Be thankful in all circumstances.....

The Bible tells us to "be thankful in all circumstances" (1Thess. 5:18).  I work on this on a daily basis.  I know it is important to understand that  in good times and in bad times no matter what the situation is or was; you have to know that GOD is blessing you.  Sounds like I am off my rocker, huh?  But, I struggle with this day in and day out.  I want to work my hardest to live my life for Christ and I recognize that it is no easy task. 

I have been through and continue to go through some really tough ordeals in my life.  However, at the point that I feel my heart ache or the walls begin to close in on me; I really have to strive and work hard to reach out for the Lord and ask for help.  I know he is not going to give me more than I can handle.  Because of HIM, I am confident that I can face whatever life has in store for me and my family. 

Like everybody else on this earth, I have hopes and wishes that I voice to our Awesome GOD on a daily basis; and at times, multiple prayers in one day.  I know he hears me, but for some reason I think that I am missing HIS answer!  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am paying closer attention to all the blessings around me in hopes that I will understand the answers to my prayers in my blessings. 

I want to inspire people around me to be thankful in all circumstances.....it can be a challenge :).  My husband is one of the hardest individuals to convince that he needs to change his attitude to be more thankful.  There are times that I want him to just walk away from whatever is getting him down and start over.  I don't know if that is the answer, though; because there will always be something else that will ride him the wrong way.  Could it be that he has so much New Yorker in his blood that he was raised to be negative and cynical at times.  I know he does not mean it, but he sure makes it hard at times to believe that you have to be thankful in all circumstances.  Do not misread this and think I don't love my husband!  He is my best friend and I would not trade him in for anything!  I love him with all my heart and I AM THANKFUL FOR HIM!!!! 

Just some thoughts running through my mind today......nothing more!!! :)

It's my day.......

I am pretty grateful to get to this day.....my birthday!  The Lord must really love me!  Another day of life and I am nothing but excited to find out what HE has in store for me. 

The funny thing about my "day" is that I have absolutely nothing planned....and I am okay with that.  This is the first year that I don't have an aching feeling of "is this all life has to offer."  Call it maturity, but I have a clear picture of all the wonderful blessings that I am given not just on my birthday.  I am a precious child to our Heavenly Father and there is not a whole lot more I could ask for on this day.

Bottom line is that I am whole year older today and I am grateful.  I love the life that I was given for my short stay here on earth.  I do not want to take any of my days for granted because I will definitely miss out on something important!

Thank you Jesus for the miracle of life.  I am keeping my eyes open, ears cleaned, and my heart wide open to this next year because I know I have lots coming my way! 

Jesus you are AWESOME!!!

Am I not being a Good Christian?

I completely understand the fact that in the good times and the bad times you should always Trust in Our Lord and Savior.  If you understand that true empowering fact, then why is it that in specifically the bad times everyone has a tendency to tell you to "Seek Him" or "Trust Him."  Isn't that what I have been doing already?  Do I have a flashing indicator on my face that says "Not Trusting in Him right now" or "Not Seeking Him at the moment"? 

I am battling some heartbreaking news that I just received yesterday.  I am hurt, lost, and torn up about the news.  I am at the point where I feel like I am losing hope......I know in my heart that the Lord does not want me to give up hope, instead he wants me to brush myself off and look forward to what he has in store for me.  Why is it then....that....I just want to ball my eyes out and ask "why, why, why" over and over until I get my way somehow?  Isn't that how we got our way when we were kids?  I know it worked for me a few times. :)

My husband has been an amazing individual through my hardship or I should say OUR hardship.  He has been there for me to have a shoulder to cry on, he has let me know that he will never leaving my side, and best of all, he took the blame for the hurt that I am experiencing.  He is so sweet!  I know it is not his fault, and I also know it is not my fault.........it is just not in God's plan.....now....or maybe ever.

