lifted up

Lately I've had a lot on my mind.  I'm sure it's because it's summertime and I have much more time on my hands.  During the school year it seems that things come to my attention but I can't give much thought at all to them because I'm living day by day, trying to not let stress overwhelm me.  Therefore, I seem to often put a barrier up, and not deal with things going on at all.  Maybe not the best way to handle things.

There was a moment (or two) within the past week where sin crept in and the devil was trying his darnedest to take over my thoughts.  I've spent a lot of time lately reading my bible and working on growing in areas of my relationship with God.  It seems those are the times in life where the devil works his hardest, but our God is so amazing, and through that time spent with Him, prepares our hearts, souls and minds to resist the devil.  Whether it was working on our budget, seeing money leave quickly due to paying for my masters, thinking about some things in the future, or even words uttered by others, the devil was laughing in my face at the stress that slowly crept in. 

The sweet thing is, Christ always offers a way out of temptation...mine being to give things over to stress and worry.  The way out He offered this time, was sweet reminders through scriptures and "little things" here and there that have reminded me once again that He always provides and often does so in ways we never expected or may even pass up as not being God.  Yet, I'm a firm believer that God works through random acts of kindness (a very generous gift card from my parents to use to celebrate our upcoming anniversary), a package deal that will save us hundreds on an upcoming Disney trip, information about my hubby's future in his current job that may (prayerfully) make it a little more "workable" for me to stay at home down the road with our little ones, and even a website that has made our budgeting even more easy alongside Dave Ramsey's envelope system.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

James 4:10

So I'm posting today, with a heart that has been lifted up by the Lord.  By simply handing it over and praying to God, knowing that He has always provided and always met my needs, I have been humbled and reminded all over again that this faith in my God is a true blessing and something I hope and pray everyone I come in contact with can experience.  What an amazing way to live...full of Christ and empty of self.  Not completely free of worry, but complete with freedom in Christ.

Be lifted up today.