I can do all things through Christ!

AAAAHHHH!!!!!!!! Why did I schedule a Party Lite party AND a garage sale both during the LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL??????? Looking at the calendar, it didn't seem so bad.......

But, silly me....don't I know that in ALL things God works for my good? He teaches me so many lessons when I meet quietly with Him. And, WOW! How His Holy Spirit works when I allow Him....when I stay close to Him.....walking with Him.....leaning on Him.....clinging to Him.

Let me give you an example. Being a "good girl", I was making reminder calls to some of the ladies I had invited to my party. During that time, TWO of my friends that I hadn't talked to for a while shared tremendous trials and difficulty with me and we had the opportunity to pray together. I also am continuing to lift them up on my own. I will also continue to encourage them now that I know about their struggles. IF I hadn't been having a party, I wouldn't have known. IF I hadn't obeyed the Spirit's prompting and begun making calls, I wouldn't have known. Oh, my sweet sisters and brothers in Christ, "God works ALL things (even Party Lite parties) together for the good of those who love Him and all called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

As I have been pondering this, and as I have been encouraging myself NOT to be stressed, but reminding myself that He will equip me and help me IF I lean on upon Him, trusting Him.....and clinging to Him, I read this in my daily reading:

"When you turn from your problems to My Presence (Jesus "speaking" to us), your load is immediately lighter. Circumstances may not have changed, but we carry your burdens together. Your compulsion to "fix" everything gives way to deep, satisfying connection with Me. Together we can handle whatever this day brings." from Jesus Calling.

Lord God, I thank You that You care for all of the silly, little things in my life. I am tempted to NOT pray about things like garage sales and parties and kids' activities because I think YOU may think it silly.....YOU have more important things to listen about.....like cancer and oil spills and lost jobs. I can feel "guilty" about "bothering" You with my petty things when there are so many other "more important" things to be praying about..... But, are You not God?? Are You not big enough for ALL of these things???? From garage sales to oil spills, YOU ARE BIG ENOUGH! And, You care about it all! If it is important to me, then it is important to YOU! If it is a concern to me, then You want me to bring it to YOU! You can "handle" all of our problems.....we don't "use up" Your power.....it is endless........You are enough! Lord, I pray Your Word over my circumstances today- I trust in You with all of my heart, leaning NOT upon my own understanding, but in all of my ways, I acknowledge You and You will direct my steps, You will straighten my path. I choose NOT to worry about anything (not any of my trials, problems, or circumstances), but instead, in prayer and petition, WITH THANKSGIVING, I present my requests to You and then the peace that passes all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Jesus, You tell me to come to You.....to give You my burden and take Your Yoke upon me because YOUR yoke is easy and You will give me rest. And, You promise that in ALL things You are working for my good because I love You. Thank You, God for Your love......for Your mercy....and Your grace. You are GOOD. In Jesus' Name. AMEN!