A Breath of Fresh Air

With the colder temps often comes a 'colder' temperament. Since the birth of my third child I have noticed towards the end of Fall, around daylight savings, my temperament shifts. My emotions go on a roller coaster taking me to lows I'd be just fine without. (Maybe you recall my last post about this 'ride'.) I know I'm not alone in this and my heart aches more knowing what statistics state about the 'winter blues'. Many have it, but few know it or want to admit it. Well I'm here to tell you it's okay, you are not alone and you CAN fight it!

How does this fit in with our adoption? Well any time we answer YES to a call from God, Satan shudders. He schemes. He devises a plan to ruin our YES! Add that on top of my seasonal mood swings and it's not an easy battle. For the last month I've been fighting hard. My family has had to fight as well. We feel the war coming and are covering ourselves daily with the armor of God, the only one who can win this fight but I'm not perfect at that. There are days where I awake and go about my own business, forgetting to include God, forgetting to take His hand. Recently I asked a friend if she had intense mood swings during the adoption process and if so, how did she handle it. She admitted that was true for her. Her next reply, though brief and honest, was just the reminder I needed.

"Jesus. The only answer. If you are going to dig your heels into something to cope, dig them into His Word and prayer. It is truly the only answer that doesn't somehow disappoint."

She also admitted that battle was nothing compared to what she is going through now, with her daughter home. Ouch! She's right, I better dig my heels into Him, His promises, His love, His peace, His power and His light that shines on any darkness looming. This is only one step of the process.

So, each morning I'm embracing the cold. I open my back door and take a deep breath of fresh, cold air. I set my alarm to wake up just 15-20 minutes early and talk to God. My first thoughts when I arise are prayers to Him who has blessed me with another day. I give Him control. Every day is far from perfect but with Him leading, it sure is better. And do you know what I have noticed??

Blessings. Blessings everywhere. Blessings I was blind to before because I was looking to inner strength and allowing that cold temperament to stand in my way. I have listed just a few of those blessings below. I encourage you to do the same in your life. Whether you have 'winter blues' or a unique call in Christ, digging your heels into His presence can only reveal great things.

My Blessings
- friends that have taken time out of their lives to assist with our fundraiser

- a husband who works hard every day to provide for my family

- children who love me despite my faults

- family that supports 

- community that fills a need

- love, unconditional love 

Tomorrow is our next fundraiser, one that we hope will bless so many not just tomorrow but in years to come. I am overcome with emotions this week, but emotions that I welcome: joy, honor, humility. I have shed many tears this week as I consider all the hands that have played a role in this event. So many who don't even know us personally but believe in a God who calls us to care for the orphan. On top of that, our paperwork is moving onto the next phase. By the end of the year, it could be on its way to Haiti. 

So, embrace today and every day by taking a breath of fresh air, God's air that is filled with all you need to fight and win.  AND check back next week to read about how our fundraiser turned out!

*For those looking for more suggestions on how to handle the winter blues here is a link to check out. http://kriscarr.com/blog-video/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/