Today, a reminder.

  Today was a very real reminder of how  desperately I need my savior to not only strengthen me, but even to have life. When I say "life" I don't just mean living as a warm body, but rather being in a state of fullness. I stepped outside in the cold (having snowed today it was an even more vivid visual reminder as well) and as the bitter touch of the wind touched my skin, and the smell of winter rushed me like a cold splash of water on my face, I was whisked back to memories of being homeless, struggling to eat, and seeking in desperation for anything, trying as best as I could to stay warm and sleep, and relying on God for whatever may come my way. The feeling of desperation was very real, helplessness, sadness, worry,  feeling completely worthless and alone.

    Given this very real reminder of my past struggles and the complete helplessness that I had been brought back to, I was forced to looked up to God and give thanks for everything that I now have. The blessings that He has poured out on me have been very great and undeserved. We have all gone through struggles and we have all thought "What in the world can I do? Why do I have to be so stressed and worried?" Sometimes to tears, sometimes in anger, but always in need of something... When we experience this sort of neediness I have to consider it one of the greatest blessings our God has given us. The realization that something is just not there, that there is something we NEED. To be able to come to Him and say in complete humility "This is too much Lord I cannot handle it any more and I need everything you can possibly give". At that moment allowing Him to fulfill His promise of joy and fullness... even in the darkest moment of our lives and the most tedious struggles! Some video encouragement; Through the darkest valley

    Through Christ we can lay our burdens down, something that is very difficult for this generation to do because of the pride they have in self.. there is such a search for happiness and fullness in everything but the true meaning of the words! In Christ there is so much peace that it brings forth joy without effort! We do not have a single thing to worry about! There would be the argument at this point by some people that you must still worry about things in order to get them done and be motivated. Not really... this is where the bible speaks of wisdom. I was told my a man once that wisdom is knowing what to do in a situation before that situation even arises. This is why we are encouraged to seek after wisdom so fervently! If we can gain wisdom and reliance on God what will we have to worry about? We will already know the answers...

    If at any time you don't know what to do or are stressed to the point of breaking, just STOP. Stop what you are doing and bring yourself in humility to God. Instead of work, school, social media, place His word in front of you. Allow Him to grant you wisdom, to place His hands around you and keep you warm, let Him feed you, let Him give you rest... take a deep breath and release all of it. Do not try to further what you are doing or dig yourself back to the top of your emotional hole. There is a rope just to the side of you, take a break from digging and remove yourself from that easy to slip into "tunnel vision". That rope will be seen and all you have to do is grab it. you don't even need to climb. He will pull you up. He will grant you the most perfect form of happiness you will ever experience, that has been and continues to be His promise.