You Can Overcome It!

Ahhh.. that calming sound of piano music twinkling through the headphones as I type; one of my favorite times to myself is when I write.

It is healing, cleansing and always seems to remove heaviness I feel in my mind. It's why I choose to sit and write when that feeling comes on... when I feel weight that needs to lift. I feel that is when God is telling me " Sit Shelley, sit, type, and inspire... sit to pour out what so many others feel but never share, what they wish to overcome but can't."

I simply obey, even when reluctant, and well, tonight is one of those nights.

I am feeling anxious tonight, scared a little and confusion in some areas of life are pretty strong. I know I will be okay, some answers have already been revealed, but I am human, after all, and my life is a puzzle that is still incomplete.

I am sure some of you have times in life when you sit back and think WHY??? Why is this happening to me? WHEN? When will life get easier, less complicated and more stable?

Just know....

You are NOT alone. There are other people exactly where you are in this moment, where you've been in the past and even where you will end up in the future. It's a journey that you MUST live out, you mustn't give up... a path that was paved for you a long time ago and it has a happy ending. I know this first hand and no matter how hard the blows, I KNOW that I was placed here to carry on, to be strong in my walk and stronger in my faith and I am also supposed to share it all with you.

Although my personal life is something I like to keep semi- private, I have been dealing with some things personally that seemingly made no sense. It seemed like another hiccup in life, and I am REALLY over the hiccups. How many more blows can I take? I often think. However, then I am reminded that the hiccups in my life have been the exact things that have revealed the real me... they have pushed me to grow in heart and in faith. I am thankful, and appreciative of them.

In times like this, I remind myself of where the hard times led me. It helps. It reminds me how far that I have come, and gets me excited of the journey ahead.

Life is tough, and then it gets tougher. But if you hang on through these storms in your life, the rewards will be sweet, and will get sweeter with each struggle you overcome.

YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER!

So... that is my message for you tonight. it is pretty short, and pretty simple, but behind it lies strength to overcome, strength to push through, faith to guide you and hope to help you know that YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH.

Please know that the world needs you... you are significant even when you feel so small. And when nobody else loves you, GOD does. He is there, He has been there for me through many tearful moments; He is there for me right now in this moment, and He is there for you too. If you need His strength all you have to do is ask for it, and also ask for patience.... because trust me when I say, you will need a lot of it as you push through this life. But eventually... one day this life will be over and what matters then is who you were and what you did for others. Nothing more.

His timing is the VERY best timing, I promise. TRUST in it and carry on with a smile just like I strive to do each and every day.



Until next time....

PURSUE WHAT YOU HOPE FOR; LEAVE BEHIND WHAT YOU WISH TO FORGET.... 

xoxo

Shells

WWW.THESGIARDGROUP.COM

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Be the Light That Others Seek

Well friends, another week has passed and I am sad to say that the world is still a mess. If only I had a magic wand to sweep over the nation and fix it all; wouldn't THAT be awesome?

I am thankful today for my health, for my family and for the simple fact that I am alive; for that, I am blessed. I do not live in fear, although there are several people who do. I do not live in worry, because I can only live day to day being the best that I can and plan for a brighter future.

My goal today is to be short and sweet, to be a muse for those of you who need an escape from all that is happening and just need some light to shine in on your life. After all, if we all became beacons for others, this world would be a better place now wouldn't it?

But instead, most people spread negativity, they replay news stories that we are all tired of seeing, hearing and being reminded of. We do not pose solutions, but simply regurgitate the problems. We thrive on, yet also fear the chaos. It's the most obscene contradiction I know of.

Nothing is perfect, but that does not mean we should give up trying to perfect what has gone so terribly wrong. We get swallowed up in current events, political debate and propaganda. Meanwhile... we miss out on the bigger picture; CHANGING OURSELVES to influence others.

We CAN'T change others, but we CAN change ourselves, and through those changes we inspire others to change. Anger fuels anger, hate fuels hate, fear fuels fear, worry fuels worry, violence fuels more violence.

On the other hand, love... understanding and hope fuels the same. What fuel are you pouring out for the world to see?

I will continue to be a light in a VERY dark world. I will continue to spread the Word of God in hopes of changing a few hearts, because I know how miraculously mine was changed and what that change did and continues to do for my life.

I STARTED WITH ME when things were a mess, and I encourage you to do the same. When people start to see you change, they take notice, they pay attention, and soon enough, you will have a few people following you. You will inspire others to change so that they can have some of what you have... happiness. Be the page that people go to when everyone else on their feed is negative.

"Be the light and others will seek you. Be the dark and people will fall into it with you."
©2016 Shelley Giard

Matthew 5: 14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.


Until next time....

PURSUE WHAT YOU HOPE FOR; LEAVE BEHIND WHAT YOU WISH TO FORGET.... 

xoxo

Shells

WWW.THESGIARDGROUP.COM

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And Then I Met Gabby

I am often amazed how God works in my life. When once upon a time I could not "feel" his presence. When I thought that because of all of my mistakes and bad choices, that He would never help me, love me or forgive me.

