Let's try this Again

 ^{Philippians 4:12, 13}
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength"

What is the secret of being content?
Sometimes I am content...
When life is rolling along and the puzzle pieces seem to fall into place quickly and easily...
I think...'I am content.'!!

When I think of contentment...It makes me think of the 'bucket list..
I hear people talking about their own 'bucket lists'.
This list usually comes from a place of 'discontent,'
....a place of, if only... or what if ?...

But, I think their should be 2 buckets...the 'settled' and 'not willing to settle'...buckets...

In my first bucket.....are 'cool' things I have done...'Settled!!'...been there done that !!
So lets start there..
*lived in Africa for a couple months working in area church's and school's..
*whitewater rafted down a 'crazy' river in North Carolina with a dear friend ..
*parasailed..
*worked in the Prison's ministry.
*worked with mentally challenged adults (awesome).
*sang at funerals and weddings and a lot of wonderful places in between.
*flown all over the world for the last 20+ years.
*camped out on the Luangua River (borders Zambia).
*blessed to marry my amazing best friend...He loves Jesus and me, is brilliant, funny, and handsome!
*helped to raise my nieces.
*escorted our U.S. Army to Kuwait and then back home again..
So that is my list...just off the top of my head....a bucket, I sometimes drink from when I need to remember well..

In my second bucket are things I'm not willing to 'settle' on, quite yet..
*I hope to leave a mark on the world through my writing and singing.
*Would love to learn a foreign language (not just airlplane spanish)
*Play piano (well, with 2 hands even)
*Possibly adopt..
*Go yearly with my hubby to wonderful destinations
*Be 'brave enough' to let God lead us everyday..

Think for a few moments,.. all the wonderful and amazing things you have done..and then remember that it is never too late to start fresh and accomplish more than you ever thought possible...
It's not only about finishing well, it is also about remembering well...

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength"


**Make two lists and go for it, but pray first... that God will allow you, to accomplish those dreams that really matter!

And to be content no matter what??, The secret is this...in all things Paul's focus went right back to Jesus...that is the secret...getting grounded in the One who loves you most, choosing contentedness and thankfulness, so you can learn to understand the dreams He has for you.
Then you know the ones that are worth pursuing.

Remembering well, will definitely allow you to finish well...