Be Brave. Be Strong. Don't Give Up.

My husband is a business owner.  He has been for many, many years.  We have experienced the highs and lows of being in the construction business. Lately the lows have had enormous financial repercussions that are completely out of our control, and it weighs heavily on us.

To some, being your own boss may seem easy.  You get to call the shots, take time off freely, and have some financial success. There are benefits we reap and it is rewarding most of the time, but the cost and responsibility of doing business can be a heavy burden.  Lately that burden is keeping my husband awake at night.  It causes me to be anxious for him, and for our business.  

There is no security in this life.  What I am confident in is the fact that God has never left us, nor forsaken us.  I know He is with us, even ahead of us, every step of the way.  He is always for our good although it does not always feel like it.  But, being in the Refiner's fire is better than trying to walk this out on our own.  I trust that He has great plans in store for us, and we won't always be in this trench.  

I have been wrapping the book of Psalms around me recently.  David sure experienced some highs and lows.  Yet, in it all he was honest with God about his current situation, and prayed boldly for a rescue while praising Him just the same.  I need this daily reminder that I can approach the throne boldly for God knows my heart.  I do not know what is going to happen, but I know God is in control.

Please, be encouraged today and know that God is FOR YOU! He loves you, and wants to draw you to Him in all things.  Not just the bad times, but the good times too.  

Now go. Be brave! Be Strong! Don't give up!

In His Strength,

Sandi

Left-Over Grilled Corn & Chicken Salad

Left-overs inspired 

this delicious 

dinner tonight!

Serving size:  2

1 Grilled corn on the cob-slice the kernels off the cob & set aside

1/2 Red Pepper diced

   Chopped Basil

   Minced Garlic

   Olive Oil

1 Chicken Breast-sliced into bite-size slices

   Mixed Greens

   Cubed Watermelon

   Lite Balsamic Vinaigrette

   Salt & Pepper

In a saute pan over medium heat add a decent drizzle of olive-oil.  Add your preference of minced garlic (I just use the tip of a spoon), and basil (I buy the Trader-Joe's chopped basil that is frozen in small squares...GENIUS!)  Stir quickly then add corn and red peppers and salt/pepper to taste.  Saute for about 5 minutes.  Just enough for the flavors to come together, and the veggies stay slightly crisp.  Transfer to a plate and cool in the fridge.

In the same pan add a little more olive oil and add the chicken.  Saute just long enough to grab the flavors from the veggies.  Transfer to a small plate.

Arrange greens on a plate and top with veggies, chicken, and watermelon as desired.  Drizzle with dressing and ENJOY :)

Pursuing My Own Goal

Have you been stuck in a rut recently? I'm in one now in a certain area of my life.  I have a goal that I've been wanting to accomplish for over a year now, and it's just not happening.  Not because I can't, but because I'm not actively doing much to pursue it.  I have been frustrated, and today it dawned on me.  I took advice from someone in which direction I should go, and I've realized that direction isn't serving me well.  I went with it because I respect this person...and maybe, just maybe, I thought I needed their validation.

There's nothing wrong with asking for advice from those who have knowledge in an area you are interested in pursuing.  It's actually one of the smartest things you can do.  The downside of this is when you take someone's own opinions and advice and not think for yourself.  Instead you dive head first into a project or study, only to find that you are drowning because you didn't find the best path for you!

I realize that I should have used the advice, done my research, and then made the best possible choice FOR ME!  I have wasted almost a year.  This is not an excuse for not "trying harder".  I could continue with the plan I have and see what happens.  I haven't decided that yet.  But, what I have learned is to trust my instincts and not rely on my emotions of being a people pleaser.  In the end, no one is pleased.  Especially myself.  The person that gave me the advice has probably not given me a second thought since then.  Maybe Plan B will surface sometime soon. 

Thanks for listening.  I'd love to hear about your experience with this subject!