Tuesday, October 11, 2011


It seems over the last 2 months that my life has been about change. We have moved cross country and I have started a new job with many new challenges. I am trying to adjust to working nights again after 23 years of working days.We have downsized to a smaller house and downsized to one income until my husband can find a job. Our house has come with its own challenges as we are renting but I decided that I wasn't going to choose discouragement or doubt. I decided that I am going to be content and to Choose Joy.

Recently one of my favorite bloggers Gitzen Girl died but she left such a legacy in how she lived and approached her life. I admired her because like her I deal with  several chronic illnesses ( I have a malformation in my brain that causes pain and fibro like muscle systems for which there is no cure and also diabetes, and PCOD. I decided long ago that I was not going to give in to these conditions and as long as I am able I will continue to work and provide for my family. I feel that the disease might be a part of me but it doesn't control me.

I have shared all of this to say that I have thought long and hard about my place in blogging world and whether I have anything relevant to say or that anyone cares but I believe I do have something to say that might be encouraging to others.

I have been in a valley for the past five years with my faith but I feel a renewal , a blossoming of hope in my heart for the future despite all the difficulties and I feel that with all the trials I have been through I can understand how others going through these spots feel.I don't know why I have faced all the things I have faced  but maybe God is using them to help me to help others.

I can identify with so many groups:
1.I can identify with those who are single later in life. I didn't marry till I was 36
2.I can identify with those who have a chronic illness.
3.I can identify with those who are facing difficulties financially in this economic climate.
4.I can identify with those who lose hope.
5 I can identify with those who struggle with their weight.
6. I can identify with those who have lost family members . I have only my husband and my sister and her kids left.
7. I know what it is like to take care of a family member who is dying.(My mom died of breast cancer on hospice at my house)
8. I know what it is like to move somewhere you know no one and start over again. I have done this three times.
9.I understand the burdens it places on a woman to be the primary breadwinner.
10.I know what it is like to deal with depression.

I know through my reading of blogs that a lot of bloggers present the rosy side of things and we who read compare ourselves to those bloggers thinking why isn't my life perfect like theirs . I want this blog and my testimony here to be that life is not fair, it hurts sometimes  but there is hope and a way through. I want what I write here to be real like life.

I hope that you will come along with me as I adjust to a new kind of normal,find a church home and regrow my faith in new soil. I think God had to do some pruning on my branches to bring forth new growth.

I will try to blog regularly (the days I don't work 12 hours) and I will always be real.I know that sometimes all I really want is to know there are others like me who struggle but don't give up.


quote by muchlove-anna.blogspot.com

19 comments:

Finding Pam said...

It sounds like you have a lot to offer folks that read your blog. I hope you continue your purpose and blog when you can.

I am glad that your faith has been stirred. WIshing you only the best.

Pam

marlece said...

Yolanda, I am looking forward to reading you more often! You are real and I am excited the most I guess to see you blossom and grow in the Lord as you have taken this new journey across country. You sound to me like a brave girl, and a girl who has lots to say about different things and I think the Lord does allow things such as what you are going thru so that you may be an example of what real faith and hope are even when you don't feel it. Actions speak bigger than words right? Keep that head up and look to the ONE who can get you thru!

Cloudia said...

Identify with YOU!


Warm Aloha from Honolulu;

Comfort Spiral



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Cindy said...

I hear what you are saying dear lady. I have been through so much "stuff" and I have come out the other side in one piece thanks to my relationship with God and my wonderful family. I thank God for them every day and I know that these things do make us stronger and sometimes they happen just simply because we live in a fallen world where sin reigns. But, because God loves us we can make it through and find JOY in the journey. You are a wise lady to make the choice of being joyful. You won't be sorry.
I'm glad you found my blog, I'm human with lots of challenges just like you.
Hugs, Cindy

Barb said...

Hi Yolanda~

Thank you so much for visiting my blog, I love meeting new people! It sounds like you have had lots of learning and growing and trials in the past - but you have such a wonderful attitude . . . and attitude of gratitude! I look forward to reading more of your blog!

Hugs,
Barb

Julie Harward said...

Hi Yolanda, thanks for your visit today. I feel that you have much to offer...you express yourself well. Life is tough for all, we all have and do face tests and trials, that is why we came to earth. Not everyone's trials show and not everyone lets their trials be seen, but we all have them. Our home is for sale because we too are downsizing. Our reason is to go forward serving the Lord and our family and taking this last quarter of our life to really make sure that we are in good shape for the life to come. I am willing to live less for a far greater future. Keep sharing, and God bless you. Come say hi any time. :D

Sherri B. said...

