Why You Need a Plan B

Do you ever have something planned out perfectly, but then something happens to throw it off balance? This happened to me yesterday. For several weeks now, I have been preparing to have surgery on my hand. I had the schedule figured out, so that I would have someone with me every day to help take care of me. I have been trying to figure out how to do more things with my left hand, since I had planned on having surgery on my right (dominate) hand first. But then, everything changed.

My dad (who is also my pastor) announced a revival at our church on the same week that I had planned to have surgery. It would be so hard on me to get ready for church every day using only my left hand. Staying home, however, is not an option for me either. 

At first, I felt overwhelmed and confused. But after a few prayers and tears, I realized that God will work it out for me. He always does. I just have to trust Him. He has an appropriate time for everything that He does. So I will just have to be patient and wait on Him. After all, He knows my heart and what is best for me. 

Sometimes we get so discouraged when things don’t go our way that we just want to give up. Giving up, however, is not an option for me. If plan A doesn’t pan out, then I just need to trust that God has another way and start cultivating plan B. And if plan B doesn’t turn out well, then there are more letters in the alphabet for me to try. Years ago, when things didn’t go as planned, I got mad at God and usually ended up in the bed. I would sulk for days, and have a real big pity party. Now I refer to one of my favorite verses Romans 8:28 (And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.) and I know that it will all benefit me. 

Perhaps having surgery on my left hand first would make it easier for me. I would get to see what the process is like before doing my right hand. Anyway, I am going my appointment in faith. Somehow, in some way, God will make a way for me. I trust Him to take care of me. And if I doubt that at all, I need just remember how He parted the Red Sea for the children of Israel. Compared to that, my little schedule conflict is a piece of cake. 

I will update with the date and time, as soon as I know. Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. It means so much!

Have a wonderful day!

Candida

How to Be Stronger Than Your Excuses

It happened so fast. One minute I was exercising, and the next I was on the floor. My left foot is affected my Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) and my balance is definitely challenged on my left side. Therefore, my left arm is now sprained from my fall. 

At first, I thought it would be painful for a few days, and then it would be healed. I did not expect for it to be this painful, swollen, or the healing time to be so long. When I heard it could take 4-6 weeks to heal, I cried. 

Everything about my days has been so challenging. From opening doors, to carrying things, and just trying to figure it all out. My hands are affected by ABS as well. So doing every day tasks was already challenging for me, but to be limited in one hand makes it even harder. 

It would be so easy for me to make excuses right now, to skip my workouts, and wallow in self-pity. But instead I choose to focus on what my body can do. While I can’t work my arm, there is nothing wrong with my legs and core. 

Exercise helps me in so many ways. Below are a few examples. 

1. It helps me to deal with the pain from ABS and the imbalances it causes in my body. 
2. Cardio helps me to clear my mind and find new perspectives about situations bothering me. Sometimes just a good sweat makes all the difference in my mood. 
3. Working out, even when I don't feel like it, helps me to hone my self-discipline skills.
4. Exercising makes me feel strong and helps me to gain mental strength. In the face of adversity, I want to keep going. I never want to master the skill of giving up, especially when life gets hard. 

Sometimes we just need to train our mind to look for the possibilities instead of the excuses. 

You might also like a video on my Facebook page: How to Find Hope in the Struggle. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Candida