“How to Embrace the Life You Have” – Vaneetha Rendall Risner
Elevate Christian Network :: Inspirational Stories
Vaneetha Rendall Risner: “I am reminded again that the life I’m living now isn’t what I signed up for. Nothing has turned out as I planned.” | Image: desiringgod.org
Story by Vaneetha Rendall Risner: While I am deeply convinced that I’m living out God’s best for me, there are days I mourn the loss of what used to be — particularly recently as I’ve been going through old tubs, each one filled with memories of a life that no longer exists. Pictures of long-ago family vacations, Christmases past, recitals, and school plays. Shoeboxes filled with letters from people I no longer know. Childhood photographs that make me laugh and at the same time cringe in horror. All reminders of how my life has changed.
What Happened to the Life I Dreamed?
And then there are the art supplies. Fifteen years ago, my life was defined by projects I could do with my hands. Painting, crafting, scrapbooking, embroidering, making jewelry, painting dishes. Tubs, crates, and craft containers all crammed into the attic — each dedicated to a different artistic passion. They all sparked my creativity. Relaxed me. Made me happy.
Like my friends, all of us face disappointments. Our lives look vastly different than we imagined they would. People dream of certain careers and accomplishments, but family issues or unexpected events make careers take a backseat. Young lovers believe they will have the perfect family, yet somehow their family doesn’t even resemble their vision. Read the full story…. desiringgod.org
About the Author
Vaneetha Rendall Risner – Author and Blogger | Image: desiringgod.org
Vaneetha Rendall Risner is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to Desiring God Blog. She also blogs at danceintherain.com, although she doesn’t like rain and has no sense of rhythm. Vaneetha is married to Joel and has two daughters, Katie and Kristi. She and Joel live in Raleigh, North Carolina. Vaneetha is the author of the book The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering.
Worth Every Second – Vaneetha’s Joy in Suffering
Twenty-one surgeries by age thirteen. Years in the hospital. Verbal and physical bullying from schoolmates. Multiple miscarriages as a young wife. The death of a child. A debilitating progressive disease. Riveting pain. Abandonment. Unwanted divorce.
More resources:
Vaneetha Rendall Risner | Today’s Christian Woman
1958 likes · 95 talking about this. Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass; its about learning to dance in the rain.
Vaneetha Rendall (@vaneetharendall) | Twitter
The latest Tweets from Vaneetha Rendall (@vaneetharendall): “What do you do with your failure? Do hide it, rationalize it, or do you dare to believe that God can
The Scars That Have Shaped Me | Christian Book by Vaneetha Rendall Risner
The Scars That Have Shaped Me Book – Vaneetha Rendall Risner | Image: Desiring God
In The Scars That Have Shaped Me, Vaneetha does more than share her stories of pain; she invites other sufferers to taste with her the goodness of a sovereign God who will carry us in our darkest of days. Read more…
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About Cee Harmon
Cee Harmon is the founder of Elevate Christian Network and Elevate Your Potential Magazine. He enjoys helping people improve the quality of their lives - spirit, soul, and body.
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