Tag: www.gardenfaith.com

Growth: Psalm 47:1 (Decade tag)

1 Clap your hands, all you nations.
    Shout to God with cries of joy.

Psalm 47:1

Thanks to Matt at jesusluvsall.wordpress.com for tagging me for the decade tag. The tag is a look back at what the Lord has done in my life the past ten years. I am going to look back at my spiritual journey, my spiritual awakening.

Growing up, Sundays always included church and Sunday school. Then things started distracting me worldly things like pride, my things, me first, my schedule.

Happily, this decade God became my focus, my joy, and my path. People with kind words and caring hearts helped me find His way. My church community opened my eyes to opportunities to learn and grow.

Pastor Kay, my mentor, and friend and prayer warrior taught me many ways to pray and opened the door to healing prayer. All my fellow healing prayer warriors who accepted my quiet listening for years, until faith allowed me to step out of my fear and insecurity and reach out to others in healing prayer. Life-changing for me. As my Spiritual Director, Pastor Kay encouraged me to take my flower photographs to tie them with scripture to share them. The push needed to start this blog in June to share His word and joy.

Fran, another friend, encouraged me and showed me ways to be God’s hands and feet. Her guidance has opened my eyes and heart to local needs through the church’s soup kitchen. She also directed me into church-based fundraising projects and other local opportunities to spread God’s love.

This decade I have grown in faith found that I could escape my shyness with God at my side, that I could encourage others by Listening, Praying, and Loving.

I am leaving this tag opened ended for anyone who wants to look back and write about the changes the Lord has made in their lives, just leave a comment on this post.

Rules: To play along: 1- Please share a link to the creator of the tag- jesusluvsall.wordpress.com 2- Share some highlights for you over the past decade and if you want a few low points 3- Tag whoever you wish to. 4- Ask them some questions 5- Use any picture appropriate for such a tag. (As usual, I didn’t follow all the rules, sorry Matt.)

My question: Where have you seen God in the past decade?

Remember this new year to shout to God with cries of joy!

God Bless!

God With Us: Deuteronomy 31:8

8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

The Lord is with us, he goes before us, he never leaves us, and He surrounds us with unconditional love. Take time to rest in God’s love, and let go of fear, worry, and discouragement. Do not fear God, is with us, and He cares about us. May your New Year be blessed with hope, faith, and joy.

What do you need to let go of and let God handle?

Prayer: Dear Lord, loving Savior, we give thanks for your help and compassion for us. Teach us to be bright and open like the poinsettias, reflecting Your love and compassion. Help us not to worry, instead to realize that You are always with us and will never leave us. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Have a Healthy and Happy New Year – 2020!

– Jeanne

Shield of God: Psalm 84:11

Calibrachoa “million bells” and Petunias brighten a summer day

11 The Lord God is like the sun that gives us light.
    He is like a shield that keeps us safe.
    The Lord blesses us with favor and honor.
He doesn’t hold back anything good
    from those whose lives are without blame.

Psalm 84:11 (NIRV)

God is like a shield He keeps us safe. He honors us and blesses us with His favor. He is Our Father He loves us with unconditional love, and He takes care of us. We just need to believe in God and have faith. To reject evil and do good. It is the deal of a lifetime for it leads to His kingdom. We are blessed!

Have you embraced God’s shield of faith?

Prayer: Our Lord, our light, our salvation, our shield from worldly problems, we give you thanks. We rejoice and raise joyful praise to You like the joyfully colored “million bells” and petunias reflect the sun. God, we are blessed by your favor, care, and shield of protection. Teach us to live righteously. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Shine: Proverbs 4:18

Remembering Spring – Flowering Cherry Tree

18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
    shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

While following your path, do you reflect enough light so that others see you shine? Take time to review your day, do a check, see if your righteousness is showing. Christmas season is a wonderful time to brighten someone’s day, be kind, helpful, in sharing God’s love. As you walk your path, today try to shine ever brighter until you glow, like a Son lit day.

Would a stranger recognize you as a Christian by your actions?

Prayer: Our gracious God, we thank you for Your forgiveness and blessings. Teach us to glow in righteousness as the cherry blossoms glow in the sun. As the lovely pink cherry blossoms brighten Sping days, let us reflect God’s light and shine brightly. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

Gods Care: Psalm 63:7-8

smooth blue aster

7 Because you have helped me,  I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 I hold on to you tightly.  Your powerful right hand takes good care of me.

Psalm 63:7-8 (NIVR)

    7    because you have always been my help. In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.8 I cling to you, and your hand keeps me safe.

Psalm 63:7-8 (GNT)

Safety, security, comfort, and care are found nestled under the shadow of God’s wing. Happiness abounds, and we cling tightly, singing with joy for we are God’s people. God takes care of us. We are safe in His powerful hands and surrounded by His unconditional love. Jesus is our help in times of need and our hope for days to come. Our salvation.

When have you recieved God’s help and care?

Prayer: Our heavenly Father, we thank you for your help and your guidance. Lord, we praise You for Your care of us. Like the bright blossoms of the aster, we lift our faces toward you. We sing with joy because you love us and take care of us. Let us reflect your glory like the flower petals reflect sunlight. Teach us to rest in your safety Lord, and spread Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Strength and Peace: Psalm 29:11

Vinca blooms after rain

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11 NIV

This verse speaks of qualities many are searching for. Strength to continue through the next hour, day, week, or year. Often we rely on our capabilities instead of asking God for strength. Asking God for His strength and assistance leads to peace. As Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you (John 14:17a).” If you need strength or peace, ask Jesus.

Where do you find peace during the holidays?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your many blessing teach us to go to You for strength. Your sunshine and rain bring blossoms to plants. Teach us, in turn, to rely on You, so our peace grows and blooms. Like the tranquil beauty of the white vinca flowers, help us to be serene in Your unconditional love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

Ask: Matthew 7:7

Butterfly Weed, but really to beautiful to be called a weed. The butterflies love it.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Rest: Psalm 62:5

Finding Rest in God

Psalm 62:5-8

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

*Thanks to Jackie for the lovely zinnia and butterfly photo.