PRAISE

 Praise:::Let us start with praise, sister!!!

This is something that I am learning (inspired by Moms in Prayer International). 

Today. is hard. there have been tears. I am in physical pain and experiencing emotional weariness. 

&

Today. is glorious. wonderful. joy-filled. peaceful. and full of love. 

Praise God, for his faithfulness. his patience. his endless love for us. 

Praise God:::He is our TEACHER.

He is teaching me that "in this world you will have trouble" & that when entrusted to his able hands PAIN can serve a good purpose. consistent with physical pain::: which can serve as a message: "there is something wrong- take your hand off the burner-now!" Pain can be the (necessary) catalyst for change. 

He is teaching me that life is a rose garden. on a fresh, dewy morning. full of beauty, thick with aromatic pleasures, and covered in thorns at every turn. 

and 

it is only when we cast our eyes with high intentionality [daily, habitually, regularly], when we set our minds, and when we surrender the entirety of our hearts to Christ- the gardener of life- 

that HE supernaturally helps us to FOCUS ON THE ROSES (🌹 HE DESIGNED/PLANTED/AND IS WORKING RIGHT NOW TO CULTIVATE THEM) 

and by looking to him, in total dependence/prayer, to WALK IN the fruits of HIS SPIRIT -even amidst thorns abounding. and perhaps.. with an even heightened sense of gratitude. appreciation. and satisfaction.

Take heart, sister-loved-by-God. He has (already!) overcome the world and is working in your life today. 

xo

Lord,

you are the gardener - I praise you! Your plans are for the good and you never stop working. What an amazing garden you are cultivating. We believe (in your promises, in your character, in your ways)- Lord, help our unbelief! Thank you for your thoughts towards mankind- for your endless pursuit of your beloved children. Please use the pain of _____[life experience/trial/suffering]________ to teach me how to remain,walk and abide in your will today. Transform me by the renewing of my mind, so that I might discern what is your good, pleasing, and perfect will. 

AMEN

ALL THINGS POSSIBLE- "in me you may have peace". 

PEACE IN THE STORM IS POSSIBLE in Christ, alone.

He is with you. Unsurprised by your storm. 

Let us refuse to lay down our peace today- come believe it, come receive it! 

John 16:33 — The New International Version (NIV)

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will havetrouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”