My husband, and a couple friends of mine have been truly a wonderful support through my ordeal.  I just have this thing where I do not get the fact that the one piece of advice that I am receiving.....I thought it was something I was already working my hardest to do.....TRUSTING HIM....  Not only do I do it through the difficult times, but I remind myself in the gratifying high points in my life,  I need to Seek Him and give Him the glory for it.

I asked my husband this morning if it seemed as though I was not leaning on the Lord to get me through my hurt feelings.  He told me that he new I was, but in times like these loved ones may be at a loss for words and only know to remind you to Trust in Him.  Looking at it from that perspective, I understand now that I am not being told that I am a bad Christian and I need to Seek Him.  Instead,  these all powerful words of encouragement of "Trusting in Him" or "Seek Him" are more like a shield to keep me cleansed from all the bad influences out there.  Thank you Jesus for putting such awesome people in my life!!!  

Good things are always worth waiting for......really???

Throughout life you are always told that good things come to those who are patient.  As I get older, I am beginning to understand that all things in life will happen according to God's plan....being patient or not.  So stop being patient and just work on following God's plan?  HIS plan is the right plan I do understand that and I try my hardest to work from my heart each day.  HE does give us choices, but how we approach those choices is based on whether it is right or is it to make us happy?  Don't get me wrong, I prefer to do what is right....

I am facing such a trivial situation right now and I continually wonder what is the lesson in life that I am currently learning.  I know I have no control over any of life's trials and tribulations.....what is going to happen will happen because of HIM.  Our Heavenly Father is well aware of my prayers, hopes, and wishes.  And I understand the fact that "if you ask then you shall receive."  So why am I filled with a mixture of feelings that are nothing but unsettling? ugh!  I guess because the Devil wants a hand in every situation.

I am clinging to my FAITH with all my heart!  I know things will work out!  I also know that I will be happy because it is absolutely what my Heavenly Father wants for me and my family.  I will love him no matter what HE chooses for me.....there is no question about that!  But what is it that HE wants for me....I wish it was that easy!!

I have been faced with numerous life changing situations in my adult life and I have recognized that each situation has transformed me in some way or another.  At times I look back on all that I have been through and I really get it.......I have been nothing but blessed with every tear I have shed!  Jesus has his awesome ways to make me smile each day!!  Good or bad .....I shall welcome it all as a blessing in life.

Nehemiah 13:2 ... because they did not meet the sons of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them. However, our God turned the curse into a blessing.

It is okay to recognize you are BLESSED!

I am extremely grateful for all that I have in my life!  I spend each day trying my best to not overlook all that I have.  At times there are challenges and potholes in daily life that pull me down, but our Lord and Savior has his awesome ways of helping me cope with these hiccups in life; to stay focus on the good and only the good.  That isn't to say that it feels good to vent and speak my peace because isn't that what women are wired to do.  Bottom line I am blessed!  Large and small, all the blessings in my life are endless and some are even invisible to the human eye and only between me and my Heavenly Father.

A specific blessing in my life that I work hard to not take for granted is my husband!  He is an amazing individual.  He has led me to the Lord and everyday his kind heart is just overwhelmingly beautiful.  I am proud of him and I can not tell him enough that he amazes me!

He went on his first mission trip to Mexico with our church.  I was not completely secure with the idea because of the area that they were staying in was not particularly safe.  I know that probably sounds absurd because God's hand was securing the whole church group, but it still concerned me for his safety and for the fact that I was being left at home alone.....which is a first for me.

Needless to say my days went by slow and I understood how he feels week to week when I am off flying the friendly skies.  It is hard to not have your other half at home with you!  I do not like it and I do not want to a single day go by without letting him know that I appreciate every bit of his presence in my life.

As for his mission experience, I saw the Holy Spirit shining through him when I picked him up at the airport.  He had this beautiful strength and energy that he carried with him.  He glowed with happiness as he told me the details of the projects that he worked on for others in need.  He truly made me a proud wife.  I am also so so so very proud to say that my husband was an asset to the group because of his ability to speak fluent Spanish.  How awesome is that? 

It is the simple things...

