Tag: Christianity

From Bud to Blossom

Processed with MoldivIt’s amazing how quickly a rosebud can blossom into a flower in the warmth of summer. I noticed the small bud in our backyard several days ago, and snapped a picture. Then, a day or two later, the rose had transformed from a bud to a blossom. 

Many times we want things in our lives to work this way. We pray for something, and expect to hear an answer right away. When we don’t receive an answer in what we feel is a reasonable amount of time, we give up and move on. But is this really how God wants us to communicate with Him?

So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you.

For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened.

Luke 11:9-10 (AMP)

Father, help us to be persistent in our prayers. Help us to trust that You know and want what’s best for us, and that you will answer our requests in Your perfect way and time. Amen.

 

Feeling Stronger

strengthI’m feeling stronger today.

I woke up late this morning, missed my van ride to my behavioral health program, but decided to drive myself there anyway. This was quite a large victory, as in the beginning of the program, I was too anxious to drive myself to group. So thank God, I arrived at the facility on time this morning and back home again safely this afternoon.

I’m scheduled to discharge from the program next Wednesday, September 3, and I definitely have mixed emotions. I’ve learned so much and grown in so many different ways. I’ve thrived in the program’s environment, where people have cared about my well-being and where I have been able to share my struggles with others who have similar battles with mental health. I will really miss my therapist, my psychiatrist, and the awesome people with whom I’ve shared so many hours of therapy.

But the Lord is working out the issues in my life, one day at a time. And He’s given me new strength to face whatever is lurking up ahead.

There is a song by Mandisa called “Stronger,” the words of which have resonated with me time and again. I hope that they can be an encouragement to you, as well! 🙂

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain’t gonna last forever
In time it’s gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger

Experiencing the Love of God

We are a part of the family of God–and so we belong with Him. There is no special ticket, no need to earn or prove ourselves. For better or worse, we have His name, His love, His loyalty, His acceptance.

And because of this we can have hope. He said that He is going to build a place for us–a place to belong where we can celebrate even more in the beauty of His creation.

So often, we want to please God so we seek to keep a list of holy rules or behaviors.

We strive and work and fret in our Christian life to do “God’s will.”

The truth is, we cannot do the will of God until we know and experience the love of God.

Accepting and living within this sweet comfort and security is the place we will find the strength to live our lives well in a fallen world.”

~Excerpt from You Are Loved — Embracing the Everlasting Love God has for You, by Sally Clarkson and Angela Perritt

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You Are Loved