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Janine Claire Robinson
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Welcome to my little writing corner. I count my many blessings to be a cherished wife and an ever-learning-loving-growing mother to 3 amazing children this side of Heaven and a precious little boy in Heaven. Together as a family we pastor a precious church community called Redeeming Hope Church. I've had the privilege of loving and following Jesus Christ since my earliest memories as a child. No matter what I've gone through in life, He has always been so present. At heart, I'm an encourager ... so this is a place where I get to wear my heart on my sleeve and share my journey of learning to live a life of love in action.

"Be anxious for NOTHING" ...

Have you ever had one of those days where there are SO MANY pressing reasons to become anxious or stressed? I slipped into that stress cycle early this morning. We have precious friends arriving tomorrow lunchtime for the weekend with their family, and this is what the outside room where they are sleeping looks like ...
The open plan bedroom / kitchen / living area is still in the process of getting it's cupboards and carpet!
The bathroom is still in the process of being tiled and having the plumbing all sorted out! Oh ... did I mention that all this has to be done BY TOMORROW LUNCHTIME?! Yikes indeed!!!
Everything was running perfectly on time, until the tilers decided to rock up 6 hours late yesterday and leave 2 hours later. I am STILL waiting for them to arrive this morning. Almost 2 hours late and counting! The plumbers can't install the toilet and sink until the tilers finish ... and the plumbers are here waiting! Get my current state of mind! The temptation to stress out today is almost irresistible. I can't tell you the words I have rehearsed in my mind to say to the tilers when they eventually pitch up! BUT GOD and His amazing patience, mercy and gracious heart which has cornered me once again. Just as I was rehearsing my speech His words filled my mind ...
"Be anxious FOR NOTHING, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, WILL guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
Nothing like a little bit of "God perspective" to bring you back to reality. EVERYDAY there are plenty of reasons to be anxious. If I get real honest with myself ... my current little drama is nothing compared to real heart-sore issues that many people are facing. But no matter how big or small the temptation to stress, God IS ABLE to bring tremendous peace into our hearts and minds to carry us through whatever we have to negotiate today. 
What good would it really do to blast the tilers? Would I really feel any better afterwards. Knowing me, I would feel worse! Would it magically make everything come together? Nope. So ... what do I have to lose to simply change my perspective by starting to give thanks! That's exactly what I am choosing to do right now. I am choosing to see all the 101 reasons that I have to rejoice and give thanks over!!!
Today as I work this through and practice it myself I am encouraging you to join me in mentally starting to think about what you could give thanks for. I guarantee you that the stress will ease and perspective and peace will cover over your heart and mind and your day will look a whole lot better.
(When things come together, and I know that somehow they will come together ... I will have to post you some pics of our little makeover. Even if it's not all perfect by tomorrow, I can rejoice that I have good friends coming to stay who will laugh with us and take it all in their stride. See ... there is always SOMETHING to be thankful for!!! hee hee)
All my love,
Janine xxx 

Comments

Susan said…
Thanks for the reminder. It is always good to get re-centered, to step back from our own anxieties and to see the big picture once again.
Friday, September 21, 2012
EJN said…
Yep! Amen to that. Happy hosting and house fixing.
Blessings to you Dear Sister,
Jojo
Saturday, September 22, 2012
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