You do have a lot to offer with all that you have experienced. I am glad that you have such a good attitude and that you are walking with the Lord, I couldn't have made it through some of the things that I have faced, without Him. - We all need each other to lean on at times and at other times we are able to be there for someone else. I am looking forward to you sharing how you are getting settled and the search for your new church home and everything in between. See you soon. xo

Ginger said...

Thanks so much for visiting my blog Yolanda! I had to hop on over and check yours out as well... I appreciate this post very much. I try to post what is real also... the good, the bad, and the ugly. In answer to your question... I live in Arizona! :) I wish you well in your life changes and hope things perk up for you!

Farm Girl said...

One of the things that I have always enjoyed about you is your honesty. I always feel like I have a kindred spirit in you. Reading through all of the things you have undergone in your life, I can see why. We have had lots of the same life experiences.
I think with anything it is always hard to choose to live instead of letting life define us. To rise up and look beyond the trials.
When life gets so hard sometimes I make myself remember the verse, I will lift mine eyes unto the hills.
From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord.
So I always have the mountains to look to and remember that I am not alone.
I look forward as always to your insights.
I will put on on my prayer list and as I have watched what God has done in your life this year I am amazed.
God remains faithful.
I am glad you made it back home again.
Blessings to you my friend,

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

And what a beautiful "voice" you have. Be encouraged in your well-doing sister. I, too, can relate to so much of what you've written here. Seems as if life is always changing for me. In the midst of the changes, my faith gets a work-out.

Keep working on life beneath the watchful care of the Father, and keep looking ahead. The best is yet to be... always.

Thanks for stopping by the blog.

peace~elaine

Peggy said...

I definitely think you have a lot of relevance to share on your blog. Turning to God admist the difficulties in your life is something others of us can learn from and be inspired. Thanks for sharing and being real.

Kandi said...

Yolanda,

Thanks for stopping by, I so identify with most of the things you put on your list, I am 41 and never married, I don't have much family left, my goodness the list goes on, I look forward to reading your words in the future, I know they will be throught provokign and inspiring. Blessings to you Yolnda.

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

What a great post Yolanda! I love how you said, "but I feel a renewal , a blossoming of hope in my heart" so happy for you! Oh how I miss Sara. She was so loved by so many. I feel blessed to have known her for the short time I did through the (in)courage group. May we all Choose Joy in those difficult situations with Sara in our hearts. ♥

Aunt Angie said...

I like your encouraging words..."choose joy". This was such a motivating post to "look beyond" what we see and feel.

Thank you for sharing--and thank you for visiting me--I am trying to get back on a writing schedule--but we are moving in the next couple of weeks...not far, but still, it is a "downsizing event"...and I have GOT to get motivated to sort through the last few years of accumulation of "stuff". Your words helped me see that I need to "keep" at it...blog on. Even when I think what I say might not be for anyone...it will help 'me' to say it.

Blessings on your week!!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Thanks for visiting my blog, Yolanda. Your blog is just beautiful!! What is your job? You do have much to say, and some of your words and sayings here are just beautiful!! You are so honest, not trying to artificially cheer people up, something that a lot of us try to do. You are a wonderful photographer, too. And in this one post you tell me quite a bit about yourself. I have been through many of the things you have, and I guess a lot of us have, so you make us all feel like kindred spirits!

Denise said...

Yoland,

What a lovely heart you have for God! We all struggle at times with life's challenges and the obstacles that get in our way, but when we live fully in each moment, trusting and depending on God's grace and abundant supply, we can face each day confidently.

Thanks for sharing your joyful heart; I look forward to reading more from you! :)

Blessings and hugs,
Denise

Holli said...

I can identify with you and I'm so happy that you're going to continue blogging....

I have diabetes and I also am permanently disabled from a massive heart attack at 29 years old that left me with only the right side of my hear working. My diagnosis is heart failure. I too have moved to a brand new state 3 times where I know not a soul but my husband and it's so hard. I've suffered loss (a daughter among other dear family immediate family members) and I know pain.

I can empathize AND sympathize with you Yolanda.

If you'd like I'll give you my private blog website where I'm not a bunch of sunshine and rainbows... haha!

Adrienne said...

It is so good to read your words again, my friend. I will be back often to see what you have to share. You are blessed - and you bless us by sharing your life and your faith.
~Adrienne~

Connie said...

I always, always enjoy your posts and can always relate to something you say! I am catching up on reading blogs today :)