Turning it Around

So, here we are on our extended vacation in Florida that I mentioned to you all. My husband is traveling over the East coast, so we decided to just call this home base for a little while.

First, I want you to know that it is absolutely wonderful! The home is everything we expected and more. In fact, the first night we arrived at midnight the first thing we did was quickly slip into our suits and promptly jump into the pool!

What a sweet memory for us all. 

Next, I'll honestly tell you that there are some things that aren't exactly what I expected. 

Like, the rain for example... I did not realize that summer is the rainy season for Florida... especially South West Florida where we are staying. We're under cloud cover more than we're not and I can't count how many times I've walked into a store dry and walked out into a complete down pour. 

And, though I knew we'd battle the bugs here I did not really know just how many buggies were calling this place home. We race from the front door to the van to avoid a mosquito attack and then slam the doors shut to keep them out of the van.

The good out ways the bad without a doubt, but I'm learning that even so the bad can create a tone and an attitude within my heart. It can easily seep in and change the way I see everything. And once it's got a foot hold on me it is contagious and spreads to the rest of the family and we are infected. 

So much in our Christian life requires intentional work and dealing with disappointments is a big part of that. When a negative attitude invades our hearts and minds we must get into the habit of turning it around and fast. 

I have a little technique that is helping me. When things turn ugly I first dwell on God's Sovereignty. I remember that not one thing is a surprise to Him. Every step I take. Every hurdle I cross. Every drop of rain. Every single bug. They are all within His reach and all a part of His creation. And I can let them burden me or I can find the blessing in them. 

It’s a choice.

The second thing I do is make the only choice that completely snuffs out the negative. I simply find the blessings in my situation. They are always there, for example... I actually love rain storms and we get very little rain in Reno, so I'm thanking Him for every drop. The kids and I are finding joy in racing from the store to the car in a compete down pour... it's just water and it'll dry. And the beach is just as much fun and a lot cooler under clouds... the ambiance is serene and peaceful and I absolutely love it.

Turning it around is a necessary habit in order to Live Fully right where you are. The complaints all around seem to disappear and His glory abounds more and more. 

"The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all." Psalm 103:19 (NASB)

Living Fully in Florida and counting on…

31. freshly cleaned yard

32. precious prayers of a little sweetheart

33. how they play together

34. when little miss brushes my hair

35. sweet old men carrying real handkerchiefs

36. passing time with wonderful friends

37. the scale moving down

38. everytime husband comes home

39. making plans

40. rain falling all night

41. waking up to snuggling angels

42. daddy, who never wants to let them down

43. when mr. man reads to little miss

44. the way You cover my mistakes

45. the full moon

46. warmer weather

47. darling daughters place in your kingdom

48. obediently turning my upsets over to you and faithfully receiving your peace

49. my swimming superstars

50. thunderstorms and lightening shows 

51. screen covered pool with all the little buggies on the outside

52. super sweet mangos

53. juicy, delicious tomatoes

54. listening to little miss sing the Tangled soundtrack over, and over and over...

55. afternoon naps

56. fresh fish from the fish market

57. white sands

58. having husband (daddy) all to our selves

59. fireworks going off  right over our heads

60. our freedom in this country

61. better yet, our freedom in Christ

62. the ocean

63. giving up my fears and letting them snorkel with dad in the middle of the ocean

64. glass bottom boat rides for me and little miss

65. family fun nights in Florida :)

66. being able to turn it around because of You