Frustration

Frustration is defined in Webster's New World Dictionary as being blocked or thwarted from doing  what you want. This applies to so many aspects of every day life, as well as to major goals. Sometimes we can easily see why we are prevented from having or doing "things", but other times the reason is evasive. The later is where frustration has us pulling our hair out.

This winter has not brought the extreme cold and snow we had last year. Heating bills have reflected this milder season. So you would think the monetary difference would help ease our over all budget, but NO. The money saved on heat has already gone to extra medical expenses and now I need to have some work done on my car. Hopefully, nothing too major, but still it is frustrating.

We are advised to save for the metaphoric "rainy day" that comes to all people. It is raining here in Oregon. I can think of no family member that is not frustrated in at least some aspect of their lives. But where there is frustration, there is also cause for rejoicing. We serve a loving God. He is our ultimate provider and His resources are without end. All we need do is look back on our own history to see how He has taken one frustrating situation after another and carried us through to the other side.

This process sometimes increases our faith. Sometimes it keeps us from veering off on a path of destruction. Sometimes it provides a lesson we will need to navigate life's rapids yet to come. One of the most important lessons being Let Go and Let God. This is not an easy lesson and we often need to learn it over and over again. Don't kick yourself. Just get on your knees and hand both the frustration and the solution over to the only One that can do anything about it, our heavenly father.

 I pray that your frustrations will yield positive provisions from above. Please pray for us, as well.

Happy 2015

Good by to 2014 and good riddance. There are so many wonderful memories of that by gone year, but way too many bad ones, as well. As I choose to  look forward, I will not fall into listing any of them.

Winter is here and spring will soon follow. My garden will need a lot of attention. But for now, I am working on my office. A son-in-law and his son-in-law came by on New Years Eve and moved some heavy file cabinets and furniture for me. This will make access much easier. I am grateful for that act of kindness. I have already began to sort, organize, and put away. Next will be our taxes.

No trips are planned for 2015. We will most likely stick pretty close to home. Our daughter Amy anticipates coming for a short stay in the spring and I imagine others will find their way to our door, as well. It is always good to have company for short periods. Family and friends are very special to us. So many are, like us, aging quickly. We never know when we say good by, if it will be for the last time.

May 2015 be looked back on as being a year of peace, love, and friendship. May the Lord bring health and happiness to you and yours, no matter what stage of life this year finds you in today. Happy New Year to all.