Brighter Side

**UPDATE**

Thought I might add a little humor to this blog by sharing a conversation I had with my oldest daughter today.

We had just got back to Jasper from Breanna's ped. appointment. I had to run home and get my glucose meter and take it back to him, so he could look at Breanna's readings from the past two days.

Anyways, I ran in the house real quick, and when I got back out to the van Kinsey proceeds to ask me if 'sexy' was a bad word. What?! Where did this come from, I thought to myself. Before I could even answer that question I realized where she heard it...Kenny Chesney's 'She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy' was playing on the radio. I told her that even though it is not necessarily a 'bad' word, she is too young to use it in her vocabulary. The look of confusion on her face was priceless.

It just goes to show that young children do pick up what they hear, and try to process it.

**ORIGINAL POST**

I had a sweet friend of mine, and fellow Riley's parent, tell me yesterday, that even after everything we have been through I always manage to see the 'brighter side' of things.

Oh, how I wish that were true.

I wish my heart was always able to see the brighter side of things.

However, I do believe that with the strength of God, and the influence of the very wise men that I am blessed to call my dad and grandpa, I have learned to look at obstacles in life with perspective. I try to not sweat the small things, to 'pinch' my daily irritants, and keep my annoyances in perspective. I believe, if you miniaturize your problems, they can become laughable and lose the power to frustrate you.

However, there have been many times in life that I have not been able to miniaturize problems simply by pinching them. Personal trials have come crashing in like unwelcome guest. There have been times that I have not been able to run, hide, or push out my pain; I had to live through it.

Many, and I mean many, times in my life I have had what my brothers, sisters and I would call 'the talk' with my dad about where I am at in my relationship with God. And I know many of those times he has probably felt like I wasn't really listening. But I was. And I thank God daily for his 'talks'.

His response to every struggle I have faced in life...complications with my pregnancies, my diabetes, going through my divorce and feeling as though I had failed my girls, Breanna's health problems, etc...dad has simply told me to 'Pray about it'.

Phillipians 4:6-7 are the veruses I would like to share today.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request
to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

I know that I can not escape suffering in this life, but I know that with my faith strengthened, I can still have peace.

I know some of you are probably thinking, but pain and peace do not, can not go together. But I believe they can if you have the right perspective.

My thoughts on perspective. And it is just that..my thoughts. Feel free to not agree.

It's not about worrying, but rather being honest with God about your needs. Focusing on what you are thankful for, instead of the things that are going astray. Fixing your thoughts on the 'high' things, and not the low. Being aware of what you have learned, are learning, and applying what you know is right. And finally, I believe it is about opening yourself to God's peace.

My goal in life is to not sweat the small things-rather 'pinch' them!

And even through more serious trials, I'll try to remember that the summer of life inevitably turns to winter. The grand picnic will be remembered either as a battle against pesky flies, or the feast of ripe fruit...depending on your perspective.


Dear Jesus, as I walk this road with you, please give me the continued strength to 'pinch' the small things, and turn to you during it all, not just the storm. I give you all the Glory. I continue to pray for my friends who are also going through storms in their lives... LORD, lift these dear friends of mine up today. Let the sun shine into their lives, so their spirits feel renewed. I ask this in Your name. Amen


I want to share a video, well really the song. It truly touches me everytime I listen to it.