Do you ever feel like you let your circumstances determine your mood?

Its hard sometimes not to let it affect how you think, behave, treat your children, spouse or even just feel. Circumstances can affect A LOT. I’ve realized lately that I’ve let our circumstances really defeat me.

Maybe my realizing this will help that to end. Although I think just time in prayer will really be the answer. :)

My temper has been a short fuse… and I often times find myself just wanting to be alone. It isn’t a me I like.

Ephesians is a book I keep turning to for wisdom… I found myself reading through 4 and 5 today – and thought id post some portions that stood out to me.

“8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.” -Eph 5:8-10

“Be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. “ – Eph 5:18-20

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. “ Eph 4:2-4

“11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Eph 4:11-13

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Eph 4:14-16

“22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph 4:22-24

” 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph 4:29

“31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. “ Eph 4:31-32

These scriptures really helped me today and I hope they are helpful for you as well.
We should never let our circumstances defeat us. God always has a plan for us; :) even though we sometimes can’t see it.

I btw have a feeling I will be spending our 4th nurturing our boys. Taite today came up with a 101 plus temp… and Owen is still battling his diaper rash. Although I must admit its much better.

Hopefully by the 4th we will have a well house hold so we can enjoy fire works with some friends… but if not, all is ok. We will spend the 4th together as a family, inside with one another :) – fever and all.