I just have to write this... this morning my driveway actually flooded. I could not (and would not) try to get my car out of my yard due to all the water. I've been living in my house a long time and I've NEVER seen the water build up like it did today. Sure, we're under a flood advisory but it all happened so fast; I didn't have time to bring my car out of the garage. I kept thinking "when the rain lets up I can move my car so I can make it in to work". That never happened. When the rain slacked off some, the water didn't recede fast enough before the heavy rain started up again. So here I am telling you my story, my journey. These past 6 years have been years of flooding in my life. Today was a literal interpretation of that fact and I DID NOT "go off the deep end". Yes!!! In fact, I took the time out to Enjoy myself. I had "Taco Tuesdays", watermelon and played my favorite game. All while thanking and praising God for being with me along this Journey. Aside from the fact that there was nothing I could do to change the situation, there was no part in me that feared, dreaded or doubted that all would be well in the end. Add to the fact that Luke 6:48 kept repeating through my head, I knew God was allowing me to know that my foundation was sure and true: deeply rooted in Him. I don't know where you are right now in your life but I do know that when you purpose in your heart to get rooted in the Word of God, no Flood: downsize on your job, end of a relationship(s), financial troubles or health issues can stand against God's love, protection and provision in your life. No matter your outward situation, as long as you walk in the inward peace in your heart, your foundation cannot be shaken. Trust God today with every area of your life and see him do exceeding, abundantly and above all you can ask or think. Scripture references: Luke 6:48 Ephesians 3:20
Today's post is an interview I had with a coworker who suddenly found herself facing a health crisis. I was new on the job and she was in the process of training me when she had to leave work and focus solely on protecting her health. The longer she stayed off work, the more real the situation became to all of us to not take for granted the people who are in your life. Tell them you love them, Encourage them and most of all just be "present" when you are with them.
Thanks in advance KJ for helping me to encourage others as we all... Enjoy the Journey!
#PathsofEncouragement #POE
POE: Tell me a little about yourself? KJ: My name is KJ and I was born in Birmingham, AL. I attended A.H. Parker High School and Jefferson State Community College. After college I worked various jobs until I finally settled in with the County. I have two children and one grandchild. My hobbies include crocheting, crossword puzzles and helping others. I like movies and going out to eat. I attend a local Baptist church. POE: We only worked together for about a month before you left on medical leave which means I didn't know you well enough to know how this affected you mentally. Will you explain your thoughts/feelings and plan of action to handle this medical challenge? KJ: I was frightened of the unknown. Before and after each procedure I prayed diligently. Prayer was most important especially while waiting for an answer to find out whether it was cancer or not. The only reason I ate differently was because of the lack of an appetite I had. But knowing that I did have to eat, I ate small portions every hour. It was ironic because I felt fine the day before my appointment and the day of the appointment I felt different. On the day of my appointment, I explained to the doctor how I felt. She ordered the blood work and my numbers were elevated. That alarmed her and she ordered other tests to be done. She asked that I bring somebody with me to my follow up visit and that alarmed me. But she knew that I needed someone with me with a clear head that could take in what was being explained. I went to the doctor one day and had surgery the next day. This kept me from having to go back-and-forth with it in my mind. POE: Now that you've been to the doctor, read all the reports and heard all the comments from friends, family and coworkers, what did you do to protect your heart, mind and health? KJ: I’ve had more time to get in God’s word which has strengthened me in so many areas. My faith has increased, my prayer life has increased, my witnessing has increased and my love for God has increased. POE: How has your faith and belief (positive or negative) changed (increased or decreased) in God? KJ: My faith has increased in God. I had my plan but God had His plan in this issue. My plan was to retire but God said to use this time to recover. I thank God that I had favor in that area and that I was not sick a lot throughout the years that enabled me to have enough time to take off work. POE: What's the One thing you wish people would stop asking you about this medical challenge? KJ: Stop asking me about my WEIGHT! My thing is, when someone is ill the weight just naturally comes off. That vexes me when people ask.
POE: If you could encourage just one person today who's being physically challenged, what would you say? KJ: I know we put our faith in doctors, but they don’t have all the answers: we have to truly rely and depend on God.