It was ME, it was my lack of belief and trust that was the problem. I am really glad that I was wrong about Him, and even happier that He brought me to the experiences I needed to ask for His help in hopes of actually getting it. This is why I am thankful for the horrible moments and struggles in my life, for without them, I would never have needed Him.

I am writing this on day 6 of a 9 day family vacation, and although it may seem strange that I am "working" on vacation by writing this blog post, I was inspired to do so and with all the violence that has happened over the last few days; innocent men being shot dead by men with authority and firearms, I KNOW that this is coming at a perfect time. Now I know why God put Gabby in my life.

If you have ever read any of my blogs, you know that I think miles outside of the box, that I can pull a positive twist from the straightest of lines to help you see a side you may never have realized in a situation, encounter or circumstance.

Today is one of those days.

The other day, we stopped at Publix, a grocery store for those who may not be familiar, to get a few things before heading back to our condo for the night. My niece wanted to get a sandwich from the deli, so we headed over to stand in line. In front of us, was a mother and her 3 children. The youngest of the 3 decided to look at me and smile big, so I smiled back and quickly said "hello there, how are you today?" She innocently threw me a Cheshire grin and said "Hi, guess what? I was the first one in line for a sandwich." I chuckled and told her that they should give her a prize for that and she happily agreed with me.

We proceeded to carry on a delightful conversation as we stood waiting for our orders to be filled. This exuberant little girl had so much to say and her personality was simply amazing. She impressed me, and I complimented her mother on what an amazing child she was. Her mother chuckled and shared that she was quite a character and that I probably shouldn't blow her head up too much. I laughed and said, "well, unfortunately, you have no idea who you have run into... I tend to find the best in people and help them shine, it's what I do." She smiled.

We continued to talk and Gabby (such an appropriate name for this child) continued to impress and entertain  me during what would have been a boring wait in line with delightful conversation. I told her that she was amazing, that I felt she would become something great one day, and that the world needed to know who she was. 

It was at this time I asked how old she was and she pridefully said "3". I was absolutely FLOORED! "3??? Are you kidding me?", I said to her mom. I was so incredibly blessed by meeting this little ball of joy. I immediately asked her mother's permission to share a blog about Gabby... I asked her if she would send me a picture since Gabby felt she "looked a mess" being that she had just been at a water park. I was thrilled when her mother said yes to both. We borrowed a pen from the deli manager and on the back of a menu, her mother wrote her contact info.

It is not the simple meeting of this 3 year old amazing little girl that I was so excited to share with you today. What excited me and inspired me, was how this little girl made the simple choice to smile at me, it was the innocence in that beautiful smile that moved my soul. It was how that smile provoked me to speak to her and how those first few words led to a wonderful conversation. It is how that conversation made a negative wait in line a wonderful experience, and now has become an inspiring story to all of you.

It's a ripple effect, the butterfly effect, the wonders of paying attention to a small encounter in your life and using it for a MUCH bigger purpose. The ability to realize that God puts everyone in your life for a reason. Finding purpose is why we have been given gifts and feelings, and experiences. Things we go through SHOULD bring us to bigger purpose. To live with purpose, is to live life as it was intended.

I am not sure if my simple little blog will make Gabby famous, I am not certain that millions will read, but I KNOW with the history of my posts, that thousands will and at least one person who reads this will be inspired, at least one person will smile and maybe think of how one small gesture, act of kindness or how telling a story can ultimately change someone's day, life, and even the world.

I could easily be saddened and consumed by the way our world lives in fear, how people no longer talk to their neighbors or speak to strangers because they are glued to their phone screens, or simply afraid to speak. I could be paralyzed by how hate is fueled by mere differences in lifestyle and opinion. Instead, I hang on to wonderful little moments that shed a glimmer of hope. I am inspired by people like me who are not afraid; people like Gabby.

I read my Bible to learn about how we are to live, act towards others, and get through the struggles that come. I wish I had done this years ago, but am thankful that I have done this for the past three years. As I have learned and applied what I learn, life has become easier, more peaceful and my trust in God has grown exponentially. I KNOW as long as I lean into Him, I will have peace in my struggles. I know that EVERY person He brings into my life crosses my path for a greater purpose, and I ask to be shown that purpose.

Thank you Gabby, for smiling at me... although you are young and may not be able to fully comprehend the impact it had on me, I encourage you to please... keep smiling at strangers. You will have impact on many people through life if you stay EXACTLY who you are.  Keep being amazing, Dream SUPER BIG, and NEVER give up on those dreams little girl. YOU have the potential to become ANYTHING that you want to be and certainly have the personality to get you there! No matter what anyone tells you, no matter how many people may tell you you cant', KNOW that I think that you CAN!

Thanks to her mom Mandy for allowing your precious little girl to have a conversation with a complete stranger, and by allowing me to share your little girl with my readers. By doing so, my blog was brought back to life after a much needed break .

To my fans... my readers... my friends.  SHELLS IS BACK!

Until next time....

PURSUE WHAT YOU HOPE FOR; LEAVE BEHIND WHAT YOU WISH TO FORGET.... 

xoxo

Shells

WWW.THESGIARDGROUP.COM

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God 's Greatest Gift is Sometimes Pain

NO PAIN... NO GAIN.

Many of us have heard and even used that cliche and truthful phrase, yet we fail to remind ourselves of it when we are in the midst of our own painful storm. We want to put blame on someone... we want to make it someone's fault that we are hurting...

Perhaps it IS someone's fault; perhaps that someone is God.

For those of you who know my back story... you know that I was born and raised in Massachusetts, and that I moved to South Carolina at the age of 9, two years after my sister was killed in a drunk driving accident. For those of you who didn't know that; now you do.

WELL... TODAY IS THE DAY

Today marks 34 years that my sister has been gone. 34 years is a very long time, yet the pain of this day always comes; perhaps in different stages of grief, but nevertheless, it still comes. This was once a day that I did not understand, a day that angered me, a day that caused me to turn my back on God... a day that kept me from believing He ever existed; that feeling continued for many, many years.

Although many painful memories have surrounded this day in the past, I feel a little differently as I tackle today. I have accepted that a triumph came out of a tragedy and that I was chosen to take that tragedy and turn it into a story... a story that would help others get through tough times; whatever those may be. I took what God has brought me through and tell the story of how I was led back to Him through lots of pain and failure.

I am supposed to share how I gained wisdom, empathy and understanding through all that was brought on by this very day. I am supposed to realize and share the things that happened throughout my life as they occurred and things that continue to occur; things that help me see that God's greatest gifts often involve painful experiences. I am supposed to share that what we do with that pain is what paints our eventual picture.


THE EASY ROAD IS NOT THE ONE

It is easy to stay swallowed up in the pain, it is easy to continue to suffer, to feel sorry for ourselves and not move from where we stand in the moment; that takes little to no effort. What takes effort is fighting... what takes effort is punching our way through the pain to come out victorious, to accept what God is giving us as a gift and be able to accept the gifts that will come after.Victory is what was meant for us; truly, it is. He will lead you to it... all you have to do is realize it when it is in your face, accept it and cherish it as the gift that it is.

I recall thinking to myself WHY??? Why would a faithful God who loves me DO THIS??? Why would He cause so much pain and hurt in my family? Especially when we were living by His word? Why would a teenager who had one too many drinks be burdened and pained for years and years knowing His bad decision caused my 16 year old sister to lose her life? It was this thought process that kept me stuck for so long. I was stuck in a tornado of emotion; pain, hurt, anger, sadness, self pity and doubt. WHY?? I thought.

AND THEN IT MADE SENSE

None of  it made sense to me... until a few years ago when something good came from it; I wrote a book, and since have helped so many people with that transparent story. I also found that drunk driver through Facebook after writing that book and was able to let him know that I forgave him, lifting some of the weight he carried off of his shoulders for all those years. We have since emailed back and forth a few times and I was able to send him one of my books to read, which he did.

Through my pain and suffering I found my way back to God, back to the only arms that I know will always carry me, never fail or disappoint me. For that, I am so thankful, for it was a true gift. Without the pain, I would not have had the gain and without the faith I have now, I may not have been here to tell my story. I am not saying that I ever thought at any moment to end my life, however my path would certainly have been very different without what I went through and it is unlikely I'd be typing these words.

TEARS OF JOY

Today I will embrace my sister's memory... my tears will smile instead of cry as I recall childhood flash backs of me watching her put on makeup and I will say a prayer that God will continue to bless me with the pain I need to toughen me up for what is to come, to make me bulletproof, for the suffering that will cause me to seek Him more, because now, that is what I do. I cannot protect me.. only He can. He will bring to me things and people I need, not what I need to be protected from; I will trust in that and allow them to run the course.

It is hard for us to thank for things that hurt, that cause us tears, but it is only through these things and moments that we will be left with two choices... give up or give it to God.

If you give up, the victory he has waiting for you will never be enjoyed, so pass the baton and let Him take it; the finish line is waiting and it is everything that you've ever wanted; He promises that.

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. The you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us." II Corinthians 1: 3-7

Today... I encourage you to give your pain to God, ask him to take it away, for you cannot handle this alone. Ask Him to surround you with those who will show you through their own stories how His grace can set you free, how it can bring smiles to your face and warmth into your heart even when you are in the midst of the storm.

Know that YOU ARE WORTHY of love... for the triumphs and victories that you are being led to. Don't deny yourself the joys that He brings to your life, lift your shameful head from the sand and allow yourself to be renewed and cleansed.

Until next time... be faithful

xoxo

Shells

WWW.THESGIARDGROUP.COM

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