{ Life IS NOT a bowl of cherries }

As a Christian, we want to think that life is just going to be the proverbial "bowl of cherries" if we try our best to serve the Lord.  There are some who will try to tell you that your life should be full of prosperity as a Christian but the Bible tells us quite a different story and I choose to believe God's word.  The last seven months have been very, very difficult ones for us. Not only the physical pain that Pappy has endured since February of 2016 (actually long before that, but that was when he was injured) but the emotional strain it's taken on him, especially since he was "let go" from his job last November. It's been a struggle, Y'all.  I think one of the most difficult things I've endured, besides watching him hurt physically and emotionally, is the disappointment of people backing off and not offering a kind word of encouragement to him. Not being a man, I don't completely understand what he's going through.  I've prayed for another man to come along side him and lift him up and encourage him.  Now, don't get me wrong, there have been a few.  Maybe part of the "problem" is what a private life we try to lead and don't like to ask for any kind of help.  I'm not talking about financial help (although there have been some awesome family and friends who have stepped up there), but emotional support.  As much as this has affected Pappy, it's taken a toll on me, also. I'm an emotional eater and that's one of the areas of my life that you can see with your own eye it's affected because in times of stress, I seek food as my comfort (God's working on my heart, there, Folks, to turn to Him). I've also had several bouts with my battle with depression and I've noticed in pictures just how tired and haggard I look.  And, I cannot honestly tell you that it's not affected our relationship, too. 

Why am I sharing this?

Because I've learned that just a simple statement to somebody like you realize they must be going through a hard time, but you're praying for them will make such a difference in their day.  I have a precious friend at church and occasionally I'll get a text from her, or a comment on Facebook, or even a card in the mail from her and her sweet husband that we're in their prayers, or she'll write our names on a prayer card at church.  Surely God gives others the wisdom and discernment to realize a friend or family member is struggling.  Can you not tell when you're around others if they're mood is down? Please don't let that observation go without acknowledgement.

This truly isn't a pity party, Folks, because I know that I am so blessed.  As I look back over these last 7 months and see the "it's not odd, it's God" things that have happened I realize they've  been nothing short of a miracle.....

only things that He could have ordained because of the timing.  I'm just asking that each of us open our eyes to the hurt that others are going through and maybe think back on a time that we've been "wounded" and step in with an offer to help in whatever way the Lord directs our hearts.

I promise tomorrow's post will be upbeat, 

but felt God nudging my heart to share something more personal with you today.

HOPE your Monday is truly full of many, many blessings!