"Are you a CONTROL FREAK?"

So how many of you think it's your job to control EVERYTHING in your life? So you think if you are not in control of everything that the world will fall apart? Well, I hate to break the news to you, but it's NOT YOUR JOB. Well, I know that's how I used to be. I can't say I am rid of that need to control but I have gotten better at knowing what that feels like inside of me.. and I get better at surrendering those things that are beyond my control. I used to try and control my former husband, my friends, my family, time, my feelings, my circumstances, my boss, other people etc.

Serenity Prayer....

God.. Grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change....

The COURAGE to change the things I can and

The WISDOM to know the difference

Thy Will be Done.. NOT MINE!

The number one thing I desire in life is to feel PEACE. As I attended a good friend of mine's funeral a few days ago, it was said that only a few days before he passed away, he was searching for that Peace in his own life. How important is that to you? I know for me it is absolutely vital. I know it's not possible to feel it 100% of the time, but I know I can say I am grateful that I feel it most of my life these days and I attribute that to the way I choose to live. I spend time on taking care of me and my basic spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. It helps me keep balanced and therefore I feel peace. It's when I find myself trying to control something or someone that I get knocked off center and dang it if it takes me awhile to be willing to let it go. There are several things I do to help let go of what I feel I can control. Many of these things are in my tips for the day.

I realize now that I can't control anything and that I need God in my life to help guide me in all I do. I first have to let Him in and I let Him in when I LET GO. I know I know.. it's easier said than done,. It doesn't have to be. Our natural man wants to think it's our job to control it but when we let go and let God direct our very thoughts, actions and deeds.. there is true freedom there. I can tell you I feel as though it has become easier as time has gone by as I have learned to exercise that muscle of trust and of letting go. I always say... "trust and run.." Sometimes it's a bit scary to do that but when I do, I find peace in knowing that I am not alone in whatever I am facing at that time in my life.

ACT NOW: So this is something I did several months ago to see all the areas in my life that I have tried controlling. Get a piece of paper out or your journal and start listing all the different ways you find yourself trying to control things, yourself, your children, family, your boss, your customers etc. Keep writing til you feel complete. If you need to, go back to when you first recall in your life trying to control things. Ask yourself why you think it's your job to control and what would happen if you let go of that need to control and see what comes out. Don't judge what flows out of you. It's all just information and something to look at. Once you feel you are complete, be willing to surrender it to God and let Him take it all from you. I know when I do this, there is a sense of peace that comes into my life because I feel I have acknowledged my need to control and also have realized that it's not my job.

"LET GO .. AND LET GOD!!"

"Do your very best and let God do the rest!"