“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us”. -Waldo Emerson
I’ve been thinking alot about this past year. I went through radiation/chemotherapy simultaneously in 2007.. and ended chemo August 2008, and I am still here to tell you about it. I started homeschooling again,not knowing if I could do it- my children are thriving in this environment. Emma went through three bouts of heart failure, but bounced back. I lost my best friend for reasons that are unknown to me, but I gained a new one.
It has been one heck of a year… full of unexpected events, but the one thing that I have learned- the only thing that matters in this life is- What lies within me is stronger than the obstacles set before me.
I wake up every morning thankful to be alive, even if this life is hard. I have gained such an amazing perspective, even in the really dark times. I have grown closer to those around me, and even closer to my Savior.
Especially my Savior.
He has always been there, even when I felt all alone. It’s amazing to me how something that should have driven a wedge between me and Him only brought me closer to His feet, kneeling at His throne.
When I look back on this past year, the quote by Waldo Emerson says it best. It isn’t what lies behind me, although those events helped build the strength in me that I have today… nor what lies ahead of me that matters…
It’s what lies within.
Those are powerful words. Thanks for sharing. You are exactly right!
Sandras last blog post..You Can’t Live With ‘em; You Can’t Live Without ‘em
Spot on Heather! As the apostle Paul wrote, “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.” You CAN handle whatever the world throws at you with through His strength. I’m proud of the woman you have become. You have encouraged and inspired many, many people with your blogs and your life. You may never know the full extend until you get to heaven! I’m praying 2009 is a year full of hope, love, joy, and immeasurable blessings for you & your beautiful family.
Beautifully said! Reminds me of the song that says “He’s everything to me…”
What a great quote. I don’t think I’ve heard it before – or haven’t paid attention to it before. Reminds me of my favorite verse, Phil 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Happy New Year!
sallys last blog post..2008 – In Review
Amen!
k-
Kates last blog post..Quandary
Heather, On Wednesday nights I pray with the deaf ladies at my church via sign language. We prayed for you on New Years Eve! Your online testimony is amazing and by what you say about your family it is evident that your testimony with them is just as awesome.
Sisterlisas last blog post..January 2009 GGMagazine
I have lost a friend or two in the past, and the “not knowing” was the worst part. I was so thankful that God chose to reveal to me (years later) the reasons for a couple of them, and to my astonishment, neither reason had anything to do with any fault on my part. One was jealosy because her husband had given me a compliment(!), and I can’t even remember the other. But, I do remember that all the terrible things I had thought about myself for so long, and the damage to my self-esteem (despite telling myself over and over that I had given it to God) had all been lies from the enemy. Very effective lies, designed to seek and destroy. He hit his mark. But I have thanked God over and over for revealing the truth to me, and HOPEFULLY I have learned.
I pray that God will reveal the truth to you, Heather, if that is what He knows is best for you. But if He doesn’t, that you will be able to give your pain, your uncertainty, and your former best friend to Him, and leave them there safe in His arms.
I still read your blog. You continue to be an inspiration.
Morning Glorys last blog post..
Well said! Great post.
My resolution for TODAY – catch up on my blog reading. Gosh, it’s amazing how quick and easy it is to get behind! And, believe me, I’m way behind. Anyhoo…I’ve enjoyed seeing what you’ve been up to.
Happy New Year!
Hugs!
Kat
Kats last blog post..WARNING: POSSIBLE GRUMPINESS AHEAD
What an awesome quote and it certainly does make one think. 2008 was a hard year for me for many reason…Surgery, my Dad and uncles cancers and death among other things but I know who my redeemer is and my faith does not waver. It don’t mean that I don’t question things, but I always come back to the Truth, that is Jesus. Hugs to you and may you have a blessed 2009.
Kathleen Maries last blog post..Happy New Year!
Beautifully written truths!
Amen, Amen & Amen! Excellent post and oh so true!
Karens last blog post..Why blog in 2009?
“The most important thing about us is what we believe about God.”
~A.W. Tozer
Remember that He is your refuge. He is our only refuge.
Gina Dunns last blog post..Football..
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us”. -Waldo Emerson
This quote is posted on the wall where I practice mixed martial arts. Good stuff.