Who here likes to wait? Chances are that none of us would raise our hand on that one. Why? The reason is that waiting for things, especially important things is just plain hard. Where it gets especially hard is when you are waiting for a big dream, a special prayer request or a deep heart's desire to come to fruition. Having to wait with no answers or resolution in sight can be so painful and heartbreaking. I remember so vividly when my husband Phil and I wanted to start a family, I mistakenly assumed that when we were ready the babies would just magically appear. This was so not the case. I was unaware that I had a progesterone imbalance at that time and it sadly caused me to miscarry twice. We had our nursery ready but it remained silent and empty. We kept trying, and waiting and trying and waiting, yet only heartbreak and emptiness filled the pages of our journey to parenting. Everywhere I looked, there were pregnant women, babies, and baby showers. Commercials for diapers would cause me to tear up. I remember one evening sitting in our nursery crying with Phil and saying "What if having children is not part of our story? I can't even go there!" My husband refused to even entertain this and together we cried and prayed for a baby - again. Well I am happy to share that being childless was not in the cards for me. Today I am the proud mom of two amazing kids, Tyler and Shannon. Everytime I look into their eyes I feel God's grace reflecting back at me. They are an answer to my prayers in the flesh. I am blessed beyond measure. I don't know your story. I have waited many times on God for important things I needed and desired in my life and have felt the frustration and heartache in the waiting times. God has a heavenly timeline for each of us that often does not align with ours. This is where trust come in. God has our best interest at heart and in Psalms 37:4 it says ~ Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. If you are waiting on God, I understand. My heart goes out to you. I have been there. I am here for you. I will stand in prayer and agreement with you. Please reach out. It would be my honour to lift your requests to our Heavenly Father. Your requests are important. God doesn't let his kids down. He just often has a bigger, better plan that for now we can't see. Trust Him. Tuck that in your heart each day. ❤️ Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that even when we are waiting, you are right there with us. You see our struggles and challenges and you are working to assist us, yet it often takes time. Help us to be patient with the process and learn to trust you more. In Jesus' name, Amen Sending you a virtual hug, Dana
Tags: waiting, waiting on God, patience, hard times, God's timing, answered prayers, faithCopyright: © 2024 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
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Well I have the first week of school under my belt as an elementary teacher and all things considered this week has gone quite smoothly. Week one is in the books! Woo-h00! With a big construction project underway at my school, there had been concerns as many old routines had to be changed to accommodate the job site. Thankfully though, every day just got better and better with the new routines and everyone finding their stride. I am so thankful to have a career where I have an opportunity to mentor children every day and help them grow into the unique and special people that God has designed them to be. Children have always been where my heart finds a home. They never cease to make me smile with their cute and innocent ways. A new student from the Philippines this week introduced himself to everyone and very proudly said “I’m Asian.” This was quite obvious, yet I am very pleased that he was so proud of his nationality, as he should be. ![]() I read a book this week called What I Like About Me. It is a beautiful book with pop-up pictures and things to touch celebrating all the differences that people have. The kids were highly engaged with this delightful book. One of my favourite things about the book is that it has a mirror on the last page. I love going around one by one and putting the mirror in front of each of the kids. Seeing them light up with their little toothless grins, warms my heart. They like what they see and they are proud to see their reflection. I can’t help but wonder, when does that all change and why does that all change for so many or us as we age? When did it all change that we no longer like what we see in the mirror? Sadly we live in a society that seems to daily convey, especially on social media, that we are not thin enough, cool enough, rich enough or somehow acceptable as we are. The Bible says in Psalms 139: 14 that we all are “fearfully and wonderfully made” God designed each one of us with a purpose first and then created each one of us to fulfill that purpose. Noone is a mistake or unworthy of God’s love. I told my students these words this week and I say the same to you my friends. Everyone is PERFECT just the way you are. You are unique. You are who you were meant to be. You do not need to change a thing about you. I said these things because I believe this is a message they need to hear loud and clear. I then said the only thing that ANY of us may need to change, are the choices we make on a daily basis. No matter what age, we need to strive to make choices that will get us to be the best version of ourselves. At times we truly need to ask ourselves when making choices if participating in this activity will get us closer to where we want to be as a thriving and happy person before deciding. Kids generally seem to have it right. When we are younger, we are just more accepting of ourselves. We need to get back to that as we are often our own worst critic. Remember my friend that even when you feel down and feel like you are not valuable. You are somebody’s EVERYTHING and you are priceless in God’s eyes. Tuck that in your heart today! ❤️ Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the beautiful reality that we are all unique and created differently for a reason beyond what we often see. Each one of us is here for a purpose and I pray that you would help us grow to be more like you each and every day. In Jesus' name. Amen Sending you a virtual hug, Dana
Tags: self esteem, fearfully and wonderfully made, celebrate you, celebrate differences, God's masterpieceCopyright: © 2024 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
As we Walk Through the Word today, let's look at what 1 Thessalonians 5:11 has to say about how we can be a blessing to each other in simple, yet powerful ways. This verse says: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." What does encouragement look like? It can come in many shapes and forms and can be very specific for the person who needs it. Here are three ways you can give encouragement easily starting NOW. Give compliments freelyNever underestimate the power of a kind word or compliment. It could be exactly what that person needs to hear that day. Some people have never been complimented or told that he or she is valued. Our words can be like an oasis in the desert to someone who desperately needs refreshment. I recently heard of what is called ICNU statements. The way it works is to say to someone you want to encourage something like this... "I see in you such greatness, or I see in you so much creativity," or whatever you happen to notice or want to validate. Don't just think about it, but instead actually say it. People cannot read your thoughts and your compliment could be the only positive word that this person has heard in a very long time. Listen without judgementPractice being a better listener. Don't just wait to respond but listen to understand. Get comfortable with a one-sided conversation if needed, where you are mostly or only the listener. Sometimes people do not need advice, but rather the opportunity to share the burden or vent. Give nonverbal support, like a smile, a head nod, a hand on the shoulder and direct eye contact. Give the message that you are my priority, you matter, and you have my full attention. Your gift is your time and your presence, and you can't put a price on that. Pray for themAsk your friend or family member how you can specifically pray for him or her and do it often. Text them and let them know that you are praying for them. Follow up with who you are praying for and get frequent updates. Find out if there are new concerns, praise reports or more to the story. Stay involved as a prayer partner and let them know that with God as part of the problem-solving team, miracles can and do happen. You have the power to make a profound difference in someone's life. Why not do that right now and share some encouragement today? Tuck that in your heart today. Dear Heavenly Father: Please help us to look for opportunities where we can be an encourager. Open our eyes and ears to look for people who need us. Empower us to love as you loved and to be the hands and feet of Christ to those who need that today. In Jesus' name, Amen. Sending you a virtual hug, Dana
Copyright: © 2024 littlelessonslearnedbydana/ walkingintheword
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