Jesus answered them, “You are deceived, because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God. Matthew 22:29

Just when everything seems to be going smoothly, life sometimes hits us in the head with a brick: cancer, a heart attack or other life-threatening illness; the loss of a loved one; a business failure or financial crisis; a physical disability, depression or another mental health challenge. Most of us have had our share of brick-like disruptions.

In his new book “Life is in the Transitions” best-selling author Bruce Feiler calls these big disruptions “lifequakes” —disruptions that change the very trajectory of our life.

Though lifequakes happen at every stage of life – typically every 10 years or so, according to Feiler – they are often most pronounced when they happen during the bonus years. That’s when new realities are more frequent, but our physical, financial and spiritual capacity to adapt is often more limited.

Still, for many, even debilitating lifequakes can inspire a new and uplifting trajectory. It also can seem comforting to think that God is controlling events when something horrible happens that is completely outside of our control. Some people find comfort in the idea that God meant for them to suffer in order to serve some greater purpose of his.

I remember the time Beverley and I met with the doctor to learn, totally unexpectedly, that my wife had cancer and had an even a less of a chance of experiencing her fiftieth birthday. That day began a long road of surgeries, chemo, radiation, etc.

It also started a strengthening of our marriage, spiritual renewal and experiencing friendship support almost beyond belief. Beverley won the battle, and we had a whopping big fiftieth birthday bash. It was an experience I would not wish upon my worst enemy, but looking back, it was a growing experience worth more than any amount of money I could receive. I attribute it to the power of God.

Our friends, Dana and Susan Hardee, were enjoying retirement when a lifequake came their way. Susan was diagnosed with a rare and lethal form of cancer and began, and still today continues very painful and physically damaging treatment. Yet, as many have watched how Dana and Susan are dealing with this, we have seen a trust in the power of God and a witness of faith to others. Please continue to pray for them.

We need to be prepared for life’s lifequakes, because in one form or strength they will come. When they do, we need to be prepared to see the power of God as He works through our lifequakes with us.

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely. Roy T. Bennett

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Maybe God has delayed the answers to some of your prayers. Maybe you have waited so long you feel desperate. If that is where you are, it’s time to begin interceding before the Lord. As you do, God may astound you by the changes He brings in your attitudes as He shapes and moves you to that place of harmony with Him. Don’t be discouraged when God delays the answers to your prayers. Dan Shock

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Spring Decluttering is Better than Spring Cleaning. The Minimalist

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A man was hard of hearing but didn’t want to spend the money for hearing aids. So he put a plug in his ear with a wire that ran down to his shirt pocket. When asked if it worked, he said it didn’t increase the sound, but it made people talk louder.

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Here’s to life and embracing each day with gratitude, passion, compassion, empathy, integrity, love, kindness, faith and purpose! Richard Gonzmart

Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

GOD WANTS US TO HAVE VICTORY OVER THE FLESH, AND THAT VICTORY COMES ONLY WHEN WE WALK AFTER AND LIVE AFTER THE SPIRIT. Dan Shock

What you need as a believer is not “new sight” of the angels, but a new “insight” into the heart of God. Ken Whitten

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being. Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Our prayer life is an indicator of our spiritual life. Kelly Knouse

Your life will be simplified when you choose inaction when no action is required and choose action when action is required.” —M.M. Ildan

If you’ve got time to worry, then you’ve got time to pray.