I have to say that the days that I am fortunate to be home....I am so blessed.  It is not everyday that you can look out your window to appreciate the scenery of a national forest.  The views where I live are simply breathtaking.  The sunrises are beyond words and have a tendency to draw you in and make you sit silently to take in the magical changes taking place at the hand of God.  I do not take it for granted that I am blessed to live in such a beautiful area!

On days like this one I try to take in as much of my home life that I can.  I get joy from all the tedious, daily duties.....watering my plants, feeding our dogs and cats, and yes, the typical house chores.  I know some people probably think that I am nuts, these are the blessings that God has placed in my life.

The one miracle in my life that I am getting such fulfillment from is the concept of planting.  The Bible mentions so much of sowing the seed.  Planting the seed in soil with plenty of minerals and then maintaining it until you are able to reap the gifts from our Lord and our Savior..... this is such a gratifying feeling.   

I am taking the plunge this spring and I am going to plant my first garden.  I have even gotten a little excited and I planted some cilantro seeds to grow inside while I anxiously await for the Spring season to arrive.  I am pampering this little plant.  I am giving it all the TLC needed to grow big and strong.  Isn't that what our heavenly Father does for us?  Through God's awesome powers, my little miracle is beginning to sprout.  It is absolutely amazing!

I am telling you.....it is the little things in life that are making such a big deal in my Life....Thank you Jesus!

Anything is Possible......

As the days fly by, in the start of this new year, I recognize that I continue to be blessed.  Through each day, I try my best to NOT lean on my own understanding of why things are the way they are.....GOD knows why and I believe that is all that I need to know in this precious life that I am living.

However, there are days that I am challenged and tested.....as most Christians are ....On these days where emotions overwhelm my thought process it takes every bit of strength to make sure I am not feeding to the emotions that I think are going to make me happy and easier to move on from the situation, but that I am working towards what is going to make the situation RIGHT!  Doing what is right does not always put a smile on my face....I am not going to lie.  I am human and imperfect and being happy sends a gratifying rush of emotions through out my entire mind and body.  It feels good, at least, for the time being. 

I think that one of the most challenging emotions to overcome is forgiveness.  When I am faced with the task of forgiving someone for the hurt they have caused, I have to let my guard down and become vulnerable to the fact that I am choosing to let go of the negative, poisonous feelings.  Without my guard, I have to trust that the Lord will protect me and wrap his loving arms around me.  That is not saying that it is going to be easy; it is saying that it is going to take every bit of my inner strength and faith to breakthrough the painful events that will follow in the forgiving process.....

There is one individual that I have to say was very difficult to forgive, but I chose to do what was right.  It has taken me years to realize that even though I have managed to forgive this one specific individual, that I continue to be hurt.  However, it is not a powerless, vulnerable hurt......I realized it is a humbled, scarred hurt.

What the heck is a humbled, scarred hurt?  Well, the best way for me describe it is to compare it to a hole that a nail leaves behind on a piece of wood once it is pulled out.  The wood is fine and appears perfect in every aspect with the exception of the hole that was left from where the nail once existed.  I know that I am right in choosing to forgive and I appear to be fine.......but it takes work when I am faced with new situations that involve this individual.  I typically pray for strength and words of wisdom to work through each instance and constant reminding that I love this individual because we are part Christ's family in the bigger scheme of things. 

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Working Hard...our Friends are worth it!

I know as a Christian you are supposed to work hard. The harder I work the more time appears to slip away. Where does it go? I do love being involved and in the "KNOW"; it makes life interesting and exciting. However, I am beginning to understand that there has to be a happy balance. What is that balance? There are areas in my simple life that I tend to realize that I am neglecting and I do not want to be an individual that is not covering all areas in my life sufficiently.

One area that I that I think that I need to work on are in my friendship relationships. I tend to think that I let my friends down more times then make them happy. I want to be a better friend because I cherish all the people in my life and I know that they are blessings and gifts. I believe God places certain people in your life for a reason. That individual has an impact on your life somehow or someway.

