Trust

Making Plans…

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Thinking about taking a trip…making a decision about where to live…job transitions…people and relationships…family gatherings and celebrations.  All these things and many more can involve decisions that will have a lasting impact on our lives and the lives of others.  As we grow our relationship with Jesus we must learn to start the planning process by connecting with God first and not wait until things have gone completely off the rails and we are in desperate need of saving.  When we are early in our faith journey we tend want to keep God in a box with glass door that says “In case of an emergency break glass”…that is us trying to be in control and not fully surrendering ourselves to trusting in God’s plan.  Don’t misunderstand me, I still struggle with this in my personal faith journey often.  The change I am trying to make is to be aware of something that your mind spends a great deal of time on and openly offer it up to God’s will.  To spend more time in prayer on the topic and less time stewing about it in my own mind.  May’s God’s goodness and compassion be with you.

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“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

Proverbs 21:5

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Anything

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God can help us with anything…everything!  If we are worried about money, He can help with that.  If we are worried about physical health, He can help with that.  If we are concerned about our emotions or how we are feeling about issues He can help with that.  If we are struggling with family and friends or social relationships, He can help with that.  The important things to remember about God is He will and does help with everything on His terms not ours, not on our timeline and not with our outcome as His top priority.  He has a far greater plan and outcome in store for us if we will just trust in Him.  Here is what I have learned from my relationship with God.  Be patient and persistent and pay attention for resolutions to situations that you never even considered.  Be humble, willing to speak honestly and learn how to listen.  Spend time with Him everyday and grow your relationship.  Forgive others, do not be quick judge and do not stay angry.  God is with you, He is holding you in the palm of His hand, be thankful and be willing to tell others of His great love for us.  Anything is possible when we learn to trust in Him.  May God’s peace, joy and love be with you.

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“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Arches National Park in Utah)

In God We Trust

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These are the words that help to form a new nation.  As we fight our internal struggles our hope is tied to our belief in God.  There is so much in life that can be good, if we have the courage to build a personal relationship with God.  We must be prepared to humble ourselves, to know we are not the center of the universe or our own lives.  When God is at the center we look to Him and His Word.  God created us out of love, He has forgiven us with His One and Only Son and He can guide us with the Holy Spirit.  Take the next step in trusting God whatever that is for you and see what He has in store for your life.  May God’s love and joy be with you.

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

Psalm 119:105

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Spiritual Growth

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Spiritual growth comes when we continue to devote time to our personal relationship with God.  Reading God’s word, spending time in prayer and in the quiet of His calming presence.  The more we are able to center our lives on trusting God with everything the stronger our foundation of life will be.  I have read about this in several different books, the writer explains a turning point, that point where everything starts to look and feel different…it is much different to read about it then to begin to start experiencing it.  I began listening to christian music on the radio 20 years ago…I started reading faith based books and my devotional bible everyday 8 years ago…and I started this blog 5 years ago…I am just beginning to sense and understand what it means to trust God with my everything (yes I am a slow learner :).  Just like one of my favorite phrases states…it is simple but it is not easy.  May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Trust The Way Of The Lord

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“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking on the North Shore near Lake Superior in Minnesota)

Pray

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“Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:4-6

(This photo was taken in September of 2016 by a lake in central Minnesota)