My Lord,

I love how you change my path and my mind.  I'm so wide open to you that every time I look in the mirror, I have to smile at "that girl." I say with laughter, "Who are you?"

Thank you Father for the comfort you've provided me and that you continue to provide.  Last night I was not going to go for my walk and then a friend text and inspired me.  I got dressed and headed for the boardwalk at 8pm.  So not me.  I usually turn in about 8:30 or so. Lol

Not even 10 minutes into my walk, I happened upon a friend.  And once again, as I type that sentence, I realize that you set the whole thing up.  He needed to talk and there I was; right where you placed me.  As I listened and comforted him, he thanked me.  I always give hugs at the end and I could tell that my presence helped him.  Not sure what the outcome will be, but he thanked me for my "insight."

And before I fell asleep as well as when I awoke this morning, I thanked you.  I thanked you for putting me in "those" places where my insight, faith and ability to comfort others makes a difference.  And as I was driving into work this morning, lo' and behold, the message was about the comfort that we receive from you.

2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

In hearing that scripture alone, I cried.  I remember in the past when I heard a guest speaker on the Christian radio channel talk about his ability to comfort based on his own experiences. I had an epiphany.  I too can truly comfort and give testimony to what I've experienced.

I can speak on feeling abandoned by my birth father as a small child.  I can speak on feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem in my youth.  I can speak on being a victim of domestic violence.  I can speak on the uncomfortableness of being sexually harassed in the work place.  I can speak on being in relationships where every guy cheated on me and oftentimes, I stayed.  I can speak on surviving a failed marriage.  I can speak about how forgiving my mother for "my past mistakes" helped to bring me closer to my own daughter. I can speak on losing your home to foreclosure and having to file bankruptcy.  I can speak on the loss of a four legged companion.  I can speak on being challenged and taken advantage of in the work place and how that experience bought me closer to you.  I can speak on how letting go of "control" truly brings about peace unimaginable and I can speak on how tithing is not about giving money to the Church, it's about trusting you in every financial area of my life.  Lastly, I can speak on how as a "single" woman, choosing a life of celibacy is the best thing she can do for herself and the ultimate way to Glorify your Holy name.

Somewhere in the Psalms, I remember reading that for every day of sorrow, You my Lord, will replace it with JOY!  That I can speak on as well.  I didn't begin to dream until about 6 years ago and my goodness, have you shown up in a big way.  I sold greeting cards. Yes, me. I live on the beach and I'm a published author working on my next book. You removed away all the "things" that burdened my heart and finally, peace lives within me.  But most importantly, I have a voice now.  Something that I didn't have, or was unaware of in my  past.  The ability to say No to Satan and Yes to YOU!  Praise your heavenly name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People laugh when I say that my biggest decision is what to have for dinner.  It's funny but so true.  You created in me the gift of writing, but sometimes, I wished that you placed in me the gift of cooking. Lol

But as you meet all our needs, you've placed people in my life that cook for me and have my best interest at heart.

Eternally yours