"And we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  ~2 Corinthians 10:5b (NIV).

Taking captive EVERY THOUGHT.  Every thought meaning every single thing that passes through our brains.  Good and bad.  Right and wrong.  When we have any sort of thought, put it to test of whether it is obedient to Christ:  "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."  ~Philippians 4:8 (NIV).  

When I begin to think about how I feel I need new clothes, I will take these thoughts captive, and turn them into obedience: I have plenty of clothes that are in good condition, and scripture tells us, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?...And why do you worry about clothes?  Se how the flowers of the field grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith?" ~Matthew 6:25, 28-30 (NIV).  Whenever I begin to think about how I "need" to go shopping, I will stop and remember these verses, and will turn my focus back towards God.

When I begin to feel lonely, or miss an old relationship, I will take these thoughts captive, and turn them into obedience: God led me to where I am in life right now, and I listened for His guidance when making decisions in past relationships.  Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths" (ESV).  Whenever I begin to think about how I miss someone or miss a relationship, I will stop and turn my focus back towards God.

Fear and Doubt - Verse Mapping Luke 24:38

For Week 3 of our OBS, I chose to dive into our scripture for the week - Luke 24:38: "'Why are you frightened?' he asked.  'Why are your hearts filled with doubt?'" (NLT) 

Frightened is defined by Google as "afraid or anxious."  Luke 24:38 details the disciple's reaction after Christ was resurrected from the dead.  Even after all the miracles that Jesus performed prior to the crucifixion, the disciples still did not believe that he was truly standing there - they were not believing the miracle of the resurrection!  Not only did they not believe, they were anxious and afraid.  Two other translations of Luke 24:38 read: 

• "And he said to them, 'Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?'"  (NIV).
• "He continued with them, 'Don't be upset, and don't let all these doubting questions take over.'" (MSG)  

God does not want us to be troubled, anxious, or afraid; and he especially does not want doubts taking over our lives.  How many of us are consumed with worry, anxiety, doubts for our lives?  Most of us are, but the good news is that we do not have to be filled with these any longer!  Jesus taught the disciples multiple times during his journey to not be troubled, anxious, or afraid (Luke 12:22-28, Matthew 6:25-34), yet they still were anxious and doubtful.  As disciples of Christ, we must learn to turn our concerns, worries, fears, anxieties, and doubts over to God.  Not only does He ask that we do so, he wants us to do so!  He desires for us to talk to him, and to turn everything over to him.  How incredible is it that we have such a loving God, who wants us to live free of anxiety and doubts?!?  All we have to do is believe, and trust in Him.  

Doubt is a word I use on almost a daily basis.  If I do not say it out loud (i.e. "I doubt we can make that work...I doubt I will have time for that"), then I say it internally (i.e. "I doubt I can do that...I doubt that he/she will do what they are supposed to").  Merriam-Webster defines doubt as "To be uncertain about (something); to believe that (something) may not be true or is unlikely; to have no confidence in (someone or something)."  

WOW!  That completely changes the way I think of using "doubt!"  When I say something such as "I doubt that we can make that work," I am saying "I do not believe that we can do this."  Not only does that mean I do not believe in myself, but that I do not believe in others - which is not true!  I have decided to become intentional about restructuring my thoughts, so that I can restructure the words I say!  I will begin thinking better thoughts (i.e. "I will do my best to accomplish this...I believe that they will do their job well"), so that I can say better statements (i.e. "We will do our best to make this work...If there is time, we will take care of that").  What a change that could be for my own life, and for the lives of those around me!  

By turning over our doubts to Him, we are removing all our dis-belief from our lives, which allows us to believe in ourselves and in others.  This is life-changing!  Imagine living your life believing that you can accomplish everything you need to and want to, and believing that those around you can live up to their full potential as well.  This brings glory and honor to God, and it also makes our lives so much more enjoyable!  While it is not always easy to turn everything over to God, we will find true peace and joy once we are able to fully surrender to Him.  

