Oak Tree

Today's will be short and sweet but right to the point.

The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.
~Napoleon Hill~

The Oak Treeby Johnny Ray Ryder Jr
A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree's leaves away
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark
But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around
The weary wind gave up and spoke.
How can you still be standing Oak?The oak tree said, I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two
Carry every leaf away
Shake my limbs, and make me sway
But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since my birth
You'll never touch them, for you see
They are the deepest part of me
Until today, I wasn't sure
Of just how much I could endure
But now I've found, with thanks to you
I'm stronger than I ever knew.

Every trial we face in life can either become a point of total implosion and bitterness or a time of stretching and growth. It's all in what we choose to do with it.
Barb Ditt

"When tragedy or challenges come our way, we can be knocked off our feet. We often struggle with anger, denial, grief, resentment, & depression. We fear for the future wondering what will happen. What good can God bring from these difficulties and pain? In those moments we have a choice. We can choose the path that allows our emotions to take over & leads to resentment & bitterness. Or we can choose the less-expected path of allowing ourselves to be transformed by God. We can choose to let Him work in us to do His will. When others see an out-of-the-ordinary response to crisis & challenges in life, they sit up & take notice. You can come out on the other side--stronger & more dependent on God. He doesn't want those situations to be what destroy you or define you. It's your choice...what will it be?"
~Unknown~

Think about that today.

My storm: My son was cranky off and on all day...
My rainbow: Finally replaced my piece of junk phone....


Blessings! 
~ Special Momma ~