Optimism...a choice

Life can be hard sometimes. 2017 has not been the best year so far:  New Year's day - septic tank backed up and need new drain field; coffee pot died; crock pot died; DVD Blu-ray player died; I was diagnosed with severe anemia - required iron transfusions and still not feeling better; my hubby's car 1992 Toyota died - requiring a new engine which our sons are putting in this weekend; John's parents health has severely declined; our son's car died requiring a new-to-him purchase - said car then has a deer jump into it causing $3K worth of damage and we are only into April.

That being said, God is good. Got a septic guy to come out that day; gifted a new coffee pot; had an extra crock pot we could use; my doctor is practicing right up the road; our kids are fixing John's car; his parents are holding their own in their 90s; our son-by-love was not injured when the deer jumped into the car door; my hubby John, our children/grandbabies/great grandbabies are all healthy, we have a roof over our heads and food; and God is still in control. 

My heart grieves for those friends and family who are battling cancer and other serious illnesses. Of course, I want God's healing hands to touch them and make them whole again. Sometimes the answer is not what we want selfishly.  There are friends/family members who are not making the wisest choices which breaks my heart, but I can only pray and offer guidance if asked. I am not in control.

The phrase "but I can only pray" caught my attention after I typed it. I do not mean to diminish the power of prayer. I feel I'm a prayer warrior and know many others. The power of prayer is a mighty, mighty tool. I've seen so many answered prayers - not all have been answered the way I would have chosen, but I'm not God. There is a song by Garth Brooks which includes the line "Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers...Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." I thank God for unanswered (according to my will) prayers. God in His wisdom has not answered all my prayers in the way I thought I wanted; oh, but His plan was so much better!!!  A verse I use often with my prayer warriors is Isaiah 55:8-9: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." (more on this in the future)

I have always been a cup half full type of person. Sure I have health issues, but God has me here for a reason and I hope I'm fulfilling His purpose for me. I like to think I'm the type of person who encourages others.We all know people who can make a situation be the final straw or think the worst things happen to them. When I was widowed in my 20s, I heard or read the saying "What doesn't make you better, makes you bitter. The difference is "i." The choice is mine and yours.

I choose to be optimistic! I chose to believe 2017 is still going to be a great year! God is still on the throne and He is in charge!!! Here is a Natalie Grant song as a reminder (chose this video because I'm a visual person and liked these graphics): 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcRRmkXiyAk

Until next time...