The Short Version of the Long Version

God breaks the chains of addiction whatever they may be. What may come to our minds when hearing or seeing the word addiction most likely is alchohol or drugs or other sorts of things that destroy our bodies or injure others as well but some things seem to be more "acceptable" There are so many things that people struggle with on a daily basis. Some of the things have a root to past hurts. Those who have suffered from unhealthy relationships or family situations might build walls to try to protect themselves from further damage but the sad thing is they might be keeping out some of lifes greatest blessings, those who truly do value and care for them. I think in my own life there's a part of me that thinks that I need to try and keep peace and I sometimes sacrifice what is healthy to try to keep other people happy. Yes it is good to be a peacemaker and yes it is good to bring joy into others lifes but there are times that I have tried so hard with loved ones that I forget to take time for myself and my own health of mind and body.

Life presents to us many defining moments and it is up to us if we will choose wisely.

Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him, For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Issac and Jacob.

In the last month I have had a defining moment. It has brought to light how fragile life is. We do not know from one moment,day, month or year what we or someone we love may be facing. In my case it was how close I came to losing my sister and the very best friend I have this side of eternity. She suffered a massive heart attack and had to have emergency open heart , double bypass surgey. She lost a great deal of blood and was unable to get off the ventilator as soon as the doctors hoped. We all hoped and prayed! It was uncertain which way things might go but the Lord protected her and she is on the road to recovery, It's not a quick or easy process, A couple days ago they aspirated a liter of fluid out of a lung. She feels better now but is naturally very tired yet.

She is making progress. She sent me a photo of her walking yesterday, she is using a walker until her strength builds up but she looked so great to me. All those little walks and each new day of God's sunshine and faithfulness are making a difference. She is a tiny little lady small but mighty I say. I thank God for her with all my heart.

I sure do not understand why the bad things and trials happen in life but I do know that my sister and I are not only sisters by natural birth but children of God and he gives us the strength to get through lifes toughest times. Since this all happened I've thought so much about human frailty and yet the fact that we hold Gods treasure in vessels of clay.

We have God's treasure in these jars of clay, This last defining moment has shifted my thinking. I want to take better care of what God's given me and to take care of this "jar of clay" body that I live in physically, emotionally and of course spiritually.

My sister in on the road to recovery and I seem to be on a journey. I can't explain everything that means because I don't really know what is happening but I want to honor God and what he has for me in this life. All my days are in his hands. That is the best place for them to be!