What's Your Story?

We'll get to our stories in a minute. First things first, we are still under attack. Sierra, my youngest, tested positive for flu yesterday. So there are about 10 different medicines lining the countertop for all of us, to fight headache, fever, coughing, congestion, and flu. Everyone, excluding me, has been eating next to nothing. I have been eating everything I swore off of- pizza, cookies, marshmellows. I have been on such a sugar craving lately I don't know what's gotten into my self. I'm kind of hoping our homeschool co-op is cancelled Tuesday due to bad weather so we can have a few more days at home to recuperate. Can you believe it? 75 degrees today and 30 degrees tomorrow, with snow. It's definitely March!

One reason I don't want our homeschool group to be cancelled Tuesday is that in our Bible study we are all taking turns sharing our "stories." We all have a story whether we realize it or not. Basically, your story consists of what and who was involved in getting you where you are today. Good or bad. No lying, no covering up, no leaving out embarrassing details. This weekend I have been looking at alot of old pictures of key people in my story, as I was told pictures were a must. It has been fun, but more sad, in re-living old memories. There have been alot of key people and experiences that have left deep marks on my life, not always in the best ways. But, that's my story. Someday, I may share it with you, but not today. I also found a box of old notes from friends in high school. Some were written to me, some were written by me. I stayed up late, unfolding each one, reading every one. After I was done, they were placed in a bag and are going out in tomorrow's trash.

After reading the notes, I wished I could go back in time, to me at 13, and give myself a little wisdom and advice. "Stay away from so-and-so," "You're really good at this, join that club." But I can't. The only thing I can do is be committed to raise my children in a way that (hopefully and prayerfully) they won't make the same mistakes that I did.

So what's your story? Who and what events have played a key part in where you are today? Of course, don't leave out yourself. We are all ultimately responsible for the descisions and actions that have gotten us in this very spot. It would seem hopeless if it weren't for that Bible verse in Romans 8:28 , "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." God takes my mess-ups and makes them part of His plan. How awesome is that!

Think about your story, write it down, share it with at least one person. It can only be used for God's purpose if we allow Him to have it and use it, not if we hide it in our minds. What's our joyful tip for today?
I am joyful as I share the depths that God has brought me out of with others." Who knows? It may be just what they were needing to hear.

Love ya all!
Jenn