I pray you are able to turn your doubts over, find freedom, joy, peace, and blessings in Christ, and begin #movingforward!  God bless :)  

Money and the Meaning of Life

Last week's sermon by Adam Hamilton was incredible (as usual!).  The topic was concerning money and the true meaning of life.  If you would like to view it, here is the link:  Money and the Meaning of Life.  Here are my notes from the sermon, along with the notes from the daily scripture readings:

• Scripture reference:  Ecclesiastes 2:3-11, selected verses:  I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.  I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them...I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.  I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings of provinces...I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me...I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure...Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.  
• Sometimes we are not committed to God with our whole heart (i.e. Solomon). 
• The real meaning in life is not having more, but sharing more.  Gladness begets generosity, and generosity begets gladness!  
• Giving is an act of worship and devotion; is an antidote to materialism; and is investing in God's work.  It is showing that God is truly first in your life, and that you are being obedient to Him.  
• When you remember your true purpose in life (bringing glory to God), you find true joy.  
• 2 Corinthians 9:6 - Sowing and reaping: make giving the daily rhythm of your life.  Always think of ways to bless and encourage others, or surprise someone.  
• 1 Timothy 6:9, 18-19 - My desire in life is to be rich in good deeds!  At the end of my life, I want people to say "her life was defined by generosity!"  
• Matthew 6:19-24 - There can only be one main focus and main goal in life, and Jesus urges us to choose God and the values of God's unseen kingdom.  
• Philippians 2:1-11 - An attitude like Jesus: Jesus pursued goals that were different than much of his (and our) culture.  He did so with dignity, strength, and resolve.  Paul urges his readers to guide our lives by Jesus' values.  
• Philippians 4:6-13 - Learning the secret of being content: Paul writes that prayer, hope, a focus on the good, and contentment build one deep trust in God were the basis for his world-changing life.  

My thoughts and reflections from the sermon: 

• Why be committed to anything or anyone BUT God?  He is the only one who will never fail you or let you down, regardless of what you do or have!  
• I want to use my life and assets to bless and encourage others, so that they may come to see and know Jesus!  
• As we know, choosing to serve only God is easy - it's the execution that is not always easy!  I have unsubscribed from all emails from stores that tempt me to go shopping, and have started using Dave Ramsey's "cash envelope" system.  While sometimes I still struggle with choosing Starbucks or shopping over giving, this has greatly helped me see the good that can be done when we put our focus on Jesus!   

When I Can't, Then He Can!

For our OBS this week (which I HIGHLY recommend - this is another GREAT study), I chose to write some of my own "when-then" statements.  When we feel any negative emotions such as emptiness or uncertainty, we can use these statements to help us turn our focus back to Jesus.  These are my "when-then" statements, accompanied by scriptures that help me to remember them:   

• When I can't figure out what to do in regards to a tough relationship, then I will seek God's guidance and thank Him for giving me wisdom to guide my steps and actions.  
• Proverbs 3:5-6 
• James 1:5 
• When I feel as though I will never be able to make payments on my student loans, then I will thank God for always providing, and remember that all things are possible with Him.  
• Luke 18:27 
• Philippians 4:19
• Matthew 7:11
• Psalm 91:15 
• When I feel lonely, and as though I will be alone forever, then I will thank God for always being with me, and for never leaving me.
• Deuteronomy 31:6 
• Isaiah 41:10 
• When I feel as though I'll never have control over my eating habits, then I will thank God that he is transforming me, and that I can do all things through His strength.
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 
• Philippians 4:13 
• When work becomes overwhelming and I want to quit, then I will thank God for allowing me to have a job to work for Him, and for his peace and strength.  
• John 16:33 
• 1 Chronicles 28:20 
• Colossians 3:2-4,22-24 
• When I feel unsuccessful by the world's standards, then I will thank God for all the things He has helped me accomplished, for the blessed life He has given me, and for His grace that determines my real value in Him.  
• Romans 12:2 
• Luke 16:10-11 
• When I am worried that I have made a wrong decision or feel fearful for the future, then I will thank God for His will and for guiding me. 

