Everything for a reason

"God doesn't close a door without opening a window."
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
"Everything happens for a reason."
We've all heard these before.  Probably said them as words of comfort to someone a time or 12.  I know I have.  You might have even said it to yourself too.  The funny thing is it's EASY to say to someone else and easy to think it to yourself when things are good or not that bad. The hard part is to say it with conviction and believe it with the same conviction during the HARD times.  I speak from experience again.

I'm here today BECAUSE of the things I've been through--both good and bad.  My perspective on life has changed (for the good I believe).  Like everyone I've had my share of hard times.  Things I may or may not divulge.  A lot of personal issues that through the grace of God I've come out of. I didn't have the appreciation then about how it would mold me and make me the person I am.  Looking back on some of those things, I can honestly say I wouldn't make the same decisions today had I not gone through those things.  I've come to embrace my experiences--the good and the bad knowing God's PERFECT plan was for me to endure them.  Even the bad decisions made were all a part of his plan.
As parents you do this daily with your children.  From the time their born you begin to teach them.  You hold a child when they cry. You give them love and attention.  You give them advice they may only need once in their life and you pray they remember it and apply it.  Those things are based on our own experiences. 
Parents want a better life for their children then what they had.  That's not to say you had a bad life but always want more for your children.  That's why you make sacrifices with time or finances or whatever is important.
I've been blessed by God with so many opportunities that His grace is overwhelming for me at times.  It's when I think back to how much of a knuckle head I've been (putting it mildly) that I am so grateful for Him leading me to where I am today.  I'm not talking about me being the mystery winner of the mega millions or anything like that.  I'm referring to His blessings for the day to day things that make life FULL.  My children's health, having a roof over our heads, being able to take my family on vacations, being able to serve at church, having this opportunity to share my thougths and feelings about my faith with those of you who read this blog.  My wonderful family who always supports each other.  In particular my cousin's who we're always touching base with each other (James, Tiffany, Shannon, Shawncy, Casey, Raymond, Zandra, my brother Stacey, Hallie, Helen, Teresa, Karl, Bernard, and Joann) to name a few. 
If I had any advice to give it would be appreciate the little things, look for the glory of God in all things and use your one and only life to honor the One who gave it to you.

Deuteronomy 8: 17-18:
You may say to yourself, "my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who give you the ability to produce wealth...