TELL OTHERS WHAT GOD HAS DONE
Often in advice columns in the newspaper we read about people who are irritated and sad because they feel their parents have not shown them adequate love. If only they knew Jesus personally, their lives could be very different.
I myself didn’t have a very "normal" home life when growing up, but now I see only blessings as I look back on those years. What future was there for a child who was often too serious and maybe depressed because of health problems and difficulty in school? I had few real friends, and my father was an alcoholic who left us because of mental problems when I was only ten years old. Even now, if I obsessed over the past, I could become sad and bitter about life.
But God came into my life and made a big difference. He brought my mother to know Christ as her Savior and gave her the determination and the ability to raise my two sisters and me in an atmosphere of love. We went to church regularly (though we had to walk several miles) and enjoyed learning to understand the Bible, which had the key to successful living. We each accepted Jesus as our personal Savior and found Him to be an all-sufficient Lord. Also, God gave us wonderful friends during our high school years and later, people we still enjoy visiting occasionally.
Instead of moaning that I could not attend college, I rejoice that God led me to Prairie Bible Institute in Canada, where I got a good four-year education as well as training that helped me be able to serve God as a missionary to the Navajo Indians.
Although I still had health problems, God enabled me to overcome them and go overseas to serve Him in Laos with the OMF. Later when other problems arose and I had to come home, He led me into satisfying, fulfilling work in America and even gave me a husband and family.
I missed out on the joy of bearing children, but it always seems amazing to me that I finally found a godly husband. Lindell’s sons Terry and Steve and our grandchildren have a special place in my heart. Also, through the years God helped me become so close to two neighbor families that I could enjoy watching their children grow up. These young people almost seem like extra grandchildren as I have prayed for them while they grew to maturity.
Not only do I have a precious family to enjoy today, I also have a special ministry with my husband at our church and a writing ministry in addition. What more could a person want? No, life is not perfect, but God has never failed me.
Instead of thinking only of the negative experiences of life, I thank God for the positive blessings He has given me. I hope you will turn away from the depressing memories that try to hold you down. Focus on the good things God has done for you. God will transform every hardship into a blessing, if you will let Him open your eyes!
Let’s be thankful for God’s goodness and also tell others what He has done for us, as it says in Psalm 105:1 – "O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people."
Often in advice columns in the newspaper we read about people who are irritated and sad because they feel their parents have not shown them adequate love. If only they knew Jesus personally, their lives could be very different.
I myself didn’t have a very "normal" home life when growing up, but now I see only blessings as I look back on those years. What future was there for a child who was often too serious and maybe depressed because of health problems and difficulty in school? I had few real friends, and my father was an alcoholic who left us because of mental problems when I was only ten years old. Even now, if I obsessed over the past, I could become sad and bitter about life.
But God came into my life and made a big difference. He brought my mother to know Christ as her Savior and gave her the determination and the ability to raise my two sisters and me in an atmosphere of love. We went to church regularly (though we had to walk several miles) and enjoyed learning to understand the Bible, which had the key to successful living. We each accepted Jesus as our personal Savior and found Him to be an all-sufficient Lord. Also, God gave us wonderful friends during our high school years and later, people we still enjoy visiting occasionally.
Instead of moaning that I could not attend college, I rejoice that God led me to Prairie Bible Institute in Canada, where I got a good four-year education as well as training that helped me be able to serve God as a missionary to the Navajo Indians.
Although I still had health problems, God enabled me to overcome them and go overseas to serve Him in Laos with the OMF. Later when other problems arose and I had to come home, He led me into satisfying, fulfilling work in America and even gave me a husband and family.
I missed out on the joy of bearing children, but it always seems amazing to me that I finally found a godly husband. Lindell’s sons Terry and Steve and our grandchildren have a special place in my heart. Also, through the years God helped me become so close to two neighbor families that I could enjoy watching their children grow up. These young people almost seem like extra grandchildren as I have prayed for them while they grew to maturity.
Not only do I have a precious family to enjoy today, I also have a special ministry with my husband at our church and a writing ministry in addition. What more could a person want? No, life is not perfect, but God has never failed me.
Instead of thinking only of the negative experiences of life, I thank God for the positive blessings He has given me. I hope you will turn away from the depressing memories that try to hold you down. Focus on the good things God has done for you. God will transform every hardship into a blessing, if you will let Him open your eyes!
Let’s be thankful for God’s goodness and also tell others what He has done for us, as it says in Psalm 105:1 – "O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people."
posted by Rosemary @ 7:11 AM
