Friday Writings......7/1/16

    Good morning...

Tomorrow my daughter, Aleisha, and her family, are arriving for a vacation in California. We only have her for the night, and then they leave to visit her mother-in-law. She and our grandson will be back on the 8th for 11 days. We are planning on activities that Sam will enjoy. Let the fun begin!       

Hope your Friday is a good one.

God bless from
Corinne


The Devotional component in the Friday Writings of Women's Focus Ministries is titled, "...Through the Labyrinth of Life" was written by Corinne Mustafa. The topic of this writing is the passages of life that people pass through as they get older. The important thing is to Carpe Diem...whatever you can at the stage you are in. Corinne wrote, "I am blessed that I am not afraid to die, because I know where I am going..... Father, Thank You for Your plans and what You have prepared for Your people who love You.  "

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  Today's Devotional   

"...Through the Labyrinth of Life"

written by

Corinne Mustafa

...Through the Labyrinth of Life

In 1976 Gail Sheehy published a book called PASSAGES which covered the different stages and of life and the challenges and crises built into each stage of passage. At that time I was thirty three and not to concerned about the later stages. Ms. Sheehy had some interesting theories. I felt that some applied and that some were not relevant to life as I understood at the ripe old age of 33. The book was well received, and everyone was talking about it. I had a copy of the book, but sometime in the ensuing thirty+ years I have lost track of it. Somehow I managed to walk through the stages that were defined with only a few disasters.

In the nineties Gail Sheehy wanted to do a sequel to her book and when she studied the attitudes, beliefs, habits, and practices that were prevalent she found that people were staying longer in each stage. They were not gracefully rushing towards their elder years as defined in the mores of the 70’s. Rather they seemed to be slowing down to smell the roses and enjoy each level longer than before. At this time she added ten years to each stage. That is good news to many of my peers as we reach later passages of our lives.You have heard the saying, for instance, that "sixty is the new forty."

Our family could be said to be finished. However, this is not true. On April 20, 1968 a wife came into existence. The earlier years were times of adjustment and compromise. Children came into the max and the marriage was a fluid thing…growing and evolving. This has not stopped even almost forty-eight years later.

On June 11, 1973 my son was born. His mother was also born. This is a lifetime roll that we adjust to fit the needs of the changing ages of our children. Then it expands in adulthood to adding in someone else’s adult children who become our “children” by marriage. Grandchildren are added into the mix. If we are blessed enough we might even meet our great grandchildren.

I am at a stage that, while I do not dwell on it, I think about death more often. It used to be a thought about the distant future, now it looms closer. I heard a quote once that I cannot repeat word for word. However, it speaks to me. The gist of it is that it is a question asking, “God, if You wanted me to be happy to go to heaven, why did You make the world so beautiful?” I could add lots to a list starting with beautiful world such as grandchildren to watch grow up, travel that now is possible, fellowship that is so wonderful.

While these things are true there are other things that are not so pleasant. As I age I find that my body is weakening. I have poor balance and less stamina. It takes me longer to get things done, and there never seems to be enough time. I get tired easily. I have to tell myself that there were always blessings and challenges at every stage. These are just the blessings and challenges of this later stage.

I am blessed that I am not afraid to die, because I know where I am going. Still, I think I would like to be here longer. I know that this is a tad silly and that I need to get a grip…to put things in perspective so to speak. I need "Carpe Diem," (seize the day) and all that God has for me. This also includes letting go of things that have become too difficult to engage in as frequently. Life is good; it is filled with God’s blessings at every stage; we must be mindful to run with the things we have. God is orchestrating our lives according to His plan. I need to remember this at every turn in my path and embrace the fact that I will soon see God face to face.

The Bible says:

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived what God has prepared
for those who love him"

1 Corinthians 2:9

Eye hath not seen - This is the same as saying, that no one has ever fully perceived and understood the value and beauty of those things which God has prepared for his people. This scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit and tells us of the marvel that await us in heaven. 

Father, Thank You for Your plans and what You have prepared for your people who love You. As I walk through the labyrinth of my life I am grateful for Your love and concern for me which will bring those who love Your Son to the other side. Help me to keep sight of the wonder of this and to accept life as You give it to me with joy. Amen

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   Let's Pray for Hope   

Almighty God,

You are my hope, and you are my strength.
You are guiding me toward your will, and I will follow you.
I will walk in amazing faith this day.
I will lift up truth, and I will pull down strongholds.
I will declare that my enemies will not triumph over me.
Sickness will not triumph over me.
Financial lack will not triumph over me.
And ______________ will not triumph over me.
                (fill in the blank) I was created to be powerful. I was created to be victorious.
Today I will walk in the power, purpose, and peace of Jesus Christ.

Amen

Prayers for Hope
continued

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am facing a situation that appears hopeless.
Emotions like disappointment, confusion, and depression want to attach themselves to me.
Reach out to me and bring me thoughts of a good future. I will welcome them.
Lord, show me new possibilities.
Help me to more clearly see my gifts and talents. Help me to more clearly see the good things in my life.
Father God, help me to believe that I am precious and valuable to you.
Thank you that you have reminded me that I was born for a great purpose.
I will choose to believe that you are bringing hope into my heart this day, so that I will have more hope tonight when I go to bed than when I got up this morning.
Father God, I will realize that hope has a name: Jesus.

Amen

Copyright © 2006 Beth McLendon of Inspirational-Prayers.com

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   Today's Inspiring Graphic   

Believers
Beware
They are everywhere.
Don't let yourselves be fooled

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Prayers are lifted up daily for 

you by the Devotional Writers 

and the Monthly Writing Staff

of Women's Focus Ministries.

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