The roller coaster ride of life :)

Do you like roller coaster rides? Some people love them, and actually plan vacations around them. They travel to every roller coaster site in the country so they can feel the thrill of the ride - the more intense, the more they love it! Others prefer tamer rides like Ferris wheels that go round and round, over and over again. When you get onto a Ferris wheel, you know what to expect each time you make the circle, right?

I think life is more like a roller coaster, don't you? You can have all these different events going on at one time.You're flying high and thrilled beyond words because of the anticipation of one, and then, oops -free fall-- you fall from the peak and almost crash land because of something bad that happens. Then, before you know it, there's a quick right turn, then a quick left turn, a few upside downs and your back to level ground for a while...before you start climbing again toward the next peak! It's exhilarating and exhausting at the same time.

All of us just love the feeling of anticipation, don't we? The marriage of a loved one, the birth of a grandchild, graduation, moving into a new house, a new job or a long deserved vacation! We are soaring when we look forward to these exciting times in life. But, we all also face a lot hardships during our earthly journey. As you get older you see it more. Death, sickness, disappointment and failure (just to name a few) sneak in at the most inopportune times, and when you really aren't ready for them. But then again, when are we ever ready?

As I approach my 55th birthday in October, I find myself a member of the sandwich generation. I'm right in the middle of aging and sickly parents on one side and my grown kids struggling to find their place in this world, on the other. Then I've got my own needs and the needs of my husband, other family members and friends. Yikes! It can be pretty overwhelming at times.Yet, I know that God put me here, right now, at this time on earth and I am going to do my best to shine! 

The key for me is to always look up! Look up to the Creator of the universe. Look up for my strength. The Bible says to Praise Him in ALL circumstances. Praise Him in great times and Praise Him in bad times.
Give Him all the glory for what you know He is going to do regardless of what is before you. Never cease praying and never cease thanking Him no matter what happens.

The Book of Ephesians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. I just love reading the encouraging scriptures written by the Apostle Paul 2,000 years ago to the believers at Ephesus. During that trying time, he himself was imprisoned in a jail cell in Rome. Yet, even in the midst of his incarceration, he was not focusing on himself or his troubles, but instead, he was looking up! He was spending his time praying, writing, and encouraging new believers in their faith!

Those words still resonate today in this fast paced world we live in. That's what I want to do. I always want to look up, in all circumstances of life; good and bad.

My verse for today is from Ephesians 5:19-20

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

My prayer for today

Dearest Heavenly Father, Lord:

I come to you today in Thanksgiving. I thank you for my life and the lives of my family and friends. Thank you for placing me on this earth at this particular time. I pray that you might give me the strength each day to live for you, proclaiming your Holy Name in all circumstances.

I pray for my Mom and Dad, Lord. They are getting older and they are struggling each day in their lives. Surround them with your loving arms of comfort. Let them feel your presence, help them not to get discouraged. I pray for my sons; that your loving Hands will guide them each day. I especially pray for my younger son who is really struggling right now. Put people in his path that will encourage and uplift him during this trying time. Surround both my children with your loving arms of protection and love. I pray for my beloved husband. Thank you for his love. Strengthen him as he goes out into the world each day.

I ask all these things in name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen