Change is hard, even when it's good!

Several weeks ago--actually it's probably been a few months now--I began to feel overwhelmed and restless. That's usually a sign that change is coming! I have a "split personality" about change. I love adventure and look forward to learning and experiencing new things. But I also am sentimental and a bit stubborn (okay more than a bit:-) I like to stick with what's comfortable and familiar.

On November 16, 2008 I made my first blog post at Godly Graffiti, my "writing blog." A month later, in December I made my first post at Crayon Chronicles blog. At the end of this month, I'm going to officially close them both down. It has been a difficult decision for me as I really have formed a relationship with each of them -- and my followers and readers. But as much as I love those two "babies" of mine, it has become clear that I am to be economizing my time and energy.

I went back to work full time in March of this year and so have had less and less time to write and less time to visit my bloggy friends and followers who have supported and encouraged me so much. In fact, it became a real stressor for me. So I asked God to direct me and clarify how He wanted me to serve Him the most effectively. Well . . . you know what they say about being careful what you ask for! :-)

So while these two blogs will be phased out, a new blog that ties in to my "writing for pay" columns will make an appearance very soon. It is called Just Be Frugal and will link to this blog as well as my two columns at Examiner, Richmond Frugal Family and Richmond Working Moms.

This blog will remain! I can't imagine not being divinely designed! I hope and pray you will be blessed by the new blog and that you'll continue to follow me here. When the new blog is up, you'll be the first to know about it! I also hope to have more time to visit my friends in the new year with regularity. I love you all and you have blessed me with your friendship.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Prayer, faith, hope

Edie at Rich Gifts designed this beautiful prayer button for Mike, a member of our church family, battling cancer and multiple health issues. Please feel free to copy the code from my sidebar to place it on your blog or website. This family is need of on-going prayer. Scroll down to read about the journey Mike and his family have been on since shortly before Christmas or click HERE.

As an update, Mike had the umbrella procedure yesterday to drain the fluid from around his heart and apparently came through with flying colors. His wife felt good enough about how comfortably he was sleeping yesterday afternoon that she slipped out to spend some 'fun time' with their girls. Mike called her to change his earlier order from Slurpee to chocolate shake. How her heart must have leapt for joy to have that conversation with him in the midst of all they are experiencing.

~Prayer is powerful and God hears us when we call out to Him! Prayer moves mountains and it also guides the hands of skilled surgeons. It informs the wisdom of families making tough decisions about their future. It uplifts those barely hanging on to hope. Prayer invites God into our world and our prayers are powerful!

~Faith is not about believing God will give us what we want or do what we want Him to do. Faith is believing God is in control and that His desire is for only our good. He dwells with us and in heaven in the midst of pain and hardship, trial and suffering. He rejoices with us the joyful and celebratory moments as well.

~Hope is the promise that we will get through whatever life throws at us. Prayer and faith are the only way to get to hope.

Join me in taking time today to be still and know God is in heaven and on earth. In and through each of us His love is manifested to a hurting, broken world in desperate need of His healing and grace.

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16 NIV).

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary