tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330757098221229362.post1050966416317682264..comments2023-05-26T10:19:36.708-04:00Comments on Smooth Stones: Second-guessingBrandee Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08960175760263515363noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330757098221229362.post-14535613233198417162014-08-21T14:34:01.589-04:002014-08-21T14:34:01.589-04:00I've decided it's not an 'either/or...I've decided it's not an 'either/or'...rather, it's an 'and'...<br /><br />I don't have to choose between feeling joy in God's blessings in my life or grieving the horrible suffering and injustices in this fallen world.<br /><br />I can do both...I am compelled to do both...<br /><br />And neither negates the other.<br /><br />But a little ray of sunshine does make the darkness more bearable.<br /><br />Blessings to you, Brandee!Joe Potehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00128078440003054702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330757098221229362.post-89912644530436986802014-08-21T00:15:46.942-04:002014-08-21T00:15:46.942-04:00Jessie Duplantis spoke at our church last week. My...Jessie Duplantis spoke at our church last week. My two youngest were glued to their chairs. He talked about living on the top of the barrel, about not being ashamed of God's blessings. I know that other's abundant blessing encouraged me growing up - not necessarily financial but sharing, hospitality, laughter, smiles, blesssing - how would I know what it looked like sometimes if other's didn't show it to me. There's something grace-filled about living joy - and inviting people into to live it with you, to share your joy with others. We all struggle - and you and I and so many others try to find the joy, find our God in the struggle and turn hard times into joy. Share it, friend.bluecottonmemoryhttp://bluecottonmemory.wordpress.com/2014/08/19/cooking-my-way-through/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330757098221229362.post-9925676823786832014-08-20T17:05:06.787-04:002014-08-20T17:05:06.787-04:00You have such a beautiful heart Brandee. Big hear...You have such a beautiful heart Brandee. Big hearts always think big and a lot and sometimes over think things, but that is okay to. It is always a blessing to see the life of a family, and their life together. A family unit is a sacred beautiful thing, and this world needs more blessings to be shown. So I say share talk tell your story and your adventures, cause the world needs to see it and hear your beautiful words. I feel the same way Brandee....I would love to sit across the table with you over coffee and talk about life. Maybe someday that will be one of your posts. A pic of us at your dinner table over coffee. :-)Carrie Van Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11715648073882529202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330757098221229362.post-58903441989667787292014-08-20T09:43:07.407-04:002014-08-20T09:43:07.407-04:00I'm with you Brandee. I love you and sometimes...I'm with you Brandee. I love you and sometimes it is overwhelming when you read the headlines. We are so grateful. I praise my precious Father for the protection and the safety that He provides for me and my family. And in the next breath I get on my knees and mostly just say, "Please Jesus, Please" He knows, and He loves........marlecehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00907684675991124095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330757098221229362.post-18988543020152886262014-08-20T06:44:16.660-04:002014-08-20T06:44:16.660-04:00It's good you have these feelings, Brandee...i...It's good you have these feelings, Brandee...it's your humanity showing through.<br /> <br />:-)<br /> <br />-AndyWARPedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17060430370218799951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330757098221229362.post-56087414315766486402014-08-19T20:45:56.858-04:002014-08-19T20:45:56.858-04:00Unfortunately, in this 24/7 news cycle, it is easy...Unfortunately, in this 24/7 news cycle, it is easy to see all the sadness in the world. Having worked in the news industry, I can assure you that "if it bleeds, it leads" is a maxim to news producers. Thus we see little of the joy and happiness that is also out there. That's one of the reasons I read blogs such as yours. I see so much elation over just living that it makes my day better! <br /><br />I don't think we should bring ourselves down because of the fate of others. It absolutely saddens me that there is so much pain and suffering, and so much of it is in the name of religion of one type or another. That hurts, too. But God doesn't want us to be sad. He wants us happy, and when we are happy and show it, it brings others up, too. I think that is important.<br /><br />I hope you can find your happiness again soon. I will be praying for you!<br /><br />Peace <3<br />JayAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com