Life is Tough, but Love is Stronger

http://youtu.be/mZuWbA2LnlE

You went down one of those roads 
Nobody should have to go, 
Life sure got real, real fast. 
You couldn't see your way out 
Your world was under a cloud 
All you could feel was helpless.

You didn't think you could do it, 
Oh but you got through it.

You kept faith when you didn't have a prayer 
Found hope when it wasn't even there 
Up against the impossible you just wouldn't back down
You kept fighting. 
That heavy cross you carried 
Ain't weighin' you down any longer
Life is tough, but love is stronger. 

You're finally facing the sun, 
Your brighter days have begun 
Look at you now, just soakin' it in. 

You're smiling, you're laughing 
You're happy, you're living 
Every moment surrounded by 
All the beautiful reasons why. 

You kept faith when you didn't have a prayer 
Found hope when it wasn't even there 
Up against the impossible you just wouldn't back down
You kept fighting. 
That heavy cross you carried 
Ain't weighin' you down any longer
Life is tough, but love is stronger. 

You kept faith when you didn't have a prayer 
Found hope when it wasn't even there 
Up against the impossible you just wouldn't back down
You kept fighting. 
That heavy cross you carried 
Ain't weighin' you down any longer
Life is tough,So tough, but love is stronger. 
Oh yeah. 
Loverr is stronger. 
Oh yes it is now. 

--Jason Crabb

This is one of my favorite songs right now. I think it's a pretty good description of my feelings over the past several months. In this context, i'm not talking about romantic love, but self-love and respect. I respected myself too much to stay put where I was, so as hard as it was, I made the necessary changes and I'm now a lot happier. With my faith in God to work things out in my best interest, I got the necessary strength to make my move.

If you're stuck in a hopeless situation, I hope you will be encouraged. :)

God: I got this!

Once again tonight, I'm at home with the cats watching TV and knitting and still really craving some human companionship. For whatever reason, this is really unsettling me. As crazy as it sounds, I've got this fear of being alone like this forever. I understand why people in my situation get desperate and wind up making bad choices in the people they choose to spend time with. I've been there, done that and I don't want to be in that boat again...yet those same feelings are still there.

How I deal with them constructively is the question that needs to be answered. With God on my side, I know that he knows my hopes, dreams, and desires. He sees the big picture and knows exactly what I need. I just have to trust that He's working behind the scenes to ultimately bless me in a way that I could never imagine and that it's simply going to take some time for those plans to unfold. I suspect that He wants to totally blow my mind! I just have to be patient and trust.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."(Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. ... For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:25-34 NIV)

To put it in a nutshell, what God is really trying to say is:

"Trust me! I got this!"

Sometimes I surprise myself...

As I was spending a quiet evening at home tonight, something occurred to me. I really wanted to be with people!

For many of you, this is considered normal and you would be concerned only if found yourself not wanting to be with friends and loved ones. Being the natural introvert that I am, this is something worth noting. For a long time, once I got home from work, I didn't want to see anybody. Now the tide is turning! I now want to spend more time with friends; I wouldn't even mind doing some dating (more on that in future posts).

I currently have church on Sundays, singles' Bible study on Mondays, and dance on Wednesday nights, yet I still want even more interaction. This is weird (in a good way). The best explanation I can come up with is that it's a part of my emotional and spiritual healing, orchestrated by the Almighty.

YAYY GOD! :)

What's with the 2.0?

I've been doing a lot of clothes shopping lately. It first started when after filing for the divorce, I realized that I didn't have anything suitable to wear to the divorce hearing. I went online and ordered a new dress. I realized that, after being in a marriage that nearly drained me emotionally and spiritually, I wanted to be pretty again! Along came more pretty clothes, shoes, and new makeup! I figured that since I do eventually want to start dating again and give romance a second chance, I needed to put a little more effort into my looks.

One day, it dawned on me that essentially what I've been creating is Heather 2.0, building upon a good thing and making it even better! It's not simply a physical change, but an emotional and spiritual evolution. This ongoing evolution has been amazing, scary, and fun all athe same time. It has involved a lot of faith and courage. It is starting to pay off, as it's been a long time since I've had this much joy and hope in my life. God is good--really good!

Intro!

Hello!

I am Heather and I am in my early 40s and recently divorced. With the encouragement of some friends, I decided to start this blog to chronicle my adventures as a newly single-again person. It has definitely been an adventure, thus far!

Before coming to this point, I was married for nearly 14 years to someone who I still count as a dear friend, but probably shouldn't have married to begin with. Before I go any further, I will stress that this will not be a forum for bashing him. Both of us are imperfect human beings, covered by the grace of God. Of course, he will come up in future posts, simply so you will be able to understand my story better.

A little more about me--I work as a librarian. Outside of that, I enjoy knitting spinning (making yarn!), photography, the outdoors, and most recently, dancing (specifically West Coast Swing and other partner dances). I am a Christian and actively involved in my local church. I am a kitty momma to Miss Kitty, a Tortie, and Ringo, an orange tabby. Obviously, I never lack for anything to do!

I've learned so much about myself in the past several months and I very much look forward to sharing it with you. I hope that you will be encouraged and uplifted by my words. :)