Dear Grumbling Friend,

Lately I've been feeling ultra prone to grumble and complain.

Be it due to the mounting uncertainties looming in our families not-to-distant future

or simply lamenting about challenging behaviors/interactions from my children - 

I'm just feeling plain BLAH because of it all.   

And, I'm ready to 

SHAKE. IT. OUT. 

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What better time than Easter to declare war on negative thoughts and attitudes that the devil is clearly trying to weigh me down with.   

With the Lords help,  I'm ready to say, "NO" to temptations to 
grumble, complain or wallow in self pity.

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Who's with me?

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation,           

in which you shine like stars in the universe."

 - Philippians 2:14-15.

Sincerely, 

Dear Dis-Contented Friend, I've learned a cure for the grumpy heart...

grati·tude

noun

~ a feeling of thankful appreciation for favors or benefits received; thankfulness ~

card by Valerie Kiser

One thing I have learned over and over in my life is the minute I start feeling dis-content, grumpy or generally down in the dumpy slumps, I need only change my thinking into thoughts of gratitude about whatever has got me down.  It's amazing how I instantly get a fresh perspective when I simply make that intentional mental shift.

In the midst of being irritated at my children's neediness or mis-behavior; I must remind myself the sweet adorable things they say and do most of the time, be thankful for their health, safety, and their mere presence that so many other childless couples yearn deeply for. 

When I feel discontent about the state of the decor (or lack there of) my house; I charge myself to be thankful that I have a home to begin with. So many people loose theirs due to natural disaster, or to financial crisis.

Instead of focusing on what my husband doesn't do; remember what he does; he is faithful, hard-working to provide for our family, engaging, caring, deep thinker... (I could go on...and I should more often)

Gratitude doesn't always come naturally, it's a choice, but something we should choose in all things, even if we're not in a season of abundance...

1 Thes. 5:18:
 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

What are you choosing to be grateful for today?

Dear Friend Restless in Uncertainty,

Wouldn't it be great if there was a Doppler Radar for life ?

image credit: techicaldirector

Every week you could tune in to see what was ahead in the immediate future.... "Stressful with a 30 % chance of financial crisis", or "Happy and cheerful with nothing but laughter and success on the horizon."

For much of our married life thus far, my husband and I have had to make plans and preparations for most of our 'next steps' based on a very uncertain future.

As we enter into yet another season of uncertainty, I find comfort leaning into the truth of
 Proverbs 16:9 ~

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

What are you waiting or stepping out in faith for today?

Sincerely,
Heidi