Six years...

I woke early this morning and the date May 29th brought back a flood of memories. I remember the shock and the sadness; trying to attend church to block out my reeling emotions and only to walk in on the song "Blessed be the name; He gives and takes away".

I am reflecting on what I have learned over the past six years. So for todays post, (in no particular order and as much for me as it is for you)

I have learned...

* that I relied on a human to meet my deepest needs (instead of God the ultimate provider)

* that to hide my pain and bitterness I became angry, skeptical and jaded

* that I could in time figure out how to mangage and run a household

* that I could say good bye several times and not be deflated for life

* the passion for other people that once was squashed, is now alive again

* I will get through anything with Jesus; I have overcome

* there is no point in hiding your pain; it eventually comes to the surface

* I do not need to handle life alone; for I am never alone

* when we refuse to offer forgiveness, we are the prisoner

* when we put people in place of meeting our deepest needs; we will hurt them and be hurt/disappointed ourselves

* there are people who are worth trusting; who will love and support me

* the importance of forgiving myself (althought not sure I am completely done with this one yet)

* I am not responsible for all of my children's choices

* I will be hurt again, no matter how much I try to protect myself

* someone else besides Jesus died on that cross; the old me is gone and the new has come. Thank you Jesus for making me a new creation!

* that I am complete and acceptable in Him / because of Him

* I am loved completely by the Father

* that it is okay and absolutely necessary to learn to love and accept myself

* there is the ability to love again; although scarey, it is worth it

* I am a work in progress; but HE will see it through to completion in HIS time

* for many years, I covered my pain and heavy emotions with food... and am learning the freedom of that bondage

* Father does use ALL THINGS to work together for the purpose of conforming me into His image

* that I am not expected to live/act in perfect perfection at all times

Those are just some of what I have learned over the past six years.

Have you taken time to reflect on where you have come from? I was reminded a couple weeks ago that there were times Jesus called people by their "old names" (eg. Peter was called Simon even after Jesus gave him his new name). I wonder if it is because God wants us to remember where we have come from? how far HE has brought us? We are not that old person anymore, but we are who we are not because of our own efforts; but all because of Him. What has He shown you lately?

Til next time,

Jacqueline