Content

Greetings from the Beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Why do they call this Black Friday?  They could have called it After Turkey Sale!  Or Stuff'n the Socks!

Yesterday was quiet, great food, long naps and very thankful for many blessings.  Joey stopped by after work today and we all agreed it isn't the same without family or friends.  Asking God to give us a Christmas of doing for others and not so much about us.  John loved the leftovers and I had some tonight too.  We do have some great gifts to share with others and that is always fun for Christmas.  I will start this week, putting the finishing touches on them.  This is the 12th year that Julie hasn't come.  Every year the pain returns sometimes for a long time and sometimes for little short times  I have to keep busy or I will start crying and never stop.

Many would say this estrangement is my own fault and I agree.  I have been full of bitterness, pride and un-forgiveness.  Yesterday, I wanted to reset my password on my Facebook account and somehow it ended up reloading everything.   The amazing thing is that some of my old contacts were now able to friend me and I was I am able to friend them again.   I have blocked lots of people because I was mad and controlling.  I have learned my lesson from doing it my way and not God's way.  I still have a long ways to go.  This was my thought today and I am not saying it was right, but I want to share it anyhow.  I measured my love that I thought everyone had for me and I had for them.  That is crazy. I was waiting to have a phone call, card or message saying they needed me in their life.  None of that ever happened.  Not one call, card or message!  I had scared them all off with my words. Love is in my ink now, and it is strong and without measure.  Since John's heart attack, I have been able to appreciate blessings and life so much better.  I have stayed closer to him and home.  Never wanting to leave in case he needed me.  This is the word, the Lord gave me yesterday and today. Content!  It is stuck in my spirit  forever.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.  Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need and I know what is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  
                                                                           Philippians 4: 10-13

Today's word in my heart is Content.  The Merriam-Webster online dictionary uses the word,  satisfied , pleased, and happy to define the use of content as an adjective.  I have given myself no other option.  I will now wait on the Lord and let Him open and shut doors in my life.  No more measuring stick for me  I am HIS vessel and I have a  purpose.

The promise for today is:  I will come to you as certainly as the sun rises and spring rains fall.  
                                                                                                 Hosea 6:3

Did you think, I forgot about my memorization of Psalm 103?  Not for a minute.  I have three verses written on an index card and read them over and over today.  Actually it easy so far.

1. Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  
2.  Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits---  
3.  who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

I pray the Lord, sees my content heart and love for HIM and others.  Tomorrow is a new day and now it is time to rest and be thankful.

The love is in the ink.
Love, Mary Kay