Aprilshowers
MyPTSD Pro
Many decades ago I read these words in a brand new Bible given to me by a friend, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." (Philippians 4:11). At that point in my life I was sure I would never be able to speak those words. Today whenever I come across that verse, I remember back on that terrible time in my life and actually smile. I have come so far. It took time, healing, patience, and a whole lot of spiritual growth, but today I can say with complete confidence that I have learned to be content in whatever situation I find myself - even if it's a miserable one. The key was discovering my purpose, my identity, and my own personal peace. I still live with PTSD and the scars of the past. Nightmares still haunt me. But trauma, abuse, dysfunction, and emotional pain no longer define me.
Have you ever seen or heard of trench art?
"During World War I, peasants would sometimes inspect battlefields looking for shell casings, spent bullets, and bomb fragments. They would assemble them into items for their home. One woman in Washington state has a large collection of these decorative and practical items. Her curio cabinet displays items like salt and pepper shakers, candlesticks, and vases made from leftover fragments of war. For most of us, our life contains broken pieces. Life is a battlefield. None of us escape without incurring some wounds...Give the pieces of your life to the Lord and let Him create some trench art. He does all things well, and He makes everything beautiful in His time." - Dr. David Jeremiah
Speaking from experience, my life completely changed from shattered and ugly to purposeful and beautiful. Author and evangelist Greg Laurie says, "We live our lives like a story that's been told. New chapters are being written." You are just now beginning to write the next series of chapters on your life. Here's something interesting to think about at this stage of your life: Moses was 80 years old when he was called to serve God. The last third of Moses' life was the most spiritually productive. Middle age and even old age isn't the end for any of us. I'm a grandmother and I accomplish more on any given day now than I did 20 years ago!
"Feelings can be powerful liars. -Sheila Walsh
Have you ever seen or heard of trench art?
"During World War I, peasants would sometimes inspect battlefields looking for shell casings, spent bullets, and bomb fragments. They would assemble them into items for their home. One woman in Washington state has a large collection of these decorative and practical items. Her curio cabinet displays items like salt and pepper shakers, candlesticks, and vases made from leftover fragments of war. For most of us, our life contains broken pieces. Life is a battlefield. None of us escape without incurring some wounds...Give the pieces of your life to the Lord and let Him create some trench art. He does all things well, and He makes everything beautiful in His time." - Dr. David Jeremiah
Speaking from experience, my life completely changed from shattered and ugly to purposeful and beautiful. Author and evangelist Greg Laurie says, "We live our lives like a story that's been told. New chapters are being written." You are just now beginning to write the next series of chapters on your life. Here's something interesting to think about at this stage of your life: Moses was 80 years old when he was called to serve God. The last third of Moses' life was the most spiritually productive. Middle age and even old age isn't the end for any of us. I'm a grandmother and I accomplish more on any given day now than I did 20 years ago!
"Feelings can be powerful liars. -Sheila Walsh