My biggest obstacle in my life that keeps me from spending time with my friends is my job. I am a flight attendant and I am gone 3 or 4 days out of the week. When I come back home, I do everything in my power to get back into routine so it does not appear that I have missed a beat in my life. Easier said then done..... I guess my prayers and thoughts for today are take more time to recognize your friends and your special relationships! Jesus has placed these people in your life and it is important for you to be there for them! Faithful Friends are a Rare Treasure... Proverbs 18:24

Here are some of my special friends......

My husband and my best friend

My "sister" and one of my closest friends...Beej

 My sisters in Christ...Emily and Hosanna

 My childhood friend...Lisa Gray

What a blessed day...

I truly enjoyed my day today.  I am blessed to live where I live.  The mountains are so surreal and the scenery is beyond belief.  I appreciate every day, hour, and minute that I get to spend in the Sierra National Forest.  Thank you Jesus!

I did not do much today, but what I did do was pretty darn well relaxing.  Who can complain about peace and quiet, quality time with my puppy, and time to enjoy my beautiful home.  Even though I am in the process of healing from my surgery, I just cannot not say enough of how much I am grateful for my life.  The funny thing is that I did not do much today, but yet, I feel like I accomplished so much.  Does that even make sense....I bet it doesn't?  You just have to be me ...I guess?

I am so happy to say that I was able to visit with my step-daughter today.  She finally made it over with her boyfriend, Cody.  She looks absolutely fabulous and she is a full blown adult.  She has a life and that is an adult life that just is so hard for me to believe at times.  I guess I still expect her to be a kid and I have a difficult time understanding that she is an adult.  Wow......time flies!  I am a mature adult now because the kids in my life are full blown adults!  Amen....thank you Jesus!

We had a wonderful visit with her and I am so proud of her.  I just wish she was a little more in our lives.  I understand with a split family that is kind of hard.  I also know that you tend to lean towards one side of the family more than the other in split family situations.  I think it is inevitable.  It is also the consequences of sin.  You get what you get!  Be happy! 

Tomorrow is Friday....Yay....I get to see my handsome son....I love him so much! :)

Fight Through the Pain....

The third day of the year and here I am presenting words to break through painful emotions. I know there has to be something positive that comes out of today because with all the bad that happens in life God restores it with the good. As in Joel 2:25.. it says, "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten." I spent my day in a city that I completely dislike because it is so far from what my simple daily, mountain life is like. Not only was I in a city that I had such distaste for, but I was there to have a surgical procedure that I am still not completely sure what will come out of it when every thing is said and done. I prayed that the Lord would give my doctor the wisdom that she needed to work on me. I got through the surgery and now I wait patiently to find out what is in store for me. 

Meanwhile, the healing process is just so harsh...it just knocks the living energy out of you....literally. I am tired, worn out and a bit run down from all the drugs. I just need time to get through this healing process....grrrrrr.....who has time? There is always something that needs to be done and there is always someone you want to see and visit with..... So to add to my day of uninvited pain, we (my husband and I) finally get a response back from my step-daughter about a dinner invitation for dinner. Let me just say, it has been an extremely long time since my step-daughter has spent any time with us. It hurts just saying that....but for whatever reason it has not happened in a real long time. We originally wanted her over last night and she never responded to our texts or phone messages until the next day....that would be today! Ouch...to add to the pain that I already have....ugh! I would have loved to have her and her boyfriend over if I was not recovering from a train wreck (at least that is the best way to describe how I feel). I was honest and texted her the truth of the matter...I also gave her other options of day and times to hook up with us. I still have not received any response back....not even a "sorry" that you are feeling bad. I do not get it except for the fact when "anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also," (Matthew 5:39). 

I love my step-daughter and I will continue to try my best to be a positive influence in her life. Whether she accepts me or not is not my choice. I know I have to do what is right and not choose the easy way out that will make me happy only on the surface. God knows how much she means to me and He knows that I will not give up on her. Enough for today....until tomorrow....

There is always something......

