Reminders
“Life is a series of tradeoffs.” -my dad (and yes, I know he’s not the first person to say this, but I’ve heard it from him most often)
Living on a sinful, fallen planet means I’m never going to have it all at once. Some element of life will always be less than desirable, no matter how joyful my general circumstances are. In gaining one thing, you lose another. That’s a recipe for discontentment in my sinful heart unless I realize the truth of what my dad says – I will never have perfect circumstances, but the only godly response is to be thankful for the blessings and be joyful in the trials of each circumstance I am in.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
“Just take it one day at a time.” -my fiance (again, this is obviously not 100% original, but he often reminds me of it)
This reminds me of Jesus’ words: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). My Heavenly Father knows what I need, and He’s got it all figured out. He’s got the whole world in His hands – why do I think that He doesn’t see or can’t take care of my circumstances, as if they’re beneath the sovereign King of the universe?
And taking it one day at a time reminds me that the joys and cares of tomorrow don’t belong to me. I can plan and work for the future, but all I have is today. It’s restful to know that my Shepherd will guide me today, and be faithful also when tomorrow comes.
I am thankful for wise counsel that reminds me where to place my focus.
Just to let you know, many of the links on your links page are unusable.
Isn’t is great to have people in our lives that the Lord has blessed us with that we know will give us wise counsel? This is something that more and more I thank the Lord for…He knows how much I need that!
Those are such great reminders! When I’m bogged down in a ton of homework in practicing, I tend to lose my focus and try to take everything at once instead of just one day at a time. I also love the verse in Matthew 6 (verse 25 or 26?) that says, “Do not worry about tomorrow, each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Hi Anna,
I have been checking the site of photographer Lukas VanDyke (photographer of the Resolved Conference) regularly lately (I love his pictures!), and I just read that he is offering to take photo’s for free of one engaged or married couple in Florida. It made me think of you. He is offering to do a free photo shoot on March 21 in Orlando. I don’t know if you leave near Orlando, or if you would like this or not, but I thought I would just let you know, just in case. Hope you don’t mind. You can read more about it on his site: http://www.lukasvandyke.com/?p=993 Blessings!
I really needed to hear this today. Thanks Anna!
Just wanted to let you know I miss your posts…
I can’t imagine how busy you are right now — I am praying for you and A.J. and can’t wait to hear what God is doing in your lives.
Hope you are having a wonderful Saturday. God bless you, my friend.
Hi Anna – just a quick message to say I hope you are well and that wedding plans are going smoothly! But most of all that God is shaping and moulding you to be a wife, as you prepare for marriage. Very excited for you! Blessings, Emily
Just thinking – is this called Hope Road because people keep hoping you’ll post another entry? (Just kidding of course, but I am looking forward to reading more when life settles down a bit – does life settle down?) Anyway, you know I’m praying for you that in the midst of all your preparations you’ll know God’s peace and joy as you await your wedding day. I am so excited to see you and AJ so soon.
“Take it one day at a time.” I love that. I am so glad God gives us just one day at a time! Good reminder. Tomorrow has its own troubles — and joys!
Have a blessed Resurrection Day!
Hi there,
I miss your blog so very much! I’m sure you are just incredibly busy but I hope you’ll post an update soon.