Abundant Blessings Homestead

Lessons learned...

This year has been one of trials...one after the other...for our family. Through them all, I have seen the hand of God holding us up. He has never left us nor forsaken us, just as His Word tells us. He is an ever present strength. We rely completely upon Him and His sustenance.

The lessons we have learned have been learned mostly the hard way..through the fire of trial. But, in learning them that way, the lessons are firmly rooted in our hearts.

The first lesson is that of God's sovereignty. We have our thoughts, plans and ideas, but He is the final authority on what happens in our life. He is the giver and taker of life. Though I won't understand the reason till I'm sitting at His feet, He knows best and has our wee one with Him. What better place for him (or her) to be? My Mama heart still aches for my babe, but I know we will be together in Glory.

The second lesson is that of listening to that still, small voice. If I had done that, I would have avoided the accident I had with Gentle. I don't beat myself up about it...I did listen, just not quick enough. I have much more respect for these large beasts than I did previously. I also have respect for those who help in emergencies. And for friends..who will drop anything to come and help a friend in need.

The third lesson is that of treating wounds when they are needing attention. My Honey's leg could have healed so much quicker, and with less agony and pain. I deferred to his thoughts that it didn't need any treatment, rather than following my thoughts that it did. I don't usually trust my own judgement in cases like this..I defer to my beloved. Or to whomever seems more in charge than me. I should be more bold.

The fourth lesson is to trust...trust that God knows what He is doing. That He is still on the throne. And that He doesn't need my help. Once I give Him a problem, I need to back away and let Him handle it for me.

The fifth lesson is in what's really important in life. We make so many rules, judgements, decisions or whatever that really don't matter. In light of the bigger issues at hand, those little ones just lose any importance I have placed on them. What matters is that my children spend eternity in Heaven with me. That all of my family spends eternity in Heaven. That I capture my children's hearts, not fill their minds with knowledge, just for the sake of satisfying a school requirement. Of course I want them to expand their brains and fill 'em up....but if the trade off is that they don't have a Mama that they know cherishes them, a stressed out Mama who doesn't take the time to sit and snuggle them, then what have I taught them?

I don't regret the events of this year, hard as they all were to walk through. They have made me a stronger, bolder woman. They have put my eyes on the correct prize.

Each trial brings with it its own difficulties, pain and stress. But they also bring growth and knowledge. Neither can be done without the other.

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{ 06:36, Friday, October 5, 2007 } { Posted by gokings13 }

Sounds like you are walking with your head up and eyes open!!
This is an encouraging blog for those who are 'in a trail' or 'running from God'. It gives hope!!
Thank you!!
Larua

love this

{ 04:14, Friday, October 5, 2007 } { Posted by Cathy }

Laurie,
What a GREAT blog entry...really enjoyed reading it and all your insight. I love your strength and your kindess. The love you have for your family is amazing!!
Love you my friend,
Cathy

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{ 09:29, Friday, October 5, 2007 } { Posted by HillmanAcres }

Amen, amen, amen, amen and amen :) To all 5 things :) You certainly have been through a lot this year Laurie...isn't it wonderful to know that He is in control even when we feel like everything is out of control? It's great that you can see the good in all of it.

Love you!!

Leah