Day 84

To Dear Me,

I didn't post yesterday since it was Thanksgiving and we got busy early morning and stayed that way till people started showing up. We had a house filled with relatives and friends. My brother showed up his cooking and baking skills by preparing 95% of the Thank meal. My other brother came over early and made appetizer boards. The kids helped clean and set up the rooms for the many guests we had. I helped out also. We all had a great time. Football was on all day and my team won too, which made me glad.

Today I'm hoping to meet my old classmate who I haven't seen in 42 years. I'm hoping to meet his family and I'm bringing my son with me.

Take care, 

Alfred

Something to think about

God is always searching for those who will walk in obedience with him.

Day 83

I got up early today to get everything ready for my trip. I still need to get my shower and get dressed. I’m so full because I ate a large breakfast and had a late dinner last night. I’m hoping that I have enough money for gas.  I’m praying that maybe my brother can give me something.

Take care

Alfred

Something to think about

God is the God of all our cares, I will trust in Him 

Day 82

To Dear Me,

I’m running low on medicine, and I need to get to the pharmacy to get it. I need to pick up my EBT card from the Hudson Center. I need to pack up the leftover food cans and boxes to take to my job. I’m working three 8-hour days and four hours on Sunday. I need to pack up and get ready for the Thanksgiving weekend. And finally, we must go food shopping tonight while making dinner. I’m so busy these next three days, just how am I supposed to get all of that together in the time I have?

Take care,

Alfred

To everything there is a season, this is the season of busyness.

Day 81

To Dear Me,

The big rush toward the holidays begins today. I’m planning to prepare stuff for Hollen to eat this week.  I’m going to pack up and take the extra food in the kitchen to the food baskets at work so the holidays will be better for the unfortunate. I’m packing up my medications to take with me. I’m seeing my therapist today. I’m working three 8-hour days to make up for my time off this week. Whew, it's exhausting trying to think of everything that needs to be done.

Take care

Alfred

Something to think about

God is still in control, even when I feel I’m not. His plans never change.

Day 80

To Dear Me,

This is me, the raw tired, and vulnerable me. I have the same everyday struggles. But I walk in the victorious life that Christ died to give me. I’m experiencing his goodness and mercy every morning. I’m doing the will of God for my life. I’m learning to discipline myself in my areas of weakness and follow God in the extraordinary life that I lead. I’m trusting him that everything I am doing is producing good fruit for myself and others. I daily crucify my flesh, so that those desires don’t dominate my life. God is good and he has a good plan for my life. He has given me good friends and a good family, a place to live, food to eat, and a warm place to live. He has surrounded me with blessings. Praise the Lord!

Take care,

Alfred

Something to think about

God is doing good work in my life; his word says so and I choose to believe it. 

Day 79

To Dear Me,

Payday Friday is a happy day but it is also a day of anxiety. I’m trying to pay as many bills as I can and still have money for gas and other things. I prayed through all my situations and I’m disciplining myself in all areas. My biggest struggles are in the areas of finances and physical. I desire to do better, but I always find ways to wiggle out through excuses, instead of applying my heart to wisdom and common sense.

Take care,

Alfred

Something to think about

God will help me if I am serious and not making excuses for my poor choices. 

Day 78

To Dear Me,

A rare day off today because I’m working this Saturday. I’m getting tired of being on and off toward the Journey. I’m making the decision to stay put, just not doing leadership for now. I’m going to work on getting better and being healthier. It means practically doing the workbook, talking to my sponsor and accountability partner about issues, and looking through the materials for Pure Desires ministry. I will join Christ the Cornerstone’s church’s men’s groups on Saturday for breakfast and visit them once a month. I’m submitting to the correction of God and learning the experience as humbly as I can.

Take care

Alfred

Something to think about

Becoming emotionally and spiritually stable is important for becoming more mature

Day 77

To Dear Me,

I’m trying to be faithful and disciplined in my spiritual life and in general. God took away the pain in my arm and I’m so thankful for his healing provision. I need to spend some time in my 12 steps spiritual workbook. I’m focusing more on my prayer life and the decisions I need to make. I have been given an interview for my dream job, so I’m excited about that. I’m going to prepare for this opportunity and dress up in my suit and tie.  So thankful for this.

Take care,

Alfred

God blesses and rewards us for our obedience to him and his word

Day 76

To Dear Me!

Happy birthday to me! I find my life is full of changes and new beginnings, as well as some ongoing things that haven’t changed. I’m still at the library, working part-time. I’m still at the Journey serving and going to the gatherings. I’m hoping for a change in both to happen sooner than later. I still have the best friends and tribe, encouraging me in my life. I’m going through a difficult season for sure, but God is always with me. I’ll continue to stand up for righteousness and seek him above all else.

Take care,

Alfred

Something to think about

God is always there and moving in my life, even when it doesn’t seem like much is happening

Day 75

To Dear Me,

So much to talk about. I have decided to step down from leadership because I am still having to deal with the situation between me and the other person who gave a bad report about me to the church leadership. I need time to heal and process this totally and walk away with strength and confidence. My heart and mind are still hurting. I’m asking the Lord for the lessons to learn and the power to do what is needed. I’m glad I have a therapist and a good wise council of friends to discuss this with.

Take care,

Alfred

Something to think about

Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom 

Day 74

To Dear Me,

I realize that God is for me and not against me. But I have so many questions about why I go through the trials and tribulations I seem to go through imperfectly. I know that I have a lot of work I need to do to get healthier and better in my life. It might not seem like it on the outside and from others, but I battle against things that never seem to leave me alone. Thank God the battle is the Lord's, and the victory is already mine. I just need to work it out in my life and trust that it will be for my good.

Take care,

Alfred

Something to think about

Faith is seeing the glorious end when you’re going through the battle.