(I've probably shared this before but. . . ) Years ago I endured a particularly difficult time after a monumental change in my life. As was my habit, I kept my "God Is Faithful" journal, recording those moments or events that demonstrated his loving kindness in the midst of emotional pain. On December 31 I counted up the entries and discovered there were more for that year than for any of the twenty previous, when I started that journal. Praise God for the evidence that he was with me and ministering to me; praise God that the journal pressed me into watching and writing about his gracious attentiveness!
My season of change was late 2022 and most of 2023, and I had to give myself room and permission to grieve, which surprised me. I think many of us associate grieving with death, and don't recognize that big life changes often need to be grieved so that God can comfort and heal and prepare us for the way forward. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Phew, you’ve said a lot here—all wise and hopeful. As one who tends to stuff feelings into a folder labeled “LATER,” I can attest to the truth of your observation!
We haven't had enough snow at one time to go snowshoeing yet but I always appreciate when my husband or oldest son goes first to sort of pave the way. It's quite a workout!
Your discussion of this subject and the scriptural principles were timely and encouraging for me. As an older woman who has been experiencing significant health challenges, it is good to be reminded that my season of change is an assignment from God. I believe that and am actively looking to see the goodness of God in my life. Thank you for your faithful handling of the Word and for passing on the things you glean from it. Grace and peace to you (:
Valerie, I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with health challenges. They do complicate our lives and make it difficult to see the big picture!
I appreciate your taking the time to let me know that you're reading and finding help as we open the Word of God together here. That's a great encouragement to me!
Your wisdom never fails to hit home. God knows that change is part of our story even when we don't realize it for ourselves. Many blessings as we move onto March and hopefully warmer temperatures.
I'm with you, Michele, wishing I had understood the seismic impact of too many transitions all coming at me at once. Praise God He was with us every step of the way.
So grateful for the good gift of hindsight! He really WAS there in the howling wasteland, and whenever I remember that, I gain courage for present and future wilderness travels. I'm reminded that God doesn't take us into the wilderness to abandon us there but to be alone with us.
MM, you are an amazing saint of God. I really mean that. In recent times you've had to accept some very hard life changes. My admiration of you goes deep and is rooted in true love. SS
Perfect timing, my friend. I needed this. Yesterday, I hit 2 months of widowhood. A year since his diagnosis. Much has to change way too soon.
I'm trying to do get into some kind of new normal. Get back at my unpublished books. Find a new place to live which also means find to likely find a new church. And so much more.
I'll be sharing this with my children who also be experiencing change.
I've been following your entry into widowhood online, and am so appreciative of your transparency. While I can't begin to imagine what you've been through as a family, it does give me so much hope when I see you persevering and moving forward even though your heart is in pieces.
This reading comes at a perfect time for my husband and me! We just found out that we have to very reluctantly go car shopping. This came as a complete surprise and is a hard change for us. Reading that change is an assignment from God is comforting and gives us confidence in our situation. Thank you for this timely scripture! God is with us in the hard times and He is always good.
Ugh… a car search is unpleasant even if it’s planned, so I sympathize with an unexpected “surprise!” And I appreciate your willingness to let yourself be formed by truth about God. There is something in this for you, even though it is not the avenue you would have chosen!
(I've probably shared this before but. . . ) Years ago I endured a particularly difficult time after a monumental change in my life. As was my habit, I kept my "God Is Faithful" journal, recording those moments or events that demonstrated his loving kindness in the midst of emotional pain. On December 31 I counted up the entries and discovered there were more for that year than for any of the twenty previous, when I started that journal. Praise God for the evidence that he was with me and ministering to me; praise God that the journal pressed me into watching and writing about his gracious attentiveness!
And praise God that you were paying attention to all the ways God was speaking into your life and carrying you through the hard time!
Michelle, why in the world did it take me allllll this time to find you on Substack? What a lovely place and post. I'm smiling from ear to ear!
