Interview with Nylse from Life Notes Encouragement Blog

What a dreamy and encouraging conversation! Meet my friend Nylse from Life Notes Encouragement Blog! 

Contentment and Thanksgiving

Have you ever prayed for something and when it shows up, you get super surprised?

That's where I am. Surprised and thankful. 

Let's establish something. I don't treat God as if He was Santa Claus. 

I know God is Almighty. He is Sovereign. He can do what He chooses. 

Yet, He listens and answers prayers. 

God is amazing. 

God is also good. I am amazed at how He cares about things big and small. 

Our family is really blessed. As the Psalmist wrote long ago in Psalm 37:25, we have not been forsaken nor begged bread. God has provided everything we needed. 

I've wanted a few things. I learned to do the best with what I had. So if we could afford swimming classes, we'd sign the kids up. Most summers, I taught them all I knew. 

This summer, thanks be to God, we were able to sign the kids in the swim team. I've been so thankful to God for this blessing. 

The kids are enjoying the experience. They are growing in their skill and discipline. 

As I grow in my faith, I don't see this as an "I now can afford this activity" and that's it. I remember when we couldn't. I remember being slightly bothered by my lack of "want" funds. I remember making peace with our circumstances (Phil. 4:11) as I learned what contentment meant. 

It's hard to learn contentment when you have everything. 

Contentment does not have to rely on an abundance or lack of possessions. 

Contentment is a work of the Holy Spirit inside of the heart of the believer. 

Contentment and thanksgiving walk hand in hand. Where you see one, the other is also right there. The best way for me to know I lack contentment is when I start complaining about my circumstances. I basically put a sit on the table so jealousy can sit. 

Side note. Friend, do not create a permanent spot for jealousy on the table of your heart. Jealousy seems benign but it is a vicious plague. Jealousy suffocates thanksgiving until it completely shuts it down. Jealousy will kick contentment to the curb so it can reign in the heart.

I had to face jealousy many times. I had to call it a liar. I had to get it out of my life on purpose, with the help of God. I hope you do the same. 

Today, I am reminded that God sees me and He cares. God is better than I can imagine. He is all-knowing. He is merciful and compassionate. I am thankful for the opportunity to provide something so life-giving to the kids.

I learned to swim when I was a tween. I didn't stay in lessons forever. I was there long enough to learn what I needed. I was able to teach it to someone else. 

Swimming is a gift. I know God is the giver. I am encouraged to remain prayerful as contentment and thanksgiving walk hand in hand in my life.

Question: Have you ever set a place for jealousy on the table of your heart? What kind of dinner party did you have?

Change

Of old You laid the foundation of the earth,

And the heavens are the work of Your hands.

26 

They will perish, but You will endure;

Yes, they will all grow old like a garment;

Like a cloak You will change them,

And they will be changed.

27 

But You are the same,

And Your years will have no end. 

Psalm 102: 25-27 (NKJV)

Change has been a constant here and everywhere. As soon as I think things are getting back to normal, they change again. All of these ups and downs lead me to so many thoughts. The first one is, God is constant. 

No matter how things change around us, God doesn't change. He is ever faithful. He is in control and He is love. 

My second thought is that with all this talk about the virus, it is wise to take care of one's health. I am amazed at how far small steps can take me. 

I started this health work three years ago. My weight was very high and I needed to do something about it. I told myself that I was going to lose weight. I got the help I needed. I took small steps and I am in a much better place. Slow change has brought lasting results. 

During this Spring, I told myself I was going to lose weight. It wasn't easy but I did it. I was very happy with the results. I did put on a lot of effort. I stayed away from excuses and I embraced hard work. 

I believe that I can be a better wife, mother, and human being when I am healthier. So I will continue to embrace the work of being a healthy person.

My last thought is on prayer. I prayed for a lot of things to change these past few months. I am here to announce that most of them did not change. The good thing is that I did. My attitude towards my challenges changed. Although I would love to see every little thing I prayed for change, I grew in my trust in God. He doesn't change and He is faithful. 

I trust that God has a plan. I trust Him to perform that plan in His timing. Meanwhile, I will continue to pray and believe in God. 

Have you thought about the change you experience? What did you learn?

Growth Questions

I decided to ask you and I a series of reflective questions. Enjoy!

Marathon 101

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How to get back on Track

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