Food for Thought

For many years now, I've copied quotes into my journal when they hit me in particularly memorable ways. I don't want to forget the snippets of wisdom God has put in my path to help me understand a mystery or redirect my haywire thoughts.

I've been mulling over some of these words as January comes to a close, so I thought I'd share them with you. Maybe you need a bit of encouragement too!

Words from a gentleman named Allen Arnold: "You can't fully enter into a time of change if you're determined to stay the same." (Lois, are you cheering that my first one has to do with change?) Our life surely is about change right now. Much of it is unknown to us as of this day. But we do know these words to be true, so we stand with open hearts and arms, ready and waiting to receive what God has.

I don't know how many of you are familiar with Tony Evans, but his wife, Lois, passed away earlier this month. (They are Priscilla Shirer's parents, if her name rings a bell with you.) Anyway, at the funeral, their son Jonathan gave a very moving eulogy, and I transcribed these words from the video I watched. These were meaningful to me as I reflected on Nita's passing (which happened almost a year ago now). Jonathan said this, born out of a prayer time he had:

"You don't understand the nature of My victory. Just because I didn't answer your prayer your way doesn't mean I haven't already answered your prayer anyway. Victory was already given to your mom. There were always only two answers. Either she was going to be healed or she was going to be healed. Either she was going to live or she was going to live. Either she was going to be with family or she was going to be with family. Either she was going to be well taken care of or she was going to be well taken are of. Victory belongs to Me."

These words from Sarah Geringer: "It's not the power of positive thinking that helps us overcome toxic thoughts. It's the power of God, revealed in His Word." It's not so much about focusing on the positive vs. the negative. It's about focusing on TRUTH.

I won't even lie. These words STILL step on my toes even today: "Don't be impatient; everything will happen in God's timing." (Susan Waters) Anyone else try to "help" God know what to do and when to do it?

And this one! "God does some of His best work when our hearts are broken." (Abbey Garl). It's definitely been true for me. That's when I tend to be quiet, listen, and remain pliable!

I hope you found a nugget for your day somewhere in that list! (And if you've found a good bit of wisdom - feel free to share it with me! I love adding to my list!)