• Jeremiah 29:11
• Proverbs 3:6 
• Philippians 4:6-7 

Statements Renee Swope included in her book A Confident Heart: 

• When I start to measure my value by how well I am doing as a _____ (employee, citizen, friend, daughter, sister, woman, etc), then I will thank God for the gift of my roles and for the gift of His unconditional love that determines my worth. 
• When I feel insecure about my position at work, church, or somewhere else, then I will thank God for the high or low position I have on earth and for my position on Christ that secures my significance forever.  
• When I feel an aching emptiness that I'm tempted to fill with food, television, or anything other than God, then I will thank God for being the strength of my heart and my portion forever - and remember that He is the One who satisfies the hunger and thirst of my soul.  

I hope some of these bless you as well!  If you have any "when-then" statements, please post them in the comments - I would love to read them!!!  Thank you for reading, and God bless!  :)  

Favorite Scriptures - Work in Progress!

I've decided to make a post where I can continuously add scriptures that I love as I run across them.  I have so many favorites and ones that I need to remember, so having them collected in one place will be helpful!!!  :)  Different versions also help me to understand His Word better as well.  In no particular order: 

• Philippians 4:13

• Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally.  I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances.  I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little.  I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty.  Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.  (MSG, v. 11-13) 
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  (NKJV) 

• Proverbs 3:5-6 

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  (NIV)  
• Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure everything out on your own.  Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.  (MSG)  

• Philippians 4:6-7 

• 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.  (NIV) 
• Don't fret or worry.  Instead of worrying, pray.  Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.  Before your know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.  It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.  (MSG)  

• Philippians 4:8 

• Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.  (NIV) 

• Colossians 3:23

• Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for human masters.  (NIV)  
• And don't just do the minimum that will get you by.  Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance.  Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ.  (MSG) 

• Isaiah 26:3-4: You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (NIV) 
• Isaiah 41:10 
• Don't panic.  I'm with you.  There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength.  I'll help you.  I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.  (MSG) 

• Isaiah 43:2 

• When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  

• Isaiah 43:18-19 

• Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness, and streams in the wasteland.  (NIV)
• Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history.  Be alert, be present.  I'm about to do something brand-new.  It's bursting out!  Don't you see it?  There it is!  I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.  (MSG)  

• John 15:1-8 

• I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.  I am the vine, you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.  (NIV) 

• John 3:30 

• He must become greater; I must become less.  (NIV) 
• That's why my cup is running over.  This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines. (MSG)  

• 1 John 4:18 
• There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  (NIV)  
• There is no room in love for fear.  Well-formed love banishes fear.  Since fear is crippling, a fearful life - fear of death, fear of judgement - is one not yet fully formed in love.  (MSG)  

• Romans 8:6 - The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.  (NIV)
• Romans 12:9-13 

• Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it.  Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.  Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.  Don't burn out, keep yourselves fueled and aflame.  Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.  Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.  (MSG)  
• Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.  (NIV)  

• All of Matthew 5 
• Matthew 5:44 
• 
  
• Matthew 6:33 
• Psalms
• 34:10
• 37:4 
• 40:4
• 46:10 
• 105:4 - Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. (NIV) 
• Proverbs
• 4:23 
• 16:3 
• Nehemiah 8:10 
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 
• Ephesians 3:17 
• Ephesians 4:26-27
• Ephesians 4:32 
• Galatians 5:22-23 
• Jeremiah 29:11 
• 1 Peter 3:3-4 

• 
  
• Joshua 1:9 

• Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  (NIV)  
• Haven't I commanded you?  Strength!  Courage!  Don't be timid; don't get discouraged.  God, your God, is with you every step you take.  (MSG) 

Working for the Lord!

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if you were working for the Lord, not for man." 

~Colossians 3:23 (NIV)  

"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters.  And don't just do the minimum that will get you by.  Do your best.  Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance.  Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ."  

~ Colossians 3:23 (MSG)  

This scripture is one I am trying to focus on at work.  How I am doing this:

• Instead of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated whenever I get more word piled on to my plate, I want to think of it as more work I can do for God, and more that I can do to glorify Him!   
• Each person I interact with I can be a blessing to.  Hopefully they will see God's light in me!  
• I can help make the lives of others easier:
• Patients - make the information about procedures or insurance benefits clear and easy to understand; make scheduling and paying (checking out) easy; smile and make them feel welcome and at ease.  
• Coworkers - help make their jobs easier by going above and beyond; leaving rooms and things better than I found them; helping make their time at work more enjoyable and rewarding.
• Other scriptures:
• Proverbs 22:9 (MSG) - "Generous hands are blessed hands, because they give bread to the poor."  
• Hebrews 6:10 (NIV) - "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."  
• Philippians 2:4 (MSG) - "Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.  Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage.  Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." 
• Luke 6:38 (MSG) - "Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back - given back with bonus and blessing.  Giving, not getting, is the way.  Generosity begets generosity."  
• John 15:12 (NIV) - "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." 
• Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) - "You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  
• Galatians 6:2 (NIV) - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  
• Galatians 6:9 (NIV) - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  

Sunday Sermon: The Most Important Commandment of All

Today our pastor concluded with the sermon series of "Finding Joy in Real Life - 5 Habits for Living Well" with "The Most Important Commandment of All."  

Scripture:

• Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone.  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.  ~Deuteronomy 6:4-5 
• A lawyer asked [Jesus] a question to test him.  "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?"  He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the greatest and first commandment."  ~Matthew 22:35-38 

Notes and Reflections:

• Every decision you make and every action you take is a reflection of your love of God!  
• Shema Israel - Yahweh is the source of all life and everything
• The Lord is my God, and I am meant to love Him with all of my heart, my soul, my mind, and my strength 
• Some reasons why I believe in God:
• The beauty and order of the universe, and the laws that govern it.  i.e. Alphabet soup does not get poured out in alphabetical order, no matter how many times you pour it out!  The creator of the big band theory was a Catholic priest   In the universe we see God who's pattern shaped it, and we see His glory in it!  
• The witness of other people - people I know and meet, and Biblical authors and characters, and modern-day people such as Mother Theresa 
• Jesus Himself - was buried and rose from the dead
• The impact of faith in the lives of others 
• My personal experiences with God and my faith - my own life is radically different, and I feel most fully alive when I have been praying, reading the Bible, etc.  I have also become more loving, forgiving, etc.  
• God shapes how I respond to circumstances in my life 
• When I die, I think I will like having lived my life better believing in God than if I didn't! 
• He is where I find hope in the face of death
• Just like any relationship, we must spend time talking, listening, and nurturing the relationship with the other person - we must nurture our relationship with God!  
• When you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, you find joy and meaning in life!  

"But Seek First..." Verse Mapping

One of my new-found favorite activities...verse mapping!  This week in our online Bible study, we were challenged to verse map Matthew 6:33:  "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  

My verse mapping (in rough format):  

• But = Apart from (this)  
• Seek = to go in search of, look for; to try to acquire or gain; aim at  
• First = Before anyone or anything else; before seeking ____ from anyone or anything else:
• Help
• Comfort
• Love
• Strength
• Approval
• Companionship
• Wisdom 
• Guidance 
• Before anything else, seek HIM first! 
• His kingdom = A realm or sphere in which one thing is dominant.  He needs to be dominant in our lives!  
• His righteousness = His holiness and perfectness; set apart from 
• All these things = Everything, including what is stated in the versus previous to this: clothes, food, water, body (health) = all of our basic needs!
• Will be = Guaranteed they will be given, not "might be" or "may be" given, they WILL BE - how very reassuring!!!  
• Given to you = gifted; bestowed as a gift 
• As well = in addition to; along with all the other blessings He has given us 
• Apart from all else, aim at searching for and living in God's realm and His holiness before you search for anyone or anything else for anything, and everything you need to live will absolutely be bestowed upon you in addition to a multitude of other blessings.  (This sounds rough, but it's my interpretation that makes sense in my head! :)  

*Do not focus on or worship earthly things!  Food (gluttony), clothes (materialism), etc!  Focus on HIM first, and we will receive all the necessities of life, and a multitude of blessings beyond that!!!  

*Place Him first in our lives, and we will be satisfied with everything we need in all aspects of our lives - basic needs, emotional needs, physical needs - everything!!!  

I also think a scripture that goes along well with this one is Luke 16:10-13:  

"If you're honest in small things;

you'll be honest in big things;

If you're a crook in small things;

you'll be a crook in big things. 

If you're not honest in small jobs,

who will put you in charge of the store?

No worker can serve two bosses:

He'll either hate the first and love the second

Or adore the first and despise the second.

You can't serve both God and the Bank."  

Love this!  If I can't be responsible for a small about of friends, money, responsibilities, how can God trust me with more friends, a marriage, more money, and more responsibilities at work and at home?  

I love and am amazed every day at how powerful His Word is, and how it speaks to every aspect of my life!!!  :)  Have a blessed day!!!  

Forgiveness

Sunday sermon recap:  "Six Words to Set You Free"

Scriptures:

• Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive."  
• Luke 17:3 - "Be on your guard!  If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive."  
• Matthew 6:14 - "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."  
• Matthew 5:23-24 - "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.  First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."  
• James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."  
• Matthew 18:21-22 - "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?'  Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" 

Notes:

• Without forgiveness, it is impossible to have relationships or joy in our lives   
• A true apology includes the following: 
• An awareness of how you wronged the other person
• An earnest feeling of regret or remorse
• A confession accepting responsibility for the action
• A commitment to change
• Repentance is an authentic apology
• When forgiving, you relinquish what feels like the right to get even
• Grace is forgiveness you don't deserve 
• You find life when you extend forgiveness
• We need to extend grace and mercy to each other 
• Prayer: God, I give this to you.  I'm not going to hold it anymore! 

His Promises are Kept!

Promises He has fulfilled in my life:

• He always provides: Philippians 4:19 - "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."  Even when the numbers in my bank account don't seem like they should add up, somehow they always do - He always provides!!!  
• He gives us strength: Isaiah 40:29-31 - 
  "He gives power to the weak
  and strength to the powerless.
  Even youths will become weak and tired,
  and young men will fall in exhaustion.
  But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
  They will soar high on wings like eagles.
  They will run and not grow weary.
  They will walk and not faint."  
  When I draw close to him, I always feel renewed and much stronger than when I try to face the world alone!  
• He gives us hope:  Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  Without his hope, life feels hopeless, pointless, empty, and the future seems dim.  With his hope, I feel that all things truly ARE possible - I KNOW all things are possible with Him!  This gives me a much better attitude, and makes life so much better, more rewarding, and truly helps me to excel in life!  
• He gives us rest: Matthew 11:28-29 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  When I draw close to the Lord, I find peace and am able to rest.  My soul feels calm and rested!  There is nothing else that calms me down enough to rest peacefully except focusing on God!  
• He gives us peace: Proverbs 1:33 - "But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”                     John 14:27 - “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.  Nothing else has ever given me the peace of mind and spirit that focusing on and drawing near to the Lord!  Nothing even comes close!  When I am close to Him, I feel so much less stressed, frazzled, and worried - He is amazing!!!  

I pray you receive all of God's blessings too!  He WILL keep His promises to you, just draw near to Him, and put Him at the center of your life!  :)  

May Flower Blessings!

Today, I am thankful that it is Thursday - we have made it through the bulk of the week, it's almost Friday, and I do not have to work this weekend!  :D  That is a blessing for sure!  I am thankful it has been a good week at work, everything has been going pretty smoothly.  I am thankful for my family, the beautiful weather we've been having, my church, my friends, and all the beautiful trees and flowers in bloom!  I was able to take some beautiful photos this week at our local arboretum, while enjoying time with my wonderful, amazing, beautiful mother!  :)  

Tulips are my favorite flowers, and this one brought to mind Matthew 6:25-34: 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."  

Such beautiful coloring!!!  So amazing!  And it's awesome to think that God sees us beautiful and amazing!!! :)