Chapters 5 and 6

I was a bit behind so decided to post on two chapters at once.

I gleaned from Chapter 5 that ALL that happens to us is by grand design. God as the grand designer, in whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28), is with us and using all circumstances to shape us ultimately for his purposes and glory.

I am reminded as well that apart from him we can do NOTHING. Our every breath is dependent on him.

In Chapter 6 I began to rethink my position that finding my purpose was a journey I had to make deep inside myself. I believe now that thought is incorrect. I cannot find answers within myself as I do not and cannot hold any answers. The only way to find and fulfill my reason for living is to look outside myself to the God who created me. I need to get my eyes off of myself and onto him. How many times are we reminded of that throughout the New Testament? Even Peter was able to walk on the water as long as he was looking at Christ. As soon as he looked down and took his eyes and focus off of Christ, he became concerned about the circumstances he was in and began to sink.

In this chapter, Sally touches on the power of exercising gratitude. I am a FIRM believer that keeping a gratitude journal refocuses our brain and our energies and changes us from the inside out. I admit I don't journal everyday now - but when I did - I was at a point in my life where change was necessary. This simple exercise reshaped my focus and my heart and I continue to use this exercise during difficult times even today.

I am grateful I have a short drive to work. Every day I see God's creation and see him in it. I LOVE my drive to work. It is a time of prayer and thanksgiving both. I really can't remember a time in my life when I didn't marvel at God's creation. I love the woods, open spaces, water. All of his creation is beautiful. Gee, perhaps I need to remember that when dealing with persons I don't feel are so beautiful. After all, he created them too...........