As I sit here today thinking of all the days I’ve missed of work, I begin to feel the stress of what’s to come.  I keep thinking of the pain I’m in and how it’s limiting me from doing all the things I want to do and need to do.  The day turns to night before I know it, the time will be here to return to work.  I’m still in pain and having trouble walking but I know I have to strengthen my back and start getting around more.  I can’t depend on the medications to heal me and I can’t expect to continue laying around hoping the back pain will just disappear.  I can’t dwell on all the things I can’t do or if my back will never heal.   I start feeling a bit of anxiety wanting to creep up.  I’m a bit uneasy of what tomorrow holds.  I know I shouldn’t worry about what’s to come but embrace the day I’m living now.  My husband has been great helping me around the house and making sure I have everything I need before he leaves for work.  He sits comforting me tonight knowing how I’m feeling.  I know I shouldn’t allow these thoughts to overwhelm me but they do. It’s only natural.  Suddenly I start thinking of the word COURAGE.  I am lacking courage to face my co-workers and boss.  I’m lacking strength to motivate me to stand strong and courageous against anything that comes against me.  You see, when I miss work no one is there to cover me.  It all falls on me.  I have to deal with the smarty remarks, the rudeness of others because I was out a few days and not to mention days of work piled up.  In order for me to be able to be at ease tonight, I sought God’s word.  I looked up verses on courage.  God didn’t create us to be afraid.  He created us to be strong and courageous.  He didn’t create us to be timid.  He created us to be bold.  God is my strength and he brings me courage when I’m weak.  He is lifting me up out of this fear that is trying to take hold of me.  The fear of my back never healing.  God has reminded me tonight that I can do all things through Him and He will protect me in all I do.  Sometimes we are faced with difficult circumstances, difficult people and at times it can be a health issue that’s taking away from our spirit.  Seeking God’s word is the only way to overcome it all.  God tells us over and over how He will protect those who follow Him.  In Deuteronomy 31:8 it says, “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”  I am reminded that God will go before me tomorrow and He will take care of me.  I know that God is healing me day by day.  I should not allow fear to overcome me.  I am strong and I am courageous, because God is with me always.  Call on God during your times of fear and weakness and watch as he relieves you from the anxiety and stress that is trying to overwhelm you.  God will heal the areas that need healing.  So I challenge you.  Let’s be AWESOME and COURAGEOUS together.

XOXO…Ileen

Psst…God Loves You

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6