Life's Roadblocks

The feeling of uncertainty and being lost and alone is very scary. How does one know which is the right path to take? As I look for answers, I am reminded that life is full of uncertainties and challenges. If we decide to journey on our own, then we are sure to get lost along the way...but if we ask God for guidance, He will show us the way.
It's easy to think that even if we've been down the same road before, we can find our way...but sometimes even if the road looks familiar, we can still get lost and it can be filled with unexpected roadblocks. It's what we do when hit these roadblocks that will determine if we can get back on the right road.

I've recently come to a roadblock in my life...and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to find my way back. I try going around it, but it leaves me right back to where I started from. I try going on another road, hoping it will lead me back to the right path, but I encounter the same roadblocks and it stops me dead on my tracks. I try to ignore it, hoping that if I wait long enough, it will resolve itself on its on, and then I can be on my merry way...but I am only left alone and stuck with no where to go.

I've been so stubborn, not wanting to ask for directions...thinking I can find the way on my own. I guess it's only after reaching so many dead ends that I finally realize how much I need guidance. I need guidance from someone who knows where the road leads, what roadblocks I will encounter along the way, and how to overcome them...that someone is God. He knows the plan He has for me. I just have to learn to listen and ask Him to be with me and guide me, so that I don't get lost and weary on the way.

God’s Word and wisdom give us the keys to living a blessed, successful, and prosperous life...but it also warns us about some of the dangers and obstacles that we will encounter along the way. Just like the warnings of a road sign: Sharp curve ahead!; Rocks falling!; Slippery when wet!; Bumpy road!; If we pay attention to the warning signs, we can avoid an accident… or even death. I must remind myself that God posts these road signs along the way...but it's up to me to pay attention them.

As I learn to slowly find my way back to the right road God intends me to be in, I pray:

Lord, I pray that You will be my guide. Help me to find way back. Help me to overcome any trials that life may bring my way. Only You know the way. Guide me so that I may never find myself alone in a place filled with darkness and uncertainty. You are my God...and it is through You that I will know I will find the way. Thank You for always being faithful and for reminding me that You are the way, the truth, and the light. I surrender it all to you.

The Bible is God’s direction book and map for our lives. Here are some verses that specifically deals with following God’s direction.

Psalm 119:

Verse 105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. God’s Word will give us light when the decision seeks unclear.

Verse 26 - I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your principles. We may tell God our plans, but He wants us to listen to His principles

Verse 32 - I will run to follow your commands.

Verse 35 - Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. We are happiest when we follow God’s commands.

Verse 45 - I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. Living by God’s commands brings freedom.

Verse 60 - I will hurry, without lingering, to obey your commands. We should not hesitate to follow God’s commands.

Verse 101 - I have refused to walk on any path of evil, that I may remain obedient to your word. We should refuse to walk any direction other than where God’s Word points.

Verse 133 - Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by any evil. God’s Word will guide our steps if we listen to and obey it.

Letters to God...

"You are a letter...written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God."
~ 2 Corinthians 3:3 NIV
They say that our lives are often shaped by the stories we hear. Whether these stories we are true or not, they have the potential to reach deep down inside us and stir our emotions, provoke our thinking, and influence the course of our lives.

I recently finished watching a faith-based movie called “Letters to God." The movie is about a young boy fighting cancer. Despite his illness, he finds strength and hope by writing letters to God. It is through this little boy's letters that brings and inspire hope and change in his family, his friends and the entire community.

It is an amazing story...so amazing that it reminds me of the time when I lost my son, Joshua. It was a dark time for me. I felt so lost, alone, and betrayed by my God. Then I started writing letters to God...Letters to tell Him how angry I was that He took my son away. Slowly these letters to God became letters asking Him for guidance. Letters asking Him to take away my pain and anger...and then letters asking Him to lead me back to Him. He is such a loving God...despite my anger and pain, He took all those away and began healing my broken heart. He held me in His arms and I felt His presence and I knew that my son was safe in His arms.

You can read these letters by visiting Joshua's Memorial site. Click here: "My Mommy's Prayers."

I know that in the midst of any problems I may be battling, I must always remember to seek God's help, and to thank Him for working in my life. I know that I have a long road ahead of me, but with His help and guidance, He is slowly molding me to be the person Jesus intended me to be.

I pray that you too will remember to trust and seek God. We may not always know why things happen in our lives, but Paul tells us: "God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Thankfulness

Our thoughts create our reality -- where we put our focus, is the direction we tend to go.
~Peter McWilliams~

I am thankful for so many blessings in my life...my husband Jose, my children, Brianna and Joseph, family and friends, and our little angel in heaven, Joshua. I am also thankful for God's faithfulness and unconditional love. Despite any hardships and pain that comes my way, I can always find comfort and strength in knowing that He is with me every step of the way, and that I will always have my family in my life.


I recently celebrated my 35th birthday...Despite being in pain (due to a recent hand surgery I had), I found being with my family comforting. The laughter in the room of silly stories we were sharing, made me forget for a moment the throbbing in my hands. The sounds of children playing and laughing made every discomfort bearable.

It is during these blissful moments that I remember just how thankful I am that I have been blessed with good friends and a loving family.