Seasons.

I stood outside on our sidewalk this morning, waiting for Maggie to finish her business, and all I could see above me were dark clouds rolling by. The air was crisp and you could smell the rain coming in. I took in a breath of fresh air, and immediately began thinking about Fall. I'll be honest; I love every season. Each one is so unique and comes with different adventures & memories. Don't think that by me saying I can't wait for Fall that I am over Summer, haha. I know that there are still several weeks left and I'm sure it will get VERY hot again before August is over.

 I wear a ring on my right hand (James Avery- Seasons) that constantly reminds me that there is a season for everything. "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."--Ecclesiastes 3:1

I'm reminded that through each season, I've been lead by the Lord and he has provided, protected, loved, graced, and blessed me. Some seasons are full of holidays, hangouts, gifts, and resting. Some are full of hard work, sleepless nights, and being challenged. In saying this, I know not every season is easy, and everyone's season may look completely different. I'm ok with that! Why? Because each season teaches us, molds us, challenges us, strengthens us & changes us. Without going through different seasons, we wouldn't understand God's grace. We wouldn't have been given the opportunity to gain strength. We find joy, embrace love, and seek wisdom because of the seasons we have walked through. Every season matters! 

I'm not sure what prompted me to write about seasons this morning, but I have a lot of people close in my life who are going through some pretty tough ones right now. In the physical, there isn't much I can do to help these situations, but in the spiritual I can do two things: pray & encourage.

I pray that God's peace will cover your heart and mind. He knows the situation and is still in control. I pray that he gives you wisdom and direction as you go through this season. I pray for His love to overwhelm you like nothing you've felt before, because He does love you and wants to walk with you through this. I pray for any anxiety/worry to be gone in Jesus name. I pray He will surround you with people who will encourage you and love you. I pray that you will open your heart to allow healing to take place. I pray you find comfort and rest in your Father's arms. I pray all of these things for you dear friend, in Jesus name. Amen

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!'- Psalm 27:14

"I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place."- Psalm 31:7-8

"For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you."- Psalm 33:21-22

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."- Romans 15:13

"For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace."- 1 Corinthians 14:33

Know that you are loved & being prayed for, no matter what season of life you are in. If it's a season full of hardship, seek the Lord! Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and walk with you through this. Spend time in His word and allow Him to speak to you. Know that you won't be in this season forever, and keep your chin up. And even though this one may be tough to do, thank God throughout it all. He may be teaching you something and giving you strength, even if you can't see it for yourself. If you are in a season full of joy, excitement, everything is going great, thank God throughout it all. It's easy to think that when we have all of our stuff together that we don't need God, but OH how we do. Praise him for all he has blessed you with and brought you through. Encourage those around you who may be discouraged.

Every season matters, because YOU matter; to others and to God.

-Becky