In The Storms of This Life

In this world we will go through a storm at some point. Whether it be a small or large storm is uncertain.That storm can be anything that is difficult for you to handle. 

I learned recently that while in the storms of this life the waves outside of your "boat" (self) may be crashing, pushing, pulling, swaying you, freezing, uncomfortable, scary and frightening (that all being life events).

And that gives us 2 options:

We can lay down in our boat & wait (pray)
 OR
we can paddle harder.

What will you choose to do?

And some of the time all we can do is wait, give it to God and trust in Him. And that is a hard thing to do sometimes because we want to try to be strong on our own and do something. But, I promise it is easier to just give it to God right away. I've learned firsthand that doing that is the best way and I'm still learning and working on it. And there is a time to walk in the direction God is leading you.

I am reminded of Matthew 8:23-27. When the disciples were in the boat with Jesus while the storm was brewing Jesus was sleeping. The disciples were all scared and nervous. They shouted for Him to save them. Jesus replied: "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" He then got up and stopped the storm. And the disciples were amazed! 

It's not whether we face a storm in this life it is HOW we will respond to the storms. If we can manage to trust in our God and His lead...the crashing waves will be much more bearable. 

Promise.

"I will praise you in the storm" (By: Casting Crowns) is such a great song!

CASTING CROWNS LYRICS

"Praise You In This Storm"

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

[Chorus x2]

Sincerely,

Jamie :)

Enjoying the present

There always seems to be something I'm looking forward to...

Spring weather 

My kid's birthday parties

Summer fun

Fall weather

Date nights with the hubby

Shopping time

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Spring Break Vacay

Easter

End of the school year 

Beginning of the school year 

This list just goes on + on...

But for those times when there is not really anything in particular to look forward to...it's kind of a let down. I'm not going to lie.

Like when your special thing you're looking forward to is...over? Then it's on to the next thing. 

For example it is so exciting to prepare for a vacation. Getting it booked. Dreaming about the scenery there and how relaxing it will be. Getting clothes for the trip. Thinking about all the fun things you will be doing. But when it is over, it's kind of sad that all that planning is done and the vacation is over. However, I do always enjoy coming home. Because I love being home with my family.

Or I can remember to my wedding day. My beautiful wedding :). All the planning, preparing and excitement prior to and during. Then the day after we went on our honeymoon. Which was full of even more excitement. Returning to our real life in our new home as a couple was also exciting. But the big fancy wedding and honeymoon was over. And it seemed like forever that I was waiting for it.

 Not all the time is this true. For example I love preparing for Christmas and looking forward to spending time celebrating Jesus' birth and being with family. Not to mention seeing my cute kiddos excitement when they open their gifts. I actually enjoy the day after Christmas, too. Because generally it's a relaxing day and fun to reminisce. And it's my sweet Mom's Birthday! Which is very fun to celebrate.

With all the exciting things that will be happening in the FUTURE...what about the PRESENT. 

The today? The NOW? 

My sweet and amazing friend from Bible study posted this recently:

I Was Dying

First I was dying to finish high school and start college.

And then I was dying to finish college and start working.

And then I was dying to marry and have children.

And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough for school so I could return to work.

And then I was dying to retire. 

And now, I am dying. .. and suddenly I realize I forgot to live.

Anonymous. Submitted by Nicole Zablocki
Find it HERE 

How true is this? It is definitely a great reminder. I remember when I was in H.S. looking forward to college. Then being done with college and working as an RN. Then I had babies and all I wanted to do was be with them as much as possible. And now that I have one in 1st grade and another headed to Kindergarten next year, I want to spend as much time in the "now" as possible. I want to soak in the time at home with my littles. Because before I know it they will be having littles of their own.

Live in the moment. Be excited about the day you are living now. Make the most out of it. Love who you are and what your calling in life is. I know I need to work on this and remind myself daily. 

Jamie :)

Favorite Quotes

Instagram...I love it! 

Not only do I love the beautiful filters but I absolutely am smitten with the quotes I come across. 

My mood can instantly be brighter when I come across a quote that speaks to my heart.

So I started taking a photo of them. This way I can remember them and share with you :).

(By the way you can follow me on Instagram @ jamierossie)

Follow @biblelockscreens

Amen to this! God does have a plan for our lives and it will turn out right in His precious timing. I constantly remind myself of this.

Follow @christianrepost

Fear is such a tough emotion. In life there is so much to be fearful for. Every single day we are faced with the potential to let fear ruin our day. But I remind myself that my faith must be stronger and BIGGER than it. 

Follow @jessseinfeld

This is truth. If I let my mind race...it can go all sorts of places...good and bad. Trusting in my God is key.

Follow @jessaseewald

Christ has forgiven us of every single one of our sins when we ask Him to. He died on the cross for our sins. So how can we not forgive? 

Follow @annaduggar

I absolutely believe this! One of the most beautiful blessings came to my family unplanned and I thank God every single day.

Follow @frederickjohngs

Follow @_lovejesus

A complete refocus is happening when we are able to do this. I can remember specifically one Sunday in Church when I was singing. I completely gave Christ my worries + struggles and I felt complete tears of joy come down my cheeks. An amazing feeling!

Follow @christianaccounts

Oh so true. We are bigger than our thought patterns and are able to control them.

Follow @lysaterkeurst

Spending time digging into His word and spending the time with Him allows His divine blessings to flow onto us. I want to become less and Him more.

Enjoy! Happy Monday!

Jamie