves me.
I am grateful that He knows the truth. There's no hiding from Him, though mere humans  can be fooled.
I am so grateful for forgiveness for my sins.
I am grateful for 56 years of life, learning, ups and downs, for it's through the ups and downs that we come to know who God really is.
I am grateful all He gives, for it's more than I can mention.

My life is so good, my heart is so full of love. I wouldn't change the difficulties and struggles for anything. For through the difficulties, lies, and sin (whether it be mine or that of others) I know God so much more than I ever have before. I am looking forward to the future, for He holds it all. He never fails. Never.