I love my Life!

Have you ever heard anyone say that before? "I love my life". With all the social media networks we have access to; I have seen that written on many occasions. What I began to notice was the difference between the lives that were being described. It ranged from a mom with 4 kids getting ready for the first day at school, a grandfather enjoying their grandchildren, a teenager spending the day at the water park, a single girl spending time with girlfriends or a Pastor’s wife loving her role in ministry. I am sure the single girl looking at the mom with 4 kids thinks, “how could she love her life?” assuming how much work and time children might be or the lady seeing the pastors wife role, thinking “no way would I want to do that” and on it may go!

The point is even though all of our lives are different, is that you can say, “I love my life”.

Your life can not examined by what others think your life should be. You are responsible to live the life God had called YOU to live. The Word says that God wrote a book about your life! I love that! I can’t wait to get to heaven and run to that grand library and find the book with MY name written on it and see that I fulfilled all that God had planned for me!

We have to be so careful that we are not looking at another person’s life and comparing it to our own. 2 Corinthians 10:12-13 talks about not to class or compare ourselves with those that think they are better than us or “know” better for us. Verse 13 says, we must stay within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us.

God knows exactly what is best for you and what timing is best for your life. When we start to compare ourselves with others we immediately enter the next stage called Jealousy. Jealousy is a powerful and damaging emotion. TD Jakes taught me that the feeling of Jealousy comes in our life because we don’t really believe God will do it for us. How true is that?!

(I love this picture, she's gonna get him!)

It says in James 3:16 (Amplified Bible)16For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices.

This is such a strong verse to the effects of Jealousy, wouldn’t you agree? It’s just not worth it!

In Psalm 119:105 it says, “Your[God’s] word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path” Rest your heart in knowing God is going to illuminate your path at every turn and in one moment your life can change!!

We need to learn to say and mean it: “I love my life!”

Down Memory Lane

I have a very fond memory growing up and I want to share it with you. For starters, let me introduce to you my Second Grade teacher from Christian Life School in Rockford, IL. I have recently reconnected with and it has been such a huge blessing! Her name is
Miss Caroline Seabaugh.

by Miss Seabaugh:

"My first year teaching Second Grade in St. Louis, a very dear Nun who taught 4th grade had my class and her class learn and recite the poem, "God Forgive Me When I Whine"...little did I know that it would become my favorite poem and have so much meaning. Every year I would teach my little people that poem and have them recite it any time they had an opport

unity. Another favorite of mine, was "Little Boy Blue" by Eugene Field. I never missed teaching that to all my Second Graders and when I came to CLC in Rockford, IL it was part of the curriculum"

Miss Seabaughs favorite memory of Barb:

One of my most favorite memories of Barb, was her sweet smile and her gentle spirit. She always had questions and she could always melt my heart with her sweet innocence. I loved the times we laughed together. She left footprints on my heart that is still there today.

By Barb and my favorite memory of Miss Seabaugh:

Even though I was very little I remember Miss Seabaugh loving being a teacher and loving the kids! One day after school, she took me to the mall shopping, we ate some dinner (even though I can’t remember what we ate) and she took me to church later that night. I thought that was the coolest things a teacher could do! She is still really cool today!

I wanted to share the poem with you that I have NEVER forgot. She taught that to us in our classroom and it really impacted me even into my adult life, I hope it blesses you as much as it did me:

God, Forgive Me When I Whine
Today, upon a bus,
I saw a girl with golden hair.
I envied her, she seemed so gay,
And I wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch.
But as she passed, she gave a smile.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two legs, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.
The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes, the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play.
He seemed not to know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew he couldn't hear.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears, the world is mine.
With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine
I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

Author: Red Foley