I’m loving Substack, and it’s such a treat to reconnect with friends here!
Your 4 points are so true. Pausing to reflect on your words today.
Thank you so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
Spoken like a woman who is accustomed to the rigors of CHANGE—and the blessings that accompany it!
Love everyone of your 4 points. Great thoughts.
Thanks so much for reading!
My season of change was late 2022 and most of 2023, and I had to give myself room and permission to grieve, which surprised me. I think many of us associate grieving with death, and don't recognize that big life changes often need to be grieved so that God can comfort and heal and prepare us for the way forward. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Phew, you’ve said a lot here—all wise and hopeful. As one who tends to stuff feelings into a folder labeled “LATER,” I can attest to the truth of your observation!
We haven't had enough snow at one time to go snowshoeing yet but I always appreciate when my husband or oldest son goes first to sort of pave the way. It's quite a workout!
This is the first time in ages that we’ve braved the snow. It was SO worth it!
Your discussion of this subject and the scriptural principles were timely and encouraging for me. As an older woman who has been experiencing significant health challenges, it is good to be reminded that my season of change is an assignment from God. I believe that and am actively looking to see the goodness of God in my life. Thank you for your faithful handling of the Word and for passing on the things you glean from it. Grace and peace to you (:
Valerie, I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with health challenges. They do complicate our lives and make it difficult to see the big picture!
I appreciate your taking the time to let me know that you're reading and finding help as we open the Word of God together here. That's a great encouragement to me!
Your wisdom never fails to hit home. God knows that change is part of our story even when we don't realize it for ourselves. Many blessings as we move onto March and hopefully warmer temperatures.
It DOES help me to remember that God is never blindsided by change. It throws me for a loop, but he is unphased.
And I am REPENTING of all my years of complaining that the snow here in MidCoast Maine doesn’t stick around for long! It’s sticking this year!
I just love receiving your newsletter, your words always speak to my heart and encourage me. Thank you and God richly bless your ministry!
That's just the best news, Joy! So thankful to be able to open the Word with you. It's such a great privilege!
I'm with you, Michele, wishing I had understood the seismic impact of too many transitions all coming at me at once. Praise God He was with us every step of the way.
So grateful for the good gift of hindsight! He really WAS there in the howling wasteland, and whenever I remember that, I gain courage for present and future wilderness travels. I'm reminded that God doesn't take us into the wilderness to abandon us there but to be alone with us.
MM, you are an amazing saint of God. I really mean that. In recent times you've had to accept some very hard life changes. My admiration of you goes deep and is rooted in true love. SS
That’s so Kind! Thank you for all the ways you encourage, SS! I appreciate your friendship.
Perfect timing, my friend. I needed this. Yesterday, I hit 2 months of widowhood. A year since his diagnosis. Much has to change way too soon.
I'm trying to do get into some kind of new normal. Get back at my unpublished books. Find a new place to live which also means find to likely find a new church. And so much more.
I'll be sharing this with my children who also be experiencing change.
Be blessed.
I've been following your entry into widowhood online, and am so appreciative of your transparency. While I can't begin to imagine what you've been through as a family, it does give me so much hope when I see you persevering and moving forward even though your heart is in pieces.
Thank you so much. For now, it's the easiest way for me to journal. It helps me as much as others and I don't have to keep repeating myself. 🥴
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Your writings are a blessing to me. ❤️
I'm so grateful that you read and respond! Thanks for letting me know you're in the neighborhood!
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This reading comes at a perfect time for my husband and me! We just found out that we have to very reluctantly go car shopping. This came as a complete surprise and is a hard change for us. Reading that change is an assignment from God is comforting and gives us confidence in our situation. Thank you for this timely scripture! God is with us in the hard times and He is always good.
Ugh… a car search is unpleasant even if it’s planned, so I sympathize with an unexpected “surprise!” And I appreciate your willingness to let yourself be formed by truth about God. There is something in this for you, even though it is not the avenue you would have chosen!