Discouraged?

On By Jacqueline VilardoIn Devotion, discouragement, Faith, God's presence, Grace, Loneliness

Do you ever get discouraged?  That state of mind that makes you feel like you are walking alone at times?    

My dad used to tell me how, when very young, I would always ask, “Why daddy, why?”

I was very, very inquisitive.  I always wanted to know the bottom line of “Why?” to everything!  I believe we feel this way especially when discouragement comes along.  We want to know why. We have lots of questions.  I do anyway.  

Before my dad got sick, we had the opportunity to get very close.  I would pick him up outside of his house on Wednesday nights after I got out of work and we’d head out for  French Onion soup and, of course, coffee.  We called them “date nights.”  Some nights it was ice cream cones and a ride through our favorite place, Bayonne Park.   During the change of seasons,  Dad would say,  “There goes God putting on his show!”  So simple and so very special.  We would just ride around Bayonne, talking and laughing.  He would tell me stories and show me all the changes that had taken place around town since I was young.   

During some of our conversations, I would respond with “Why?”  then he would laugh and say “Why, daddy, why?”  We would just laugh! How beautiful, right?  I’m so incredibly thankful to God for allowing us to have that time together.  

Sometimes laughter hides many things, even discouragement.  Maybe that’s why some people are bent toward comedies when looking for movies to watch.  It gets their minds off the hard issues going on in their lives.  For me,  I just like to walk around HomeGoods! No, not to purchase a bunch of items, but to just float around.  I don’t look for anything in particular.  I’m happy and content to come home with a just a candle.  Ask my good ole friend, Maria, she knows!

So, I woke up discouraged this morning.  There are many things I have in my heart that are still pending.  In other words, that I’m still “waiting” for.  I know that God’s ways and timing are perfect.  I know from my experiences with the Lord, that in His time, all things will bloom and turn for my good.  For my family’s good.  It’s during this stretching that my faith is growing.  It’s not easy, but I must keep moving forward and upward!  And so must you because He’s with and for you also.  He’s cheering for all of us and is smiling down as he sees us putting out our best efforts.  He loves us and best of all, He just wants to BE with us.  Just like me and my dad  wanted to be together to laugh, eat ice cream, and enjoy each other’s presence.  It’s so amazingly simple.  

Discouragement is so easy to fall into, but the way to respond, I’m learning, is to immediately begin to push it away.  Don’t wait even a moment. Submit it to God and resist it.  Run to God in prayer.  He always comes through and strengthens us. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“

Phil 4:6-7

The words in these posts are my testimonies of His goodness, but it’s HIS WORDS that will pour life, peace, and joy into your soul.

If you will let Him.

18 thoughts on “Discouraged?”

    1. Maria Presepe

      Yes, I do know Jackies favorite thing to buy in Marshall’s and what brings a smile 😃 to her face is a candle 🕯and spending time with her Abba father! Its the simple things in life. Love 💘 you my friend!

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      1. Gerri Brescia

        I loved reading your journal this morning it brought tears to my eyes. I so missed those days with Daddy. They were the best! Jackie your journals are so inspirational. I love you! 😘💕

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      2. I love that we all got our special times with him. Each of us are different and we were blessed to have the chance to get to know him and for him to get to really know us too. It was a gift from Heaven.
        Thank you Gerri for reading these testimonies of how great God is to us. How he loves us. More than anyone!!! I love you Gerri.

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  2. jomari65

    Beauty for Ashes! There is nothing like great memories to help us move forward. I’m sure your dad would be so proud of your journaling and how you are using it for encouragement and blessings. May the Lord continue to use you for His glory. This one made me emotional too. Love it. Love you my dear sister.

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    1. Jacqueline Vilardo

      My Mari🤗. Love you always. You both have been my friends and guide in so many ways throughout these last 26 years!!!! Lol. Wow that’s a long time. What a gift you and PJ are to me and mike. 😘

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      1. Angela Perez

        Hi Jackie, your words bring great encouragement and reminds us that everything will be okay. God has us and will never let us go. Thank you for sharing your awesome talent to the world. Love ya ❤

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      2. Angela!!! My little “coworker angel”. So glad you are here. God always brings you to my heart. He has you and your family in His Hand!! Good plans for you. You have a kind and sweet spirit Angela. 😇🌷

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  3. nat

    oH my Jackie, this is beautiful. I loved that your Dad always made me laugh. The last time i saw him was at 8th St diner and he asked me outside – Hey Natlie have you seen the light? He smiled his smile & laughed. lol. I have been enjoying your journaling & love seeing your pictures. Always keeping you & your family in my prayers. Love you my dear ol’ friend.

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  4. Thank you for this beautiful thought. I experience discouragement. It really is not easy to deal with. But you just gave me a great advice; to immediately push it away and go to God in prayer. Yes, amen to that.

    And what a lovely time you had with your dad. I miss my father too who passed away 2 years ago. We are blessed to have godly dads who love the Lord.

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    1. Hello. Bless you. Thank you for your thoughts. I’m so glad you were encouraged. God loves us and will direct us each moment through it. Run to Him and place it in His Hand.
      I look forward to fellowship with my dad one day. But of course our DAD, our Heavenly Father will have all of our attention….😃🙏🏻🙏🏻

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  5. Angela Perez

    Hi Jackie, your words bring great encouragement and reminds us that everything will be okay. God has us and will never let us go. Thank you for sharing your awesome talent to the world. Love ya ❤

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  6. Your story touched my heart. I, too, had the blessing of getting to know my dad in a way as never before during the last 7 years of his life. Our special time was breakfast. He loved his bacon and eggs! He passed 4 years ago and I miss him a lot! Not only was he my dad, but he was my friend. When God doesn’t tell me “why”, I trust Him because He always knows what is best!😊

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