Good morning....it is just a gorgeous morning! This winter has been especially mild; although we still have a few months before were are through with it. I am just excited to start gardening when the time is right! Sounds like I have cabin fever and I have not even been cooped up inside yet! Anyways, as you know walking by Faith does "appear" to cause you to face constant battles and challenges. Faith does not bring on life challenges, but the worldly influences do. How we choose to handle them is what tends to waver the strength of our Faith to our Lord Jesus Christ. I have to work really hard to know that I am not in control of ANYTHING!

It is only the second day of this brand new year and BAM....I am faced with my first stomach turning challenge! All the poisonous emotions run through my body...fear, doubt, and confusion! I start to scramble to figure out a solution and to figure out how I am going to stop my heart from racing 90 miles an hour! "Please Lord guide me through my most difficult situations," just keeps running through my head.  The most reassuring thing is that everything works out the way it is supposed to. I do not even have to be specific on what my challenges are because no matter what it is..... it is best to lean on our Savior Jesus Christ! Big or small everyone has to deal with obstacles that appear to be unbeatable...money, sickness, raising children, employment...etc.

All these challenges are heart wrenching situations that cause us to stray away from FAITH for just a second or maybe even longer. What knocks me back to a strong hold on my Faith is the Bible. Oh how I love this book! Proverbs 3:5, helped me get through this morning's difficult situation..."Trust in the Lord with all your Heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." That could not have been said any better. Straight forward and to the point. Let the situation go out of your hands and know that God is taking care of it for you! Easier said than done...I know. Every day of my life I see that I am craving to learn more of what strengthens me most ....learning the Word! I hope everyone has a glorious day....and remember to Trust in the Lord with all your Heart! :)

Happy New Year Everyone... allow me to introduce myself!

Hello Everyone....here I am starting a new blog about my everyday simple life and my walk by faith. My name is Lori Gray and I am proudly married to Alec Gray. Today happens to be my 11th wedding anniversary. It amazes me how time just continues to fly by. I am blessed and I have the Lord to thank for all that I have each day. I guess I chose to write a daily blog because I want to express how grateful I am for life and share it with whoever wants to know about it. I know that the chances of having any followers is pretty darn slim, so I have to appreciate the fact that I know my father in the heavens is appreciating all that I have to say. I love you Jesus.

Today is the first day of 2012! Wow, I cannot believe that 2011 is gone. My husband and I are looking forward to another year of blessings. We work hard to appreciate everything that we have in life. It has not always been this way for us, but I have to say that it started to turn in this direction when we chose to open our hearts to Jesus. One great blessing that we work at together is our youth group. We are blessed to be the Youth Leaders for the Church of Shaver Lake. I just find this opportunity to be an honor and I look at every opportunity to be with our youth and teach them the Word of God to be an absolute blessing. Our kids are amazing and I love every single one of them. They have a tendency to make me laugh and continually smile at all that they are....a blessing from God! Our group is not a large group...we have consistent core of about six teens that make it regularly to our Wednesday night's youth group. Sporadically, we have more teens show up, but for the most part we have the same consistent core that really represents who our youth group strives to be and who they are.....we are ....The Fun Gang @ Shaver Lake! That is right...our teens are Fired Up Now....and we are God's Anointed New Generation!

We have so much in store for this coming year and we pray that God will guide us in our journey with His children! As for my everyday life, I am looking forward to starting this year off with a positive attitude! I want to work hard to recognize all the blessings in my life and not take them for granted. I know that God has so much more in store for me and my family this year. We have already started off our new year with a new addition to our family. We are proud to welcome our new puppy Xena into our family. By the grace of God we were led to this little furry bundle of joy. We did not search her out, but we were led to her. She given away free outside of our local grocery store on Christmas Eve. I loved her from the first time I laid eyes on her and could not let her go once she was in my arms. She is a blessing!

I have such an awesome holiday season and I look forward to sharing each day with whoever wants to listen....I leave you with this ....Happy New Year....and may God Bless You each and everyday of this brand new year! Love ya'll!

 This is Xena....Warrior Princess!