Some Women of Valor

16 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

by Dienna G. in Inspiration, Thoughts Tags: , ,

Tonight I am thinking of quite a few Sojourn women- past and present- sending prayers of thanks for their lives, for the grace that they have shown or is being shown them-

>>Nicole Pierson- Son of a sweet 6 year old battling a brain tumor. Tonight on the Caring Bridge she wrote:

” Still waiting for Spring! Enjoying each other in the meantime 🙂 I have learned to never wish your days away, you just never know what tomorrow will bring. Find happiness right now!”

>>Tina Ostroot- past Sojourner in the Elk River group- was running in the Boston Marathon today. She had just passed the finish line minutes before the explosion. So thankful that she is safe along with her husband and friends who were cheering her on. Her joy over running is so evident in her life and the pictures she posts.

>>Liz Martin – walking along side her mother fighting pancreatic cancer. Her love for her mom and the way she is caring for her and fighting for her- so special to watch.

I am sure there are many more of you fighting secret battles. Ones that maybe you aren’t ready to share yet. Or that I just don’t know about. But for whatever reason God brought these women of valor to my mind tonight.

The bottom line is we just don’t know. We have absolutely zero promise that we will have another breath here on earth. But what we do have. . . is His grace. Each and every moment. Let’s breath deep of that grace. Let it fill us. Let it fill our homes and our work places. Let’s let it carry us through the days when we feel like we don’t have enough. Let’s just savor every moment.

Dear Downton Abbey Addicts (and others),

14 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

by Dienna G. in Inspiration, Thoughts, Uncategorized Tags: , , ,

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One quote from last night’s episode (Season Three, Episode Two) keeps swirling in my mind:

“You are being tested. And you know what they say, my darling. Being tested only makes you stronger.”

It reminded me of Romans 5:3-4, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

And it is quite true that suffering, times of testing, trials do make us stronger.

Or bitter.

And that is the choice that our fictional Edith must make. Will she become stronger? Or bitter?

It also doesn’t escape me that poor Edith was not a bit kind to her sister. . . and often we do reap what we sow. That her character is so deeply rooted already in a bit of bitterness. Jealousy. Disappointment. Although progress had been made toward improvements in those departments. . .

This was to be her shining moment. And it crumbled. In front of the entire village.

I am reminded as I replay that quote over and over in my head that nothing is that simple. And yet it is. Choose stronger or choose bitter. The choice is simple. The doing. . . not so much.

Moment by moment. Each day re-choosing. Taking captive every thought. Having faith that there will be that light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. It isn’t easy.

Thinking that many of us are dealing with our own crumbling of dreams. And we, too, have choices to make.

Choose to rejoice in the suffering.

Signed,

Your Fellow Downton Addict

Pull a Valentine from your box. . .

08 Feb 2011 Leave a comment

by Dienna G. in Freedom, Thoughts Tags:

Have you ever thought what it would be like if God wrote you a Valentine? What would He say to you?

I see you thinking you are a nobody. But, you are my princess.

When it’s so dark and you can’t seem to see light. . . I’m right beside you even if you can’t see me or feel me.

I hear your cries at night. No one should have done that to you. I love you with an everlasting love. I came to set you free from that.

That hard shell isn’t fooling me. One crack and you think you’ll break apart. Let me in.

That thing. The one that makes you feel like you are choking. Yes, that one. Give it to me. Let me handle it.

I forgave you years ago. Why keep bringing it up? When you asked, I forgave. End of discussion. I love you too much to keep bringing it up.

When you feel unimportant- look at the cross. You were just that important to me.

That deep dark secret- I know it. I so want to help you. Bring it to me. Don’t hide anymore.

That addiction that you try to hide. Quit feeling guilty. Tell me about it. I came not to condemn but to set you free.

Quit thinking you can’t come to me because of your past. I’m all about forgiveness. And I’m more interested in your future. A future full of life.

When you look in the mirror and think you’re ugly. . .remember I think you are beautiful. I made you, you know.

You are more beautiful than you can imagine. I love you with an everlasting love.

When you think you are all alone and no one loves you. . . I do.

I see the sadness in your heart. I want to heal your pain.

I came to give you life. Real life. Eternal life. You don’t have to keep living like this. Come to me.

Pick a Valentine. He’s already sent it to you. Just open your heart to receive it.

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