Healing within Me

For those of you who have been following my blog for more than a year or so, you've probably been wondering where in the world I've been! Yes, I've been putting up a post now and then as well as my weekly blog link-up, Sharing His Beauty. But, for the most part I've been rather silent, I know. I’m sorry about that…I've been in a bit of a slump ever since last October. I’m coming out of it now, but any of you who are mothers know that a mother’s heart will always grieve for her children who are lost. It has been very difficult to get through this time of sorrow, but God has been carefully and tenderly healing my heart. He has blessed me greatly over the past year and has shown me His love in many ways, including through new friends that I've met through this rather neglected blog. I still have my low days when I ache for my daughter, but I am trusting God for His plan in this. My greatest prayer is that she returns to the Lord, whether God chooses to bring her back into my life or not.

As for me, I just want to be myself again! By nature, I’m a positive person who loves to bring encouragement to others. However, I've felt like a stranger for months, barely recognizing the girl I once was. I am only now beginning see familiar bits of my personality slowly returning. Thank you for bearing with me during this time. 

I was just reminded this morning that God is preparing me for something. I know He will use every pain and every sorrow in some positive way, for God never, ever wastes a hurt. I have dreams for my future…things I want to do to serve Him, but for a long time now; those dreams have seemed unattainable due to my broken heart. But this morning, I was encouraged to lay my dreams on the table and ask the Father to breathe His life on them and to remember that those desires and dreams in my heart are there because He wants to use me for His purposes. Oh what joy that would be! I would love to feel productive again…and to know that my offerings to Him were received with rejoicing!

I just began an online Bible study called, “You Are Loved” by Sally Clarkson and Angela Perritt.  The first memory verse shared in it is one of my all-time favorite verses.

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17

Those words are a soothing balm to my aching heart. My God is with me and He will save me! No matter what happens in my life, no matter who does or doesn't love me, God loves me! And He loves me so much that He is actually singing songs over me. Isn't that amazing? I am so thankful for His love and the healing He is doing within me. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for me and for my family. I so appreciate your faithfulness to this little blog and to our friendship. I am continuing to place my faith in Him.

In His grip,

Linked with:
Three Word Wednesday
Winsome Wednesday
Recommendation Saturday
Counting My Blessings
Spiritual Sundays