One of Lake Placid’s amazing sunsets. (Photo courtesy of Anne Daigle)
by Texas Stready
No need to start gossiping. I’m not full of myself, a know-it-all, or as church folks say, “holier than thou.” But I do admit, my life’s amazing. It’s true, my income’s leaving holes in the bottom of the barrel, most of my personal phone calls come from Mom, and my children don’t have much need for my opinion because they’re “grown.”
After a lifetime spent in addiction, a few years back I made a shift. I dedicated myself to the process. God’s process. Before I knew it I found myself amazed by everything. Amazed that I liked waking up, amazed that I could live without a man, amazed by my potential and the vast array of new possibilities. The next year got even better. I became excited about my purpose, happy to be living for the right cause, and astonished that people were challenged by my input.
There’s No Stopping Me
More time passed and I realized I rarely felt down. This made me nervous, as if some untold crash were waiting around the next curve. I didn’t like that feeling, so I changed my mind. You see, feelings are completely unreliable and subject to our thoughts. Because this is true I decided to start telling myself, “Oh, that’s just how I feel.” Believe it or not, that simple sentence enables me to let go and move on.
Go ahead and argue, “When you live in the gutter long enough…” or “Just wait till…” but I’m not listening. I like it this way and have concluded there’s no reason for it to change. Enjoying life is about recognizing the gifts you’ve been given. And one of my gifts is the ability to look on the bright side—so that’s what I do. Look at what’s positive.
Get it, Got it, Good
It’s easy to spin our wheels in the mud puddles of life until we become stuck—unable to reach our intended destination. There’s a lot to be unhappy about or disappointed by, but what you focus on expands, and that means staring at the good stuff is always your best option.
I mean you can be upset when you can’t find a size 9 on the boot rack marked clearance, or you can be glad you don’t wear an 11. You can be embarrassed that your car has to turn over three times before it cranks, or you could be happy you’re not waiting on the bus. Remember, no matter how bad your life is, it’s a lot better than it could be.
Different Means Different
I spent years of my life in bondage. Sick circumstances, disease relationships, rehabs, jails, and so on. I was trapped in my own thinking. My parents were tired, my brothers pissed off, and my children crushed. But today is different.
I’m not only free, but after three years of remaining this way I’ve published my memoir, Deep in the Heart of Texas. Friday is my first speaking engagement and Saturday’s my book launch party. Amazing! I didn’t get this way overnight and I can’t remain here in my own strength. I’m here because I opted to give up my way and committed my life to Christ. Now, when chaos rages around me, I am completely content in Him.
It’s simple. No matter what you struggle with, here’s how you get from amazed to amazing: Just keep walking in the right direction. When it’s fun and exciting, keep walking. When it’s too high or too low, keep walking. When you’re tired or bored, discouraged or unimpressed, Just Keep On Walking. And in the end, you’ll be more than amazed—you too will be amazing.
You are such a remarkable woman…i am so glad God allowed us to be so close and me to learn so much from you. I dont know how i mised this ome but i really needed it this morning. I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK ?
AWESOME!!!
So excited for you and proud of you. I rejoice with you, my sister.
With love and hugs~
Lynnie
Amazing Grace. Can’t wait to get your book.
Texas the lives you are going to reach will be amazing. I am so proud of you! You are beautiful inside and out and I know that God had a great big hand in that. Sell all of those books this and next weekend. Love you!
While many choose to ignore the Bible and find Christianity insignificant, no one can deny, Texas, the power of your testimony. Your amazing Abba Daddy continued drawing you to Himself for all those years. Now, you are not only His child, but His amazing child. And, isn’t it mind-blowing to think God’s not finished with you yet. In fact, He’s just getting started!
Just wondering if you get notice of my reply. Let me know if you do.
I truly am amazed at the amazing results of your life in Christ.
I love you Daddy.
That was wonderful , & so happy that i was a witness to what God has done in & through you. praying your book will reach, touch & change many not just for now but for eternity .
Im so inspired by how God turned your life around. Im so grateful that you followed through your words are just amazing. Thank you for sharing your true heart it touched mine.
From amazed to an amazing role model for overcoming defeat!
Awesome transformation, and it’s obvious God chose you to speak about his grace in your healing and the miracle He worked in your life. Your stories are real, because they are you. Always be the daughter of God He created for His glory. You magnify Him. Be blessed! You are blessed, and you express it. Shalom.
You knocked it out of the park my girl. AMAZING!
So happy that 1) You are spreading the hope and truth.
2) That I have had the privilege of meeting you during the worst of times.
3)Now through your book I will have the chance to get to KNOW you.
4)Because of your courage to be transparent and your Amazing life, it reinforces that I, too can do it. Congratulations for the book. Praise God for blessings. I wish you the best.
Raising the praise with you, dear friend!
So excited for and proud of you.
Love,
Lynnie
Way to go, Texas! I really enjoyed meeting you at the memorial service for dear Dee who loved you so much and prayed for you all those years. She was so very excited to see the changes you were allowing Jehovah God to make in you. Will continue to pray for you in this new part of your journey!
You are such a beautiful writer…you really know how to get the point across perfectly. Thank you for being the amazing person you are and thank you for writing a book that will literally touch millions of lives. It is so amazing how God uses our every weakness for his magnificent glory! You are beyond talented!
I applaud you and God I’m sure is very proud of you. Way to go for embracing the process! Thank for the encouragement.
Wonderful,love to you my friend!