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I have said “Amen” many times at the end of a prayer without fully realizing the impact of that word. When I say Amen I’m really saying, “So be it.” Submitting to God’s will and letting go of my control is powerful prayer. A perfect example of this kind of prayer comes from Jesus Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew the intense agony that was ahead of Him. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt. 26:39) I’m so thankful that His submission and obedience expressed a resounding AMEN…So Be It… in the ears of Father God.

A cactus has never looked very friendly to me. Those prickly needles look like they hurt which makes me want to keep my distance. I thought about how some people are unfriendly and hurt. They make me want to keep my distance. Maybe their bristled attitude is a defense mechanism to prevent any future hurts for them. I don’t know, but Jesus knows. He sure dealt with many prickly people to say the least. He washed dirty feet, was spit on, rejected and died for all people. I have found when I take myself and my prickly person to Jesus in prayer things don’t seem to hurt as bad. Jesus understands.

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. Psalm 116:5

I’ve heard it said that “Baptism is the wedding ring of our faith.” I like that! The endless circle of the wedding ring symbolizes an everlasting love and promised commitment to one another. Baptism is an act of faith declaring a personal decision to make Jesus, Savior and Lord of your life. When baptized we express our endless love and commitment to trust and obey Jesus. Like our shirts in the pictures say…”Jesus changes everything.” He washes away sins and remembers them no more. Our sins don’t stick in His memory and we’re raised to a new life in Christ Jesus.

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” Isaiah 43:25

Years ago I heard someone refer to suffering as a blessing. I thought to myself, “How in the world can that be?” Over the years I’ve been seeking to understand from God’s perspective how suffering can be a blessing. I’m learning that God the Master Potter can use suffering to transform us into what we’re meant to be: more persevering, more trusting and more like Jesus. In our suffering, with the right attitude our faith can grow deeper and stronger. Faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord makes suffering a temporary situation. Our future is bright because of the promises of the Divine Potter. So as God shapes and molds our lives we are blessed with hope. Therefore, we can say suffering is not meaningless.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5

Our oldest grandson graduated from high school. We love it when were all together…sons, daughters-in-law and all five grandchildren! It’s an extra special time when our family is united once again: laughing, talking, agreeing and celebrating. That extra special time makes me think of how delighted Father God must be when His children come together united in faith and love…praying, praising and celebrating.

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, and he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zep. 3:17

I can’t look at the ocean without thinking about the power of God. When I consider how God set the boundaries for the water I’m reminded of His indescribable greatness. His power is greater than any other power in the world. His magnificent power brings about change and transforms lives. He is Lord God Almighty and reigns forever!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Eph. 6:10

Carl made this bowl in the picture. His bowl with this beautiful background reminded me of an activity we did in our prayer group at church. We were asked to write on a slip of paper who or what we wanted to take to Jesus in prayer. Then after praying for each concern we placed our prayer requests in a bowl for safe keeping. It was encouraging to be actively reminded that just like this bowl is holding our prayer requests, so too our prayers are held in the heart of God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

I like the word “cast” in this scripture. The word “cast” makes me think of deliberately and forcefully throwing something away. To cast out worrisome thoughts about what might happen or has happened is a lifelong lesson God is teaching me. The exercise is to daily choose to trust Jesus. To humbly submit my control of a situation and give the control to Jesus escorts in the peace of God. Bottom line Jesus cares for YOU and ME and with gusto we can cast all our anxiety and worries on Him.

I love this picture of my grandson and granddaughter! Don’t you wonder what big brother is thinking? What started out as a sweet squeeze turns out to be his big chance to give his little sister a big-bad squeeze. The good news is he resisted and didn’t choose that course of action. What a strong fellow. He passed the test. He chose to do the right thing. He didn’t give into the temptation to give the big-bad squeeze. I’m so glad that God enables us to resist temptation.

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor. 10:13

The Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus dwells within believers… protecting, guiding, teaching, and correcting. God’s Indescribable Gift and Resident Encourager empowers us to be courageous, strong, forgiving and so much more. His divine power enables us to overcome things like: past hurts, brokenness, grief or fear, just to name a few. With Jesus we have everything we need to stand strong in adversity with the blessing of His presence. My prayer is for you and me to expect, enjoy and live life in the